Waymo Self-Driving Cars Have Problems in Texas

May 6, 2026, 15:23

Introduction

Waymo makes cars that drive themselves. These cars stopped working in Austin, Texas. Now, Waymo wants to start in London.

Main Body

Waymo cars have a problem with water. The cars stop when they see puddles on the road. Human drivers can drive through the water, but the robot cars cannot. This causes traffic jams. Waymo has 1,500 cars in five US cities. They want to go to London in September. The UK government likes this idea. They think it will help the economy. But these cars are not always safe. There are more than 5,000 accidents with self-driving cars. In California, there were 50 crashes this year. Some experts say the technology is still too new and dangerous.

Conclusion

Waymo wants to grow in other countries. However, their cars still have technical problems and accidents.

Learning

💡 The 'Can vs. Cannot' Power Pair

Look at how we describe what is possible in the text:

Human drivers $\rightarrow$ can drive through water.
Robot cars $\rightarrow$ cannot drive through water.

How to use this: Use can for a 'yes' (ability) and cannot (or can't) for a 'no' (no ability).

Simple Examples:

I can speak English.
I cannot fly a plane.
The car can drive, but it cannot see puddles.

🌍 Locations & Movement

Notice the word in and to:

In = staying inside a place (In Texas, In London, In five cities).
To = moving toward a place (Go to London).

Easy Rule:

Where are you? $\rightarrow$ I am in the car.
Where are you going? $\rightarrow$ I am going to the city.

Vocabulary Learning

puddle (n.)

A small, shallow area of water on a surface

Example:She stepped over the puddle to avoid getting wet.

traffic (n.)

Cars and other vehicles moving on a road

Example:Heavy traffic made the commute very slow.

jam (n.)

A situation where vehicles are stuck and cannot move

Example:The accident caused a traffic jam on the highway.

economy (n.)

The system of producing, buying, and selling goods and services in a country

Example:The new technology could help the economy grow.

accident (n.)

An unexpected event that causes damage or injury

Example:There were many accidents involving self-driving cars.

technology (n.)

The use of science to create tools, machines, or systems

Example:The company is developing new technology for safer cars.

dangerous (adj.)

Having the potential to cause harm or injury

Example:The road was dangerous because of sharp turns.

technical (adj.)

Relating to the details of a particular field or activity

Example:The car has some technical problems that need fixing.