Feds investigating after Waymo robotaxi hits a child near a school
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Waymo says one of its robotaxis struck a child near a school in Santa Monica, and federal safety officials are investigating.
Why it matters: As more robotaxis are deployed across America, public trust remains an issue. The latest incident comes amid an ongoing investigation into Waymo robotaxis failing to stop for school buses.
The incident occurred on Jan. 23 within two blocks of an elementary school during morning drop-off hours, Waymo told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- There were other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles in the area.
- Waymo said the child ran across the street from behind a double parked SUV towards the school and was struck by one of its autonomous vehicles.
Santa Monica police said preliminary information indicates the student entered the roadway outside a crosswalk and away from the on-duty crossing guard.
- Waymo said the child stood up immediately and walked to the sidewalk. Police said first responders evaluated the student, with the student's parent present, and did not report any injuries.
- Waymo later reported to NHTSA that the child sustained minor injuries.
What they're saying: Waymo says in a blog post, posted January 28, that its driverless vehicle performed exactly as planned.
- "The event occurred when the pedestrian suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into our vehicle's path.
- "Our technology immediately detected the individual as soon as they began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle.
- "The Waymo Driver braked hard, reducing speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact was made.
The intrigue: Waymo says its computer modeling showed that a fully attentive human driver in the same situation would have hit the child at approximately 14 mph.
- "This significant reduction in impact speed and severity is a demonstration of the material safety benefit of the Waymo Driver."
What to watch: NHTSA says it plans to investigate whether the Waymo robotaxi exercised appropriate caution in a school zone.
💠Thought bubble from Axios Communicators author Eleanor Hawkins: "In moments like this, transparency isn't just smart crisis management — it's foundational to protecting Waymo's reputation, earning public trust at scale, and allowing the company its social license to operate."
Editors note: This article was updated with information from the Santa Monica Police Department.
