Waymo robotaxi hits a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica

On January 23, a Waymo robotaxi collided with a child in close proximity to an elementary school in Santa Monica. The company reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the child, whose age is currently unconfirmed, suffered minor injuries from the incident. In response, the NHTSA has initiated an investigation into the accident. Waymo disclosed in a blog post that the robotaxi was traveling at 6 miles per hour when it struck the child, having reduced its speed from approximately 17 miles per hour following a hard brake. According to Waymo, the young pedestrian unexpectedly darted into the street from behind a large SUV, directly into the path of their vehicle. The company emphasized that its robotaxi detected the child as they began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle. After the collision, the child quickly got back on their feet and walked to the sidewalk, prompting Waymo to call emergency services. The vehicle remained stationary and moved aside until law enforcement authorized it to leave the scene. This incident unfolds as Waymo grapples with two separate investigations regarding its robotaxis reportedly passing by school buses unlawfully. The NHTSA opened its inquiry in October following the first reports of these occurrences in Atlanta, Georgia, while the National Transportation Safety Board launched its own investigation last week after approximately 20 similar incidents were reported in Austin, Texas. This situation is still developing.