Summary
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating an incident where a Waymo self-driving car hit a child near a school in Santa Monica, California. The incident has brought attention to the safety of self-driving vehicles, especially in school zones, and comes as more robotaxis are being used across the country. Waymo and other safety agencies are cooperating with the investigation.
Key Facts
- A Waymo self-driving car struck a child near a school in Santa Monica, California.
- The child ran into the street from behind an SUV, causing minor injuries.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the incident.
- The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee will discuss self-driving cars on February 4.
- Waymo claimed the car detected the child and slowed from 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact.
- The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the incident.
- Waymo had recalled over 3,000 vehicles in December to update software related to school bus safety.
- Recent incidents involved Waymo cars passing stopped school buses in Austin, Texas.
