Waymo Beep Conflict: 112 Decibels Vs City Limits

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Waymo's 24/7 charging station in Santa Monica has become ground zero for conflict between cutting-edge transportation and neighborhood peace.

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The autonomous vehicles' backup warning systems blast at 97-112 decibels—far exceeding Santa Monica's limits of 50 decibels daytime and 40 decibels at night.

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Local resident Christopher Mark Potter launched a petition gathering over 60 signatures to address the constant beeping disrupting community life.

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These warning systems, dating back to a 1963 invention by Matsusaburo Yamaguchi, now pose sophisticated acoustic challenges in urban environments.

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Health experts warn that exposure to nighttime noise above 40 decibels can disrupt sleep, raise cortisol levels, and impair cognitive function.

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Waymo has tried multiple fixes: 10-foot sound barriers, limited vacuum operations, and reduced alley speeds—yet the noise persists as vehicles reverse dozens of times hourly.

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Potter's proposal offers a practical compromise: reduce warning system volume within the private lot while maintaining standard levels on public roads.

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The Santa Monica facility serves as a critical test case for how self-driving technology can coexist harmoniously with residential communities.

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