Federal regulators have initiated an investigation into Waymo’s self-driving taxis following an incident where one of its autonomous vehicles failed to stop for a school bus. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing approximately 2,000 Waymo vehicles due to concerns that their autonomous systems may have violated traffic regulations.
Details of the Incident
According to a report by Reuters, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) began the probe after a media report highlighted a specific incident involving a Waymo self-driving taxi. The vehicle reportedly did not stop as required when approaching a school bus that had its red lights flashing, stop arm deployed, and crossing control arm extended.
During the incident, the Waymo vehicle initially came to a stop beside the bus but subsequently maneuvered around its front. This action resulted in the vehicle passing the extended stop arm while students were disembarking. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was operating without a safety driver and was equipped with Waymo’s fifth-generation Automated Driving System (ADS).
Waymo’s Response and Safety Measures
In response to inquiries from CBS News regarding the investigation, a Waymo representative stated that the company has already developed and implemented improvements aimed at enhancing the stopping mechanism for school buses. The spokesperson confirmed that additional software updates addressing these concerns will be included in the next software release.
“Driving safely around children has always been one of Waymo’s highest priorities,” the representative emphasized. They explained that during the incident, the vehicle approached the school bus from an angle where the flashing lights and stop sign were not visible. The Waymo vehicle proceeded slowly around the front of the bus while maintaining a safe distance from children.
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., operates a fleet of over 1,500 robotaxis in major U.S. cities, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin. The company continues to expand its operations and has future plans to launch services in Tokyo and London.
As the investigation unfolds, Waymo’s commitment to safety remains a focal point, and the company’s proactive measures in addressing the incident underscore its aim to maintain public confidence in its autonomous vehicle technology.
