The U.S. federal government has launched a formal investigation into Waymo’s autonomous vehicle service after a series of safety complaints involving the company’s robotaxi fleets near school buses. The probe looks at whether Waymo’s safety systems were adequate and whether the company followed the state’s guidelines for child passenger protection.
Waymo’s robotaxis have already been eyed as a safer alternative to human drivers, especially for transporting schoolchildren. However, parents and local officials in several states have expressed concerns after recorded incidents where a Waymo vehicle was close to a school bus or crashed into a stationary bus at a stop. In some cases, the robotaxi allegedly did not recognize the school bus or failed to give it a proper safety margin.
The investigation will cover Waymo’s collision‑avoidance software, sensor calibration, and its protocols for detecting and reacting to other road users. Regulators will also review Waymo’s adherence to recent state new‑vehicle‑law advisories that require “detection and avoidance of school buses” for autonomous cars.
Waymo’s spokesperson said the company is “committed to ensuring the highest vehicle safety standards.” The firm added that it is reviewing all driver‑less ride‑share incidents to improve its technology. The company also explained that its robotaxis currently use a combination of lidar, radar, and camera systems to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and buses. Engineers aim to keep a clearing distance of at least a few meters between car and road users.
Meanwhile, several district attorneys and consumer‑advocacy groups have asked for stricter rules and oversight of autonomous ride‑hailing services. “Children’s safety on the road is paramount,” one lawyer said. “The regulator must confirm that the technology can cope with the highest demands of school‑bus operation before it becomes part of everyday life.”
The U.S. investigation will release its findings next year. Until then, policymakers will consider whether autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo should face new federal guidelines or tighter safety testing specifically related to situations involving school buses.
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