Waymo launches autonomous car rides in Nashville

Zoom in: Waymo describes itself as an autonomous driving technology company with the ambitious goal of being the world's most trusted driver.

• According to the company's stats, Waymo vehicles have been involved in fewer serious injury crashes and fewer crashes that require the airbag to be deployed compared to old-fashioned human drivers.
• Of note: Waymo says its "drivers" have been involved in 13-times fewer crashes leading to injuries to pedestrians.

Driving the news: Waymo rides can be requested through the company's app. The company also plans to offer Waymo rides through the Lyft rideshare app later this year.

• Waymo provides rides in a 60-square-mile area roughly centered on the urban core.
• Before offering rides, the cars were on Nashville streets doing practice runs.

What he's saying: "As Nashville continues to grow, Waymo is proud to support that momentum by providing a safe, reliable, and magical way for locals and visitors to experience everything the city has to offer," Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said in a press release.

What we're watching: Metro launched a new section of hubNashville for feedback on autonomous vehicles. Minor hiccups were reported during testing.