The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into Waymo following reports of its robotaxis illegally passing stopped school buses in multiple instances across two states. The focus of the investigation is on over 20 incidents that have occurred in Austin, Texas, as stated in a recent post on X.
According to the NTSB, investigators will be traveling to Austin to gather information on the series of incidents where Waymo’s automated vehicles failed to stop for loading or unloading students. A preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days, with a more detailed final report expected to be published within 12 to 24 months.
This marks the first time that Waymo has come under investigation by the NTSB, with a previous probe launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation in October. Waymo had issued a software recall last year to address the issue, but subsequent updates have not completely resolved the problem. In response to incidents captured on camera in Austin, the school district has requested Waymo to suspend operations during school bus pickup and drop-off times.
The investigation comes amidst Waymo’s rapid expansion across the United States, with recent launches of its robotaxi services in Miami, adding to its existing operations in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite the incidents, Waymo’s chief safety officer, Mauricio Peña, expressed confidence in the company’s safety performance around school buses compared to human drivers.
The NTSB, distinct from the NHTSA, focuses on deep investigations to identify root causes in the transportation sector and issues non-binding recommendations following thorough analyses. Notable incidents involving Waymo passing stopped school buses have previously occurred in Atlanta and Austin, prompting the company to address specific scenarios through software updates.
Despite efforts to rectify the issues observed in Atlanta, Waymo vehicles were found passing stopped school buses in Austin, as evidenced by videos from cameras mounted on school buses. Waymo continues to collaborate with the Austin Independent School District to address these concerns and improve safety measures around school buses.
In conclusion, the NTSB’s investigation into Waymo’s robotaxis highlights the importance of ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and prioritizing safety in autonomous vehicle operations. The company remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by school bus encounters and enhancing its safety protocols for the benefit of all road users.
