Waymo says winter weather beyond validation bounds will trigger area reductions or service suspension
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In describing how its Driver handles severe winter weather, Waymo says that when forecasts or real-time weather exceed the validation bounds of its Safety Framework, the company proactively reduces its service area or suspends service. Waymo says suspensions may last hours or even days depending on weather conditions. Waymo describes winter preparation as having two aspects: enabling the Driver to understand and respond to changing weather, and slowing down, limiting service, or fully suspending trips when conditions require it.
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- Waymo BlogRead more: How the Waymo Driver Manages Severe Winter Weather
Waymo describes how its Driver handles winter conditions, using cameras, radar and lidar with heaters and micro-wipers to keep sensors clear, and measuring real-time traction to adjust steering, braking and acceleration. The company says it may slow, limit or pause service when weather exceeds the boundaries defined by its Safety Framework, drawing on fleet-shared road data, forecasts and local officials. Waymo says it has accumulated tens of thousands of real-world miles in snowy regions including Upstate New York, Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the Sierra Nevada, and will conduct closed-course evaluations and heavy snowfall data collection in Alaska this season.
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