Waymo Robotaxi Reportedly Entered Flooded San Antonio Roadway and Was Swept Into Waterway

A Waymo robotaxi entered a flooded roadway near Salado Creek in San Antonio on April 20, 2026, and was swept into a nearby waterway. The vehicle detected potentially untraversable floodwater but proceeded at reduced speed. No passengers were aboard and no injuries were reported. This incident raises concerns about the safety and responsibility of autonomous vehicles in hazardous conditions.

The incident led to restrictions on Waymo's operations and a recall of 3,791 fifth- and sixth-generation automated driving systems. As the use of autonomous vehicles continues to expand, it is essential that manufacturers prioritize the safety and security of their technology. The flood damage caused by this incident could have been mitigated with more advanced sensors or better decision-making algorithms.

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