As demand for self-driving services such as Waymo grows, so does evidence of their safety. The autonomous ride-hailing service reports astronomical reductions in motor vehicle–related crashes and injuries in its autonomous vehicles (A.V.s) compared to cars helmed by humans.

But with innovation comes those who fear it. A recent incident in San Francisco, California, in which a Waymo vehicle struck and killed a "bodega cat" reignited fears and sparked outrage. In response, San Francisco city supervisor Jackie Fielder is demanding new restrictions on the A.V. company's operations, holding a related rally and asserting that the community must be "put before tech oligarchs."

In a statement, Waymo claimed the "cat darted under [the] vehicle as it was pulling away." The death of a pet is always

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