Waymo Enhances Software After Self-Driving Cars Bypass Stopped School Buses

Waymo, the autonomous driving subsidiary of Alphabet, is addressing critical software issues following alarming reports regarding its self-driving vehicles. Several of these vehicles allegedly passed stopped school buses, posing a serious safety risk.

Software Recall Announcement

On September 15, visuals emerged from Tempe, Arizona, showcasing Waymo’s Jaguar electric vehicles as the company prepared to announce a voluntary software recall. This decision comes amid ongoing investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Investigation by NHTSA

The NHTSA initiated its inquiry in October after media outlets reported incidents involving Waymo autonomous vehicles (AVs). These vehicles reportedly ignored school buses that were stopped with flashing red lights and stop arms deployed.

Documented Incidents

• The Austin Independent School District reported 19 instances involving Waymo vehicles.
• One incident was particularly concerning, with a Waymo vehicle passing a stopped school bus just moments after a student crossed in front.

In response, Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, Mauricio Peña, acknowledged the importance of maintaining high safety standards. The company is committed to improving its systems and will submit a software recall to address the underlying issues.

Safety Record and Future Actions

Waymo emphasizes its overall safety record. The company has reported a significant reduction in accidents, citing a 91% decrease in serious injuries and a 92% drop in pedestrian injuries in cities where they operate.

Independent Analyses

Further analyses from technology resources, such as Ars Technica, affirm Waymo’s position regarding the safety of its AVs compared to traditional human drivers.

Ongoing Collaborations with NHTSA

Despite its positive safety statistics, NHTSA has demanded more information on recent incidents. As of last July, Waymo’s AVs surpassed 100 million miles driven, accumulating an average of 2 million miles each week.

The NHTSA has set a compliance deadline for Waymo to provide comprehensive details regarding the inquiries. The deadline is January 20, 2026.

Waymo’s proactive measures illustrate its commitment to safety in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous transport. The company’s dedication to addressing software issues reflects its aim to enhance the reliability of self-driving technology, ensuring the highest safety standards for all road users.