What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The “I’m getting dizzy”: Man films Waymo self-driving car driving around in circles incident happened in Scottsdale, Arizona, in December 2024. Passenger Mike Johns said the Waymo made eight circles on the way to the airport; Waymo said the delay lasted about five minutes and a software update fixed the issue.
The ride eventually continued to the airport, and reports said Johns did not miss his flight or pay for the trip. The episode was a documented autonomous-vehicle failure and a serious trust problem, but it is not, by itself, proof that Waymo’s entire fleet is unsafe.
Key takeaways
- Mike Johns recorded the Waymo self-driving car driving around in circles in Scottsdale, Arizona, during a December 2024 ride to the airport.
- Johns said the vehicle completed eight circles, while Waymo reportedly described the delay as approximately five minutes.
- Waymo said a software issue near the pickup location caused the looping and that a regularly scheduled software update addressed the problem.
- The ride eventually continued to the airport, and reporting said Johns did not miss his flight and was not charged for the trip.
- Current Waymo rider guidance provides Support through the app or in-car screen and includes a “Pull over” control intended to find a safe stopping place.
- The incident shows a genuine autonomous-driving service failure, but one recorded ride cannot establish that Waymo’s entire fleet is broadly unsafe.
Why did the Waymo drive in circles?
Waymo said the looping was caused by a software issue near the pickup location and that the issue had been addressed by a regularly scheduled software update. The company did not publicly provide a detailed engineering root cause, such as a confirmed mapping, localization, or route-planning defect, so those explanations should not be presented as established facts.
The incident occurred in December 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mike Johns was riding toward an airport when the vehicle repeatedly drove around a parking-lot area instead of continuing with the trip. Contemporary reporting from Ars Technica and CBS News described the video and the passenger’s concern about reaching his flight.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- UPSCALED 4K FRONT + 1080P REAR DUAL DASH CAM: The ROVE R2-4K DUAL records the road ahead and behind at the same time. The front camera captures at 2.5K (QHD) and intelligently upscales to 4K (2160P) for higher-detail playback, while the rear camera records at Full HD 1080P. This is upscaled 4K, not native 4K, engineered to show sharper everyday detail than standard 1080P dash cams, so you can read license plates, signs, and surroundings in front and rear footage.
- SONY STARVIS 2 IMX675 SENSOR + SUPER NIGHT VISION: The front camera uses a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 5MP image sensor with a wide F1.5 aperture (F1.8 rear) and HDR to pull in more light for clearer low-light footage. This advanced sensor enhances nighttime clarity, helping capture license plates, road signs, and surrounding vehicles with greater reliability when driving after dark, through tunnels, or in dusk and dawn conditions.
- ULTRA FAST 5.8GHz WIFI/ UP TO 20MB/s DOWNLOAD SPEED: With its built-in dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, you can use the ROVE dash cam app to view and manage dash cam recordings instantly on your iPhone and Android smartphone. Using the ROVE app, download your recorded videos directly to your smartphone at up to 20 MB/sec, then easily share them on social media with friends and family. Additionally, manage camera settings and update the latest firmware over-the-air via the ROVE App.
- CAR CAMERA WITH GPS: The new front and rear dashcam comes with built-in GPS, which enables you to view real-time live speed and compass on the 3” IPS wide camera screen. It records precise driving routes, locations, and speed stamps directly on the video so you can watch dashcam videos with GPS data using ROVE's free GPS Player on your PC or Mac & get additional evidence when you need it.
- FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED: Experience peace of mind with this front and rear car dash cam. It comes with a free 128GB microSD card and offers advanced features such as an f1.5 aperture, motion detection, G-sensor, seamless loop recording, emergency video lock, screen saver, live speed and compass direction, voice guidance, ring of threads for optional CPL filter, a built-in supercapacitor for extended product life, support for up to 1TB microSD cards, and many more.
Johns said the vehicle made eight circles. The eight-circle figure is Johns’ account, reported in 2025, rather than an independently measured count. In a recorded support exchange, he said: “Why is this thing going in a circle? I’m getting dizzy.”
What happened to the man inside the Waymo?
Johns was not physically trapped in the legal or mechanical sense, but he was inside a moving vehicle that was not reaching its destination and was concerned about how to make it stop. The car eventually stopped looping and continued to the airport. Reports said Johns did not miss his flight, and Waymo did not charge him for the ride.
Waymo told reporters that the delay lasted about five minutes. That estimate differs from Johns’ more alarming description of the repeated circles, but the two accounts are not necessarily contradictory: the passenger described the vehicle’s behavior, while Waymo described the approximate duration of the delay. Sky News’ report on the incident also identified the airport trip and the near-missed-flight concern.
The passenger’s recording is the central evidence of the event. Readers who want to watch the passenger’s recording should keep in mind that a short video documents what happened during the filmed portion, but does not by itself reveal the vehicle’s internal software state or prove why the route loop occurred.
Was the Waymo hacked?
No evidence in the reviewed reporting establishes that the Waymo was hacked. Johns raised the possibility during the incident, but Waymo’s reported explanation was a software issue that was later addressed through an update. The available sources do not identify a cyberattack, and the video does not prove one.
Rank #2
- 4-Channel Dash Cam for Complete Vehicle Coverage: This dash cam is equipped with four Full HD 1080P cameras, capturing footage of the front, rear, left, and right sides of your vehicle simultaneously. The adjustable front cameras enhance visibility and offer flexible recording angles, including interior footage.
- Time-Lapse Recording & Parking Mode: With time-lapse recording, 60 minutes of footage is compressed into 1 minute, saving memory card space. Activate parking mode with the optional ACC hardwire kit (sold separately) for security when your vehicle is parked.
- Enhanced Night Vision & WDR Technology: The dash cam features advanced night vision and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology for clear, balanced footage, even in low-light conditions. Eight infrared lights ensure optimal visibility, and WDR adjusts exposure to capture detailed images in varying lighting.
- Optional GPS for Real-Time Vehicle Tracking: Purchase the GPS logger (sold separately) to add location, speed, and time tracking, providing a visual representation of your vehicle's route. This feature is perfect for documenting travel details in case of incidents.
- 5GHz Wi-Fi & App Integration: Share videos easily via Wi-Fi using the mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. This feature allows for quick video downloads and sharing on your preferred platforms.
The same caution applies to claims that a person remotely drove the vehicle. In the support recording, the representative said, “I don’t have an option to control the car.” Waymo told reporters that its rider-support staff are trained human operators, but the reviewed sources do not provide enough detail to describe every intervention capability or to determine what role, if any, a remote operator could have played in this particular ride.
Can a passenger stop a Waymo?
According to Waymo’s current official rider documentation, a passenger can select “Pull over” in the Waymo app or on the vehicle’s in-car screen. The vehicle is intended to find a safe place to stop, and riders can contact Support from the app or the in-car screen. Waymo describes the controls in its official in-car features documentation.
That current guidance does not prove that Johns knew about or used the “Pull over” control during the December 2024 ride. Contemporary reporting said he was not immediately aware of the button. The practical lesson for passengers is to check the in-car screen and app controls at the beginning of a ride, especially when traveling to an airport or another time-sensitive destination.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| Question | What the available evidence shows | What remains unproven |
|---|---|---|
| Where did it happen? | Scottsdale, Arizona, in a parking-lot area | The precise software or map state that triggered the loop |
| How many circles? | Johns said eight circles | An independent measurement of the count |
| How long was the delay? | Waymo reportedly said approximately five minutes | A second independently verified duration |
| What caused it? | Waymo said a software issue near the pickup location | A confirmed mapping, localization, planning, or cybersecurity diagnosis |
| How did the ride end? | The vehicle continued to the airport; reports said Johns did not miss his flight | Whether every passenger would receive the same outcome in a similar failure |
Was the Waymo support agent a human or AI?
Waymo said its rider-support staff are trained human operators. Johns publicly questioned whether the interaction involved a human or artificial intelligence, but the reviewed reporting does not independently settle that dispute. The safest description is that Johns was uncertain about the interaction, while Waymo characterized its support staff as human.
The support exchange also exposes an important difference between customer support and vehicle control. A support representative may be able to help with a rider’s problem without having an option to directly steer or command the vehicle. The available reporting does not establish the full set of tools available to Waymo support during this ride.
Rank #3
- 💖💖【Important Note】Due to soaring memory chip costs, many brands have eliminated memory cards entirely, requiring a separate purchase. However, to save you the hassle of buying extra accessories, we are resisting cost pressures without raising our dashcam's price. Starting June 26, 2026, this camera will include a 32GB memory card (previously 64GB) so you can still use it out of the box. For extended storage, we highly recommend purchasing a Class 10, U3, and V30 (or higher) memory card.
- 【4K 2160P Resolution Dash Cam】Capture every drive in stunning 4K UHD resolution with the Galphi front dash cam, featuring a 160-degree wide-angle lens for clear, cinematic video footage. Ideal for family cars, new drivers, and Uber/Lyft drivers, it provides reliable video evidence for accident disputes and insurance claims.
- 【Advanced 5GHz WiFi with App】 Featuring cutting-edge 5GHz WiFi and a free app, the video download speed reaches up to 8MB/s, compared to just 2MB/s with the 2.4GHz option. This greatly reduces download times and minimizes lag during video playback.
- 【No Screen & Less Distraction】This dash camerma features a screen-free design, minimizing distractions while you drive so you can stay focused on the road. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your camera is recording without taking your attention away from the journey.
- 【Compact and Super Easy to Install】The dash cam's slim and compact design ensures it won't obstruct your view. With easy installation and clear, detailed instructions included, even first-time users can set it up without any hassle.
Does the video prove Waymo is unsafe?
The video proves that this particular Waymo ride experienced a conspicuous routing failure and that the failure created a poor passenger experience. The video alone does not prove that Waymo’s entire fleet is broadly unsafe, nor does it provide a fleet-wide crash or safety rate.
Waymo’s later company-published safety analysis reported more than 220 million fully autonomous miles through the end of March 2026. That is a Waymo-reported exposure figure, not an independent audit or regulator-published statistic; readers should therefore treat it as company evidence with that qualification. The figure appears in Waymo’s June 24, 2026 safety-data publication.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Those two facts can coexist. A large amount of autonomous driving does not make an individual service failure acceptable, while one looping incident does not measure the safety performance of every Waymo vehicle. A fair evaluation should separate reliability, passenger support, failure recovery, and safety outcomes rather than treating a viral video as a complete fleet assessment.
What should passengers do if a Waymo starts looping?
- Check the in-car screen and app. Look for “Pull over,” which Waymo says is designed to have the vehicle find a safe place to stop.
- Contact Support. Waymo’s rider documentation says Support is available through the in-car screen and the app. Explain the destination, the repeated route, and any time-sensitive risk.
- State the safety problem clearly. Tell Support if a passenger feels ill, feels unsafe, needs emergency assistance, or is facing a missed connection.
- Do not assume the vehicle is hacked. A loop can have multiple possible technical explanations, and the passenger should report observable behavior rather than diagnose the cause.
- Use emergency services for an immediate emergency. If someone faces a medical emergency or imminent danger, contacting emergency services is more appropriate than relying only on an ordinary rider-support exchange.
Waymo’s official first-trip guidance explains the basic passenger experience and complements the in-car feature instructions. Because app labels and service procedures can change, riders should rely on the controls shown in the current Waymo app and vehicle screen.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does this incident say about driverless taxi service?
The Scottsdale loop illustrates why autonomous-vehicle evaluation must include recovery from ordinary failures, not only whether a vehicle can complete a normal trip. A passenger needs a clear way to request a safe stop, a support channel that explains what is happening, and a recovery process that protects a time-sensitive journey.
Rank #4
- 【4K Ultra HD 3 Channel Dash Cam Front and Rear Inside】The 70mai dash cam T800E is a 3-channel car camera — 4K front, 1080P interior, and 1080P rear — capturing every angle in crystal clarity. With ultra-wide lenses and F1.55 aperture, this dashboard camera delivers excellent visibility day and night, ideal for Uber, Lyft, or family drivers seeking total protection
- 【Night Vision & HDR Technology + Switchable IR for Interior Camera】Equipped with advanced HDR imaging and 3D noise reduction, this car dash cam ensures sharp footage in low-light or nighttime conditions. The 70mai 4K dash cam front and rear captures license plates and road details clearly, day or night. The interior camera features switchable infrared recording, allowing you to turn on IR for even clearer night footage inside the vehicle, or turn it off when not needed
- 【24/7 Parking Monitoring & G-Sensor Emergency Lock】 With parkking surveillance and G-sensor collision detection, this dash carm front and rear 24/7 recording system protects your car even when parked. It automatically records incidents and locks footage during imppact. Compatible with hardwire kit for continuous monitoring (UP06 / UP03) Note: 4G connectivity is notsupported
- 【Built-in 5-Mode GPS, Wi-Fi 6 & Smart Voice Control】The 70mai dash camera for cars features built-in 5-mode GPS for ultra-accurate location, speed, and route tracking. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6, file transfer through the 70mai App is up to 5× faster than standard Wi-Fi 4, reaching speeds up to 10 MB/s. Hands-free voice control lets you take photos, start recording, or lock important footage, making driving safer and more convenient
- 【Easy Installation + 64GB SD Card Included, Supports up to 512GB】This dash cam front and rear inside features a simple adhesive mount and plug-and-play setup for effortless installation. It comes with the RC21 rear camera (Type-C interface) and a 64GB SD card for continuous loop recording — no need for manual deletion. Supports up to 512GB SD card for extended recording, making it perfect for daily commutes, Uber/Lyft rideshare, or semi trucks
| Evaluation area | Question passengers and reviewers should ask | What this incident highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Control and intervention | Can the rider request a stop, and what can Support actually do? | Waymo documents a “Pull over” option, while the recorded representative said she could not control the car. |
| Failure recovery | What happens when the vehicle loops, encounters a blocked route, or cannot resolve a drop-off? | The vehicle eventually recovered, but the loop created uncertainty and concern about the airport deadline. |
| Transparency | Does the company explain the failure and identify a remediation? | Waymo attributed the event to a software issue and said an update addressed it, without publishing a detailed root cause in the reviewed reports. |
| Passenger experience | Can a rider obtain help, exit safely, and continue the journey? | Johns reported dizziness and worry about missing his flight; reports said he ultimately reached the airport. |
| Safety evidence | Are performance figures independently evaluated or company-reported? | Waymo’s later mileage figure is company-published and should not be presented as an independent safety statistic. |
For readers researching Waymo One, the relevant service context is not simply whether a vehicle can drive without a human driver. The more useful questions are how the service handles uncertainty, how passengers request help, and how the company communicates after a failure. Availability, pricing, and service areas are separate, time-sensitive questions and are not established by this incident.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFrequently Asked Questions
Was the Waymo hacked?
No. The passenger questioned whether the vehicle had been hacked, but the reviewed reporting contains no evidence of a cyberattack. Waymo said a software issue near the pickup location caused the looping and that a scheduled software update addressed it.
Can a passenger stop a Waymo?
Yes. Current Waymo rider documentation says passengers can select “Pull over” in the app or on the in-car screen, after which the vehicle is intended to find a safe place to stop. The documentation does not establish that Mike Johns knew about or used the control during his 2024 ride.
Did the Waymo passenger miss his flight?
Reports said the ride eventually continued to the airport and that Mike Johns did not miss his flight. Waymo reportedly estimated that the delay lasted approximately five minutes, while Johns said the vehicle made eight circles.
Was the Waymo support agent a human or AI?
Waymo said its rider-support staff are trained human operators. Johns questioned the nature of the interaction, but the reviewed sources do not independently resolve that dispute or describe every remote-support capability.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe Bottom Line
The Waymo self-driving car driving around in circles was a real, recorded service failure in Scottsdale in December 2024. Johns said the vehicle made eight circles, Waymo said the delay lasted about five minutes and was fixed through a software update, and the ride eventually reached the airport. The incident warrants criticism of reliability and passenger communication, but it is not enough by itself to prove that the entire Waymo fleet is unsafe.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
