NHTSA Investigates Waymo Robotaxis for Repeatedly Passing School Buses in Austin

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested additional information from Waymo regarding its self-driving system and operations following reports of its robotaxis repeatedly passing school buses in Austin. In a December 3 letter sent to Waymo, regulators asked for detailed information about its fifth-generation self-driving system and operations. The agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation into Waymo in October after seeing footage of a Waymo autonomous vehicle maneuvering around a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended and lights flashing in Atlanta. According to the letter obtained by Reuters, the NHTSA is seeking information on the specific circumstances surrounding the incidents, including the camera and sensor data used by the Waymo vehicle, as well as the software and programming that govern its behavior around stopped school buses. The agency is also requesting information on the training and testing procedures used by Waymo to ensure its vehicles can safely interact with school buses. Waymo has previously stated that the bus was partially blocking the driveway and that the robotaxi could not see the flashing light in the incident that sparked the investigation. However, the NHTSA has expressed concerns about the safety of Waymo's autonomous vehicles around school buses, citing the importance of ensuring that these vehicles can safely interact with stopped school buses. The investigation into Waymo's robotaxis is part of a broader effort by the NHTSA to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles on public roads. In 2020, the agency established a framework for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles, which includes guidelines for the testing and validation of these vehicles. Industry experts say that the investigation into Waymo's robotaxis highlights the need for more stringent safety standards for autonomous vehicles. "The safety of children and other vulnerable road users is paramount, and it's essential that autonomous vehicles can safely interact with stopped school buses," said David Strickland, a former NHTSA administrator. The NHTSA has not yet announced a timeline for completing its investigation into Waymo's robotaxis. However, the agency has stated that it will continue to work with Waymo and other manufacturers to ensure the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads. As the investigation into Waymo's robotaxis continues, the company remains committed to developing and deploying safe and reliable autonomous vehicles. "We are working closely with the NHTSA to address their concerns and ensure that our vehicles can safely interact with stopped school buses," said a Waymo spokesperson.