During an interview, an unusual incident occurred. After shaking hands with Roger Bonnecaze, the autonomous vehicle carrying my backpack with laptop and notebook drove off down a west-Austin street. This was on the first day of my weeklong experiment using only Waymo in the city. The dean of the University of Texas at Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering, Bonnecaze, watched in fascination.

Unraveling the Mysterious World of Autonomous Vehicles

Day One's Unfortunate Incident

Once I recovered from the shock, I called Waymo support. I informed the customer service agent that my car had driven off during a four-stop trip and left me at the second stop. He calmly explained that I wasn't guaranteed the same vehicle throughout the journey and advised me to request a ride. After a slow app load, I was relieved to find that I got the same car with my backpack behind the driver's seat. It was a close call, and I realized the importance of taking all belongings before exiting.Autonomous vehicles have become a significant part of Texas. The state is a fertile testing ground for them, especially autonomous freight trucks. GM's Cruise, Volkswagen, Zoox, and Waymo are common sights in Austin. Elon Musk's Tesla also plans to introduce self-driving Cybercabs by 2026.

The 2017 Milestone and Its Impact

In 2017, a state law allowed "automated vehicles" to operate without a driver. This attracted companies to test their technology in Texas. The two common themes around these vehicles are environmental impact and safety. Senator Kelly Hancock sees them as an important safety tool, especially in a state with a high number of road deaths. However, recent headlines of AVs causing issues have led to concerns and might force the Legislature to take action.The politics of AVs in the state are still evolving. Senator Sarah Eckhardt, a Democrat representing the Austin area, wants to address how the vehicles interact with first responders. She believes there should be a statewide standard for AVs. Despite the optimism about AV safety from the state senators, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Waymo for 22 incidents, and the company recalled over 600 vehicles.

Putting Waymo to the Test

I wanted to test Waymo's capabilities. A ride through H-E-B's parking lot on a Sunday afternoon was a tough test. As the car entered the lot, it stopped and started, causing people to dart around. It was a nerve-wracking experience. Later, when Kockelman rode in the car, she noticed some issues like the blinker staying on. A Waymo spokesperson explained that it was a way of being "courteous" to other drivers.There are common criticisms of AVs. The high investment could have been used for alternative transportation. Kockelman hopes to see an increase in car occupancy through ride-pooling. Waymo uses electric Jaguar I-PACE cars, but the grid question remains. Darran Anderson from the Texas Department of Transportation emphasizes the potential impact on safety.

Inspiring Awe and Different Perspectives

During our interview, we pulled over next to a rail station, and a group of students stared in awe. One elementary school-aged child initially questioned the point of driving. But as the week went on, I took more than 30 rides. The Waymos had their perks, like being able to answer emails or do some writing. However, I missed riding my bike. At the end of the week, when a Waymo passed me on a bike ride, I couldn't resist looking inside.Autonomous vehicles have inspired a sense of awe among people of all ages. They are like a glimpse into the future. Jay Blazek Crossley, the executive director of Farm&City, believes they can be part of the solution for safer roads. He prefers alternative transportation and has documented his odyssey using non-car modes.Overall, my week with Waymo's autonomous vehicle was a unique experience that raised many questions and provided valuable insights.