Waymo's Self-Driving Cars: Santa Monica Residents Protest Noise and Light Pollution

Santa Monica residents are voicing concerns about the impact of Waymo's self-driving cars on their neighborhood. Complaints include excessive noise and light pollution emanating from Waymo's charging stations. "I want the noise stopped," said Darius Boorn, a Santa Monica resident living near one of the stations. However, Waymo points to a study conducted with a Swiss reinsurance company that showed an 88% reduction in property damage claims and a 92% reduction in bodily injury claims compared to the overall driving population. The study, however, does not include data from Los Angeles. The Santa Monica City Council is currently working with Waymo to address these resident concerns. In a statement, Waymo spokesperson said that the company is "striving to be good neighbors and are committed to being a positive presence in Santa Monica."