Federal regulators are investigating a Waymo robotaxi for allegedly passing a stopped school bus in Atlanta. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the investigation following footage captured in early October. The incident involved the autonomous vehicle maneuvering around a bus that was unloading children.
Details of the Investigation
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is examining the performance of Waymo’s self-driving software in relation to stopped school buses. Key aspects of the investigation include compliance with safety regulations and how the vehicle responded during the incident.
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Incident Date: Early October
- Involved Vehicle: Waymo robotaxi
- Incident Type: Maneuvering around a stopped school bus with flashing lights
According to preliminary findings, the Waymo robotaxi crossed perpendicularly in front of the bus, which was partially obstructing the driveway. Waymo stated that its vehicle could not detect the bus’s flashing lights or stop sign.
Company Response
Waymo has emphasized safety as its primary concern, asserting that its vehicles are involved in fewer accidents than those driven by humans. The company has recently deployed software updates to enhance its fleet’s performance. Additionally, Waymo indicated its commitment to working collaboratively with the NHTSA.
“NHTSA plays a vital role in road safety, and we will continue to work collaboratively with the agency,” the company remarked in a statement. They are conducting hundreds of thousands of trips weekly in a variety of complex driving conditions across the United States.
Previous Investigations
This isn’t the first scrutiny Waymo has faced from the NHTSA. Earlier this year, the agency investigated whether Waymo’s vehicles were effectively navigating around roadway barriers. This prior inquiry resulted in a recall after a software update was issued to rectify identified issues.
Furthermore, in 2022, another probe examined reports of Waymo vehicles entering construction zones or veering into the wrong lane. The ongoing growth and expansion of Waymo’s service, particularly in metropolitan areas like Austin and San Francisco, underscores the importance of addressing these safety concerns.
Future Prospects
Waymo is planning for further expansion, with new markets slated for evaluation by 2026, including New York City. The company aims to enhance its autonomous driving capabilities by exposing its systems to diverse scenarios as it launches in new regions.
