Protestors rally at Cruise HQ in San Francisco The SF fire dept said a Cruise robotaxi blocked an ambulance carrying a patient who later died. Video footage says otherwise.
Protestors gathered Monday outside Cruise’s headquarters in San Francisco after reports of one of its robotaxis blocking an ambulance with a patient on board who later died.
The incident, which the San Francisco Fire Department reported last week, happened on August 14, when a driver hit a pedestrian in the city around 11 p.m. The department said emergency responders had trouble getting from the collision to the hospital because two Cruise robotaxis blocked the road. According to the report, the blockage caused a delay in getting the pedestrian to the hospital, where they later passed away.
Cruise denied the accusation that its robotaxis hindered the ambulance from getting away from the emergency scene, and video evidence shown to TechCrunch mostly backs that claim.
The event occurred days after Cruise and its main competitor Waymo were awarded permits from California regulators to expand their robotaxi services throughout San Francisco 24/7. The hearing to determine the permit expansions had been delayed twice amid mounting opposition to offering the companies free rein. Residents, ride-hail and taxi drivers and city agencies called out Cruise and Waymo after numerous instances of robotaxis malfunctioning and blocking the flow of traffic, sometimes for hours.
Aside from causing traffic delays, many San Franciscans feared that stalled robotaxis could impede the work of emergency responders.
“The patient was packaged for transport with life-threatening injuries, but we were unable to leave the scene initially due to the Cruise vehicles not moving,” reads the report, first reported by Forbes. “The fact that Cruise autonomous vehicles continue to block ingress and egress to critical 911 calls is unacceptable.” In a statement, Cruise pushed back against the fire department’s statement, saying its vehicle did not impede the ambulance from getting to the hospital and calling the department’s statement “not accurate.” A spokesperson for the company also called out the irony of pinning the pedestrian’s death on Cruise, when the pedestrian was hit by a human driver. “The first vehicle promptly clears the area once the light turns green and the other stops in the lane to yield to first responders who are directing traffic,” a Cruise spokesperson wrote in a statement. “Throughout the entire duration the AV is stopped, traffic remains unblocked and flowing to the right of the AV. The ambulance behind the AV had a clear path to pass the AV as other vehicles, including the ambulance, proceeded to do so. As soon as the victim was loaded into the ambulance, the ambulance left the scene immediately and was never impeded from doing so by the AV.” Cruise showed video of the event to TechCrunch, and we can confirm the scene happened more or less in the manner Cruise describes. There were indeed two Cruise vehicles at the scene, alongside other cars trying to make room for first responders. One of the Cruise vehicles looked to be somewhat in the way of a fire truck, clumsily moving out of its path and, eventually, through the intersection where the pedestrian had been struck. This happened before the ambulance arrived. When the ambulance arrived, it parked behind the second Cruise vehicle, which had stopped just before the intersection in the second to the right lane of a four-lane street. A law enforcement officer stood in front of the Cruise vehicle directing traffic, and cars could be seen driving in the far right lane past the robotaxi — all the while, first responders are addressing the pedestrian and putting them in the ambulance. The video showed the first responders getting into the ambulance and backing up slightly to get distance from the parked Cruise vehicle, then maneuvering to the left of the vehicle seconds later. The Cruise vehicle was not stalled, according to a spokesperson, but didn’t move through the intersection because of the police officer standing in the middle of it. Cruise’s prediction algorithm is trained to always give right of way to pedestrians, and so the AV couldn’t advance at the time. While this situation calls into question how well the AVs are able to read hand gestures from emergency responders, it’s clear that the robotaxi didn’t hinder the ambulance’s path in a significant way. That said, if the street had been a one-way, single lane road, an indecisive robotaxi parked at the intersection would have definitely been a hindrance. The fire department did not respond in time to TechCrunch to provide more information. Cruise’s problems are mounting in San Francisco Despite the fact that blood does not appear to be on Cruise’s hands in this instance, the pedestrian death and Cruise’s proximity to it are part of a growing list of incidents hanging over the company like a black cloud, giving fuel to the opposition.
Protestors on Monday were seen calling for the shutdown of Cruise, as well as Waymo, with signs that read “No Mo Robos” and “Greed Kills.” Aside from public safety and traffic concerns, protestors expressed fears of robotaxis displacing hundreds of thousands of jobs in San Francisco and beyond. During the protest, loud music began to play from inside the company offices, drowning out the protests.
Since Cruise got the greenlight to expand in San Francisco, the company has been plagued by a series of public incidents.
On August 16, 10 Cruise robotaxis stalled creating a gridlock in North Beach for about 20 minutes during one of the city’s biggest music festivals. A spokesperson told TechCrunch that the vehicles stopped because there were too many pedestrians blocking their path. When that happens, a remote operator gets involved to help navigate the car out of the way. But due to the high density of crowds with cell phones, there was a lag between the remote operator and the vehicles.
Just two days later, another Cruise vehicle drove into wet cement and got stuck. The San Francisco Department of Public Works said the paving project had been properly marked off with cones and there were workers with flags at each end of the block.
That same week, a Cruise robotaxi was involved in a collision with an emergency vehicle that left a passenger injured. Cruise tweeted about the crash, saying one of its Chevy Bolt EVs entered an intersection on a green traffic light and was struck by the emergency vehicle that appeared to be en route to an emergency scene. A video posted by FriscoLive415 that includes police scanner information shows the airbags deployed in the vehicle and the passenger was complaining of a headache.
As a result, the California Department of Motor Vehicles requested that Cruise immediately reduce its robotaxi fleet by 50% in San Francisco while it conducts an investigation into the company.
On August 24, a Cruise car got into another crash in San Francisco when it was apparently attempting a left turn from the middle lane and collided with a construction backhoe. Cruise said the construction vehicle hit its AV. No injuries were reported.
Cruise is actively expanding to new cities, giving the technology more opportunities to learn and improve. But with those improvements will come mistakes and missteps, which will only continue as Cruise enters new markets.
Protestors rally at Cruise HQ in San Francisco
Recent Comments
‘Mission: Impossible’ must emulate Tom Cruise’s $1.4 billion box office haul to replace Ethan Hunt
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
Viral Tiktok Puts Tom Cruise’s Les Grossman In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, And It’s-A F-ing Great
on
Tom Cruise Is Teaming Up With The Revenant Director For His First Movie Post-Mission: Impossible 8
on
Tom Cruise And Nicole Kidman Face The Brunt Of Scathing Comments From Eyes Wide Shut Screenwriter
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on
PGA Show 2023: Best finds, exhibitor list, vendors, floor plan, schedule, dates, more from Orlando
on
Monday Mailbag: What’s next for Sean O’Malley, is Chito Vera impossible to finish, rest of UFC 299
on
LIVALL Showcases Smart Helmets For Cyclists And Commuters At Pepcom Holiday Shopping Preview Event
on
Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on
How my Apple Watch proved the ultimate travel necessity when I spent a week halfway around the world
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on
Inside Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager’s ‘amazing’ luxury spring break vacations with their families
on
Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on
In
on
If Tom Cruise Ever Gets A Theme Park, Here’s What Movies Should Get Their Own Rides And Attractions
on
‘I Will Immediately Retire From Boxing and Fight Jorge Masvidal…’: Jake Paul Starts 2023 With a Bang
on
How The Other Half Fly: VistaJet Goes To Enviable Lengths To Make Air Travel Better For Your Body
on
Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on
Growing number of sports bras, athletic wear found with high levels of toxic chemical, watchdog says
on
GM Cruise Setbacks And EV Profitability Concerns: Analyst Lowers Expectations for Future Investments
on
Fresno State at Nevada live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
Following Exchange With Caitlin Clark At News Conference, Columnist Won’t Cover Indiana Fever Games
on
Florida lawmakers introduce bills that would criminalize storming fields, courts at sporting events
on
FIU vs. Jacksonville State live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on
East Carolina vs. Tulane basketball game postponed following death of Pirates announcer Jeff Charles
on
EA Sports College Football 25, among most anticipated sports video games in history, hits the market
on
Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
Donovan Mitchell will be extra motivated to carry the Cavaliers, plus other best bets for Tuesday
on
Disney Cruise Line Announces New Fireworks Show and More Details About ‘Silver Anniversary at Sea’
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
Death toll from Ian, storm-caused flooding crosses 50 people; remnants to dissipate over Virginia
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on
Dallas Cowboys Will “Bring You Nothing But Bad Luck”, Sports Media Vet Warns Luka Doncic’s Mavericks
on
Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska
on
Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
“Completely Tormented”: How Tom Cruise Was Almost Cast In The Shawshank Redemption (& Why He Wasn’t)
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
Comparing the Humongous Combined Wealth of Latest Business Partners Lewis Hamilton and Rory McIlroy
on
Colorado State vs. New Mexico live stream, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
College basketball rankings: Virginia joins preseason Top 25 And 1, ready to contend for ACC title
on
College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on
Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on
Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on
“Bro Is Jogging”: Resurfaced Video of Usain Bolt’s 9.84 Seconds Run, Leaves Sports World in Denial
on
Braun Strowman Reportedly Set for WWE Return Abroad on Promotional Tour After 6 Months Out Injured
on
Brad Keselowski Feels NASCAR Could Welcome New Manufacturer Soon Amid Martin Truex Jr’s Engine Tests
on
Boise State vs. Nevada live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on
Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on
Best places to travel in 2023: National Geographic unveils list of top 25 destinations for next year
on
Ask Amy: Should I keep my RSVP simple and just gracefully decline or say I can’t afford the trip?
on
As more abortion bans occur, many patients must travel hundreds of miles for care – or be stranded
on
Air Force vs. Utah State live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
A missile fired by Houthis strikes a US-owned vessel off Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, raising tensions
on
A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
$12M Worth Dawn Staley Sports Pricey Jordans While Witnessing Joel Embiid’s Suffering Against Knicks
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on
How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on
College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
Lamar Jackson: NFC side tipped to be ‘overwhelming’ Super Bowl favourites if they signed Ravens QB
on
ICC T20 World Cup 2022: “Love Cricket At All Levels, I’ll Watch Any Cricket, And Love Going There”
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on
Following Exchange With Caitlin Clark At News Conference, Columnist Won’t Cover Indiana Fever Games
on
Inside Out Mini Jawbreaker Puzzle Game from Disney Cruise Line Now Available at Walt Disney World
on
Katherine Paprocka allegedly embezzled nearly $600k from school for family vacations, IVF treatment
on
Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on
Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on
Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on
Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on
Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on
Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on
Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on
Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on
Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on
GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on
Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on
Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on
The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on
Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on
San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on
Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on
‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on
Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on
Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on
If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on
How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on
Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on
Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on
Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on
Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on
Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on
Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on
Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on
‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on
Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on
A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on
2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on
2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on
Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on
After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on
Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on
Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on
Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on
Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on
CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on
“Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on
CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on
Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on
Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on
Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on
A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on