In a significant development for teenage commuters in Phoenix, an innovative transport solution has emerged that eliminates the need for a driver’s license or parental supervision during rides.
Waymo has introduced teen accounts in the Phoenix metropolitan area, allowing adolescents between 14 and 17 to independently navigate more than 300 square miles of the region using the company’s autonomous vehicles.
Parents can connect their teenagers to their Waymo accounts, enabling them to track rides live and obtain digital receipts for each trip. Additionally, Waymo has established a dedicated Rider Support team to assist young passengers and notify parents if necessary.
The initiative aims to provide families with a dependable and secure transportation alternative, particularly for those who deal with hectic schedules, limited vehicle access, or concerns about young drivers’ safety.
Scott Myers, the executive director of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), a nonprofit focused on traffic safety and youth prevention, has collaborated with Waymo to back this new venture.
“They’re only playing one piece,” Myers stated. “But part of that is to partner up with organizations like SADD to get the additional resources and education and prevention materials in front of students through our services.”
The timing of Waymo’s expansion is notable, as Myers points out it coincides with a period often known as the “100 deadly days of summer,” a time when teen drivers face an increased risk of accidents.
“We are actually in the middle of what has historically been called the 100 deadly days of summer,” he mentioned. “Teens are actually three times more likely to be in a car crash, or sadly a deadly crash, during this time of the year.”
Myers highlights the potential of self-driving services like Waymo to bridge transportation gaps, especially as fewer teenagers are pursuing driver’s licenses or formal driving instruction due to financial, temporal, or lifestyle shifts.
Earlier in the year, Waymo offered a preview of teen accounts to gauge interest and collect user feedback.
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