Autonomous vehicle companies Cruise and Waymo are using aggressive tactics to promote their technology as the solution to road safety issues, painting human drivers as the real problem.
Both companies have faced delays in receiving expanded permits to offer fully driverless rides in San Francisco.
Critics argue that malfunctioning robotaxis contribute to congestion and hinder traffic, public transit, and emergency responders.
Cruise has taken out a full-page ad in major newspapers with the headline “Humans are terrible drivers,” while Waymo published a study showing that human drivers frequently exceed speed limits.
Though these companies have not been involved in fatal accidents, there have been instances of vehicle malfunctions and a Waymo vehicle killing a dog.
The hope is that these initiatives will help sway public opinion in favor of autonomous vehicle services.