US Investigates Alphabet’s Waymo Robotaxis for School Bus Safety Concerns
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Waymo’s self-driving robotaxis. This follows reports indicating that some of these vehicles may have violated safety regulations involving stopped school buses.
Details of the Investigation
On October 20, NHTSA announced a preliminary inquiry into approximately 2,000 of Waymo’s robotaxis. The investigation was triggered by a media report featuring video evidence from Georgia. This incident showed a Waymo vehicle approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights on and stop arm extended, failing to remain stationary.
Incident Overview
During the incident, the Waymo robotaxi initially halted but then proceeded to navigate around the bus as children were disembarking. NHTSA expressed concerns about the potential for similar occurrences, citing the volume of operational miles logged by Waymo.
- Waymo’s automated driving system has surpassed 100 million miles.
- The company logs approximately 2 million miles per week.
Waymo’s Response
A spokesperson from Waymo stated that the company has already made improvements focused on safety around school buses. New software updates are expected to enhance these safety protocols further.
Waymo maintains that their approach to the school bus was at an angle that did not clearly reveal the flashing lights or stop sign. They emphasized that the vehicle drove slowly past the front of the bus while maintaining a safe distance from the children.
Operational Background
Waymo operates a fleet of more than 1,500 robotaxis in major U.S. cities, including:
- Phoenix
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Austin
The vehicle involved in the investigation was fitted with Waymo’s fifth-generation Automated Driving System and was operating without a human driver during the incident.
Previous Investigations
This inquiry is part of a broader scrutiny of self-driving technologies by regulatory bodies. In July, NHTSA concluded a 14-month investigation into several minor collisions involving Waymo vehicles. This investigation ended after receiving reports of unexpected behavior from the robotaxis, leading to two recalls.
As the conversation about robotaxi safety continues, the focus remains on how these autonomous vehicles interact with vulnerable road users such as schoolchildren. The industry and regulatory bodies alike are paying close attention to the findings of this investigation.
