Regulators probe Waymo after its robotaxi drove around a stopped school bus

Federal safety regulators have launched an investigation into Waymo following an incident involving one of its robotaxis navigating around a stopped school bus with its warning lights activated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the inquiry on Monday, triggered by footage from early October showing the autonomous vehicle in Atlanta, Georgia, maneuvering past a bus that was unloading children. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is set to examine how Waymo's self-driving software responds to stopped school buses and whether it complies with existing regulations. The agency expressed concern, stating that there is a significant possibility of similar occurrences having taken place in the past. In the recorded incident, the Waymo robotaxi approached the school bus from the right, crossed in front of it, and then turned left, continuing down the street. Waymo clarified that the bus was partially obstructing the driveway from which the robotaxi was departing, asserting that the vehicle was unable to detect the flashing lights or the stop sign. However, the company did not clarify whether the robotaxi could see the children disembarking from the bus or the bus's extended control arm. Emphasizing its commitment to safety, Waymo stated, "Safety is our top priority, as we provide hundreds of thousands of fully autonomous paid trips each week in some of the most challenging driving environments in the U.S." The company also pointed out that its vehicles are involved in fewer accidents compared to those operated by humans. Waymo has pledged to cooperate closely with the NHTSA throughout the investigation. In response to the incident, Waymo has already deployed software updates to enhance the performance of its fleet. This year has marked a period of significant expansion for the company, which has introduced its robotaxis in Atlanta, Austin, and throughout Silicon Valley, while also testing in various other metropolitan areas, including New York City. Furthermore, Waymo is evaluating its services at the airports in San Jose and San Francisco, with plans for additional city launches by 2026. As part of its growth strategy, Waymo's self-driving system is designed to encounter and learn from new driving scenarios, although it is important to note that Atlanta is not the first city to witness Waymo's robotaxis interacting with school buses. This investigation is not a first for NHTSA; earlier in 2023, the agency scrutinized reports indicating that Waymo vehicles had difficulties navigating around roadway barriers at low speeds, which led to a recall and subsequent software update in 2024. Last year, NHTSA also investigated incidents of Waymo vehicles entering the incorrect lane or entering construction zones.