A grotesque cartoon character with an oversized head and a decrepit car body, exhausted eyes bulging, in a chaotic 4th of July scene in San Francisco.

Drained Dwayne

Waymo Cars Stuck in San Francisco on July 4th Drain Batteries

Published July 7, 2026

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Waymo cars found themselves marooned in San Francisco's streets as July 4th festivities brought gridlock. Fireworks and chaos led to battery drain, leaving self-driving cars stranded.

The Real Story

Waymo cars in San Francisco became stranded during Fourth of July celebrations as gridlock and fireworks unexpectedly drained their batteries. The city saw chaotic festivities, resulting in traffic jams, small fires, and injuries. Police struggled to manage crowds, adding to the pandemonium. Waymo cars inadvertently became part of the spectacle, driving through fireworks and alarming onlookers.

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