Denver Residents Skeptical of Waymo Safety Despite Public Launch, New Survey Finds

Most residents rate Waymo's safety commitment below 4 out of 10; 41% say they're unlikely to use the service

DENVER, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey conducted by Olson Personal Injury Lawyers finds that Denver residents remain deeply skeptical of Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service, despite its official public launch in the city on September 1, 2026. The survey of 100 Denver County residents, ages 18-64, conducted in September 2026, reveals that safety concerns, not novelty or convenience, are the defining factor shaping whether residents will use the technology.

Respondents rated Waymo's commitment to public safety at just 3.8 out of 10, with perceived ride safety only marginally higher at 4.0. Forty-one percent said they were unlikely to use Waymo if it were available in their area, and 61% identified safety as the single most important factor in their decision, far ahead of price (13%) or the ability to reach a human representative (9%).

Residents Want Proof, Not Promises

The survey found that skepticism is not fixed, but it comes with clear conditions. Fifty-seven percent said they would feel more confident in Waymo if given access to comprehensive safety data, while 49% cited transparency in accident reporting as a key trust-builder. Forty-two percent said that more positive experiences in their own community would shift their views.

Only 8% said they already trust Waymo, and just 28% believe the benefits of the service outweigh the risks, compared to 34% who say the risks outweigh the benefits.

Demand Is Selective, Not Universal

Where residents do see a role for Waymo, it's situational. The top use cases are getting home after drinking alcohol (31%), airport transportation (28%), and trips where parking is difficult (28%). Just 22% would consider using Waymo for their daily commute.

"These findings reflect what we see in our practice every day; when new technology enters public roads, residents have every right to ask hard questions about safety and accountability," said Sean Olson, founder of Olson Personal Injury Lawyers. "Our survey shows that Denver residents aren't opposed to autonomous vehicles in principle. They just need to see real evidence that the technology is safe before they'll trust it with their lives."

Accountability and Privacy Add to Concerns

Beyond physical safety, 74% of respondents said Waymo should be held responsible if one of its vehicles causes an accident, regardless of technical complexity. Privacy is also a concern, with residents rating their worry about passenger and location data collection at 6.0 out of 10. Sixty-two percent said they were uncomfortable with video footage being collected or stored.

About Olson Personal Injury Lawyers: Methodology

Olson Personal Injury Lawyers conducted this survey to understand community perspectives on emerging transportation technologies and their potential impact on public safety and legal accountability. The survey included 100 respondents from Denver County, ages 18–64, and was conducted in September 2026. Olson Personal Injury Lawyers has offices in Denver and serves clients across Colorado. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Denver, contact our team at (303) 381-2234 or visit olsonlawfirm.com.

SOURCE Olson Personal Injury Lawyers