Waymo Fixes Software Problem with Self-Driving Cars

May 13, 2026, 18:53
USTechnology

Introduction

Waymo is fixing 3,791 self-driving cars. The cars have a software problem with water on the road.

Main Body

The cars see water on fast roads. They slow down, but then they drive into the water. In Texas, one car drove into a creek because of this problem. Waymo changed the maps and the rules for bad weather. They did this in April 2026. But the government says Waymo needs a permanent fix. Waymo must send reports for many years. Waymo has other problems too. One car hit a person in California. Other cars did not stop for school buses. Waymo says their cars are still safer than human drivers.

Conclusion

Waymo stopped its cars in San Antonio. The cars still work in other big cities.

Learning

⚡ The 'Action' Pattern

Look at how the text describes things happening. To reach A2, you need to master Simple Present (facts) and Simple Past (finished actions).

1. Facts (Now)

  • "Waymo is fixing..."
  • "The cars have a problem..."
  • "Cars are safer..."
  • Rule: Use these for things that are true today.

2. Finished Actions (Then)

  • "Waymo changed the maps..."
  • "One car drove into a creek..."
  • "One car hit a person..."
  • Rule: These happened in the past. They are finished.

3. Quick Word Swap

  • See →\rightarrow Saw (Present →\rightarrow Past)
  • Stop →\rightarrow Stopped (Present →\rightarrow Past)
  • Work →\rightarrow Worked (Present →\rightarrow Past)

Key Vocabulary for A2

  • Permanent: Something that does not change. →\rightarrow A permanent fix.
  • Software: The programs inside a computer. →\rightarrow A software problem.

Vocabulary Learning

car (n.)
a vehicle with wheels that people use to travel
Example:I drive my car to work every day.
road (n.)
a path or way for vehicles to travel on
Example:The road was closed because of snow.
water (n.)
a liquid that covers the earth and is needed for life
Example:Please pour some water into the glass.
slow (adj.)
moving at a low speed
Example:The traffic was slow during rush hour.
drive (v.)
to operate a vehicle
Example:She likes to drive on the highway.
creek (n.)
a small stream of water
Example:The dog ran into the creek and splashed.
map (n.)
a picture that shows places and roads
Example:We used a map to find the park.
weather (n.)
the state of the sky and air, like rain or sunshine
Example:The weather is hot today.
report (n.)
a written or spoken statement about something
Example:He gave a report on the project.
person (n.)
a human being
Example:The person at the corner was waving.
bus (n.)
a large vehicle that carries many passengers
Example:The school bus stops at the corner.
driver (n.)
someone who operates a vehicle
Example:The driver was careful on the wet road.