Trucking is integral to American supply chains and the leading form of freight transportation. As demand for trucking continues to rise, Waymo Via, our autonomous goods delivery unit, represents an opportunity to support ongoing safety efforts in the industry and address the nationwide driver shortfall. In this dynamic time, women hold key roles for Waymo Via, bringing their skills, insights, and experiences to shape the industry and the technology. We spoke with four women working across Waymo Via trucking to find out what they do day-to-day, how they made their way to the industry, and how they see the road ahead.

We’re highlighting the important and growing movement for Vision Zero: the goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users.

Dr. Rory Cooper remembers when the idea of autonomous vehicles first crossed his radar. It was 1994. Engineers were exploring how innovations like intelligent highways and lane-following technology could make roadways and vehicles safer. Cooper, an engineer, had just founded the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh to research ways to increase mobility for people with disabilities.

Every year, new teenage drivers get behind the wheel for the first time. If you’re a parent, this can be an exciting and scary achievement. Getting a driver’s license is a step toward independence, but driving-related crashes remain the leading cause of death for teenagers. How can we keep teen drivers safe on the road?