Experience What It’s Like Inside A Driverless Car
On a recent episode of Double Tap aired on 4th September, hosts Steven and Shaun dove into the world of driverless cars, a hot topic for the blind community. Joining the conversation was Gregg Hayes, a long-time listener and contributor to the show, who shared his firsthand experience with Waymo’s self-driving cars in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Dream of Driverless Cars
For many blind and visually impaired people, the idea of being able to drive—or at least ride in a car independently—is a long-held dream. Shaun joked that one day Double Tap would have its own branded driverless car, and the hosts envisioned a future where guide dogs could sit in the front seat while they enjoyed the ride from the back. Gregg Hayes, however, is already living part of that dream in Phoenix, thanks to Waymo’s driverless car trials.
Waymo’s Expansion in Phoenix
Gregg shared that Waymo has been operating in Phoenix for several years, with its cars becoming a common sight on the city’s streets. Originally, Waymo operated only in certain parts of the city, but its reach has expanded, and now Gregg can summon a driverless car right to his house. Phoenix’s flat roads and predictable weather made it an ideal location for testing these vehicles, and the trials have now extended to other cities like San Francisco.
While the technology has progressed, Waymo cars are still in a trial phase, but Gregg mentioned they are quickly becoming a permanent fixture in Phoenix, where the service is becoming more widespread.
A Blind Man’s Perspective: Gregg’s Experiences
Gregg’s experience with driverless cars has been nothing short of liberating. As a blind person, the idea of riding in a vehicle independently, without needing a sighted driver, was a completely new experience. He shared how strange yet exciting it felt to be in a car without a driver, stating, “I’ve never been in a moving vehicle legally by myself.”
Gregg emphasized the safety and comfort of the ride, noting how the car drove cautiously, never exceeding the speed limit, and making smooth, controlled turns. He also appreciated the car’s accessibility features, which provide voice feedback about the car’s movements and environment. For those who prefer a quieter ride, the verbose mode can be turned off, allowing users to simply enjoy the journey in peace.
The Role of Technology and Customer Service
One of the standout features of Waymo’s cars is the technology that supports their operation. Gregg explained how the vehicles are equipped with a network of sensors and cameras that map out their surroundings. He also shared a personal story about how he once lost track of the car’s location, but thanks to the support team, he was able to call for assistance. A customer service agent used the car’s cameras to guide Gregg to its exact location, proving that the combination of AI and human support is key to making the technology accessible and effective.
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
Understandably, there were initial concerns in the community about the safety of driverless cars. Gregg noted that some residents were shocked when they first saw the cars on the road. However, as the trials progressed, people began to accept the technology, although some couldn’t resist testing the cars by pulling out in front of them or slamming on the brakes unexpectedly. Fortunately, Waymo’s cars have proven to be incredibly safe. Gregg cited statistics showing that Waymo vehicles have 87% fewer accidents compared to human drivers, with zero fatalities so far – that’s according to Waymo themselves.
What’s Next for Driverless Cars?
Looking ahead, Gregg believes that driverless cars are here to stay. Waymo is continually expanding, with plans to map more cities and improve its services. In fact, Uber has already begun integrating Waymo vehicles into its app, allowing users to request self-driving cars when available. Although driverless cars are still in their trial phase, Gregg is confident that they will become a permanent fixture in Phoenix and beyond.
“Unimaginable” Independence
Gregg’s experience highlights the immense potential of driverless cars to transform the lives of blind and visually impaired people. The combination of advanced technology, safety features, and accessible customer service has made it possible for Gregg to ride independently, something that was once unimaginable. As Waymo and other companies continue to refine and expand their services, the future looks bright for blind users eager to embrace this groundbreaking technology.
The episode ended with a playful promise from Gregg to test whether the car could navigate a Taco Bell drive-through, leaving listeners with a sense of excitement and curiosity about what the future holds for driverless vehicles.