Waymo Recalls Robotaxi Fleet for Ignoring School Bus Stops
Waymo is set to issue a software recall for its robotaxi fleet in 2025 to address concerns regarding interactions with stopped school buses. This update comes as a response to an investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Details of the Software Recall
Unlike traditional recalls that require vehicles to be removed from the roads, this initiative will involve a voluntary software update. The recall is set to be officially filed with the NHTSA in early next week.
Safety Measures and Commitment
Mauricio Peña, Waymo’s chief safety officer, stated that the company experiences significantly fewer pedestrian-related crashes compared to human drivers. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the need for improvement in certain circumstances. Peña emphasized, “We will continue analyzing our vehicles’ performance and making necessary fixes as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.”
NHTSA Investigation Findings
The NHTSA investigation revealed that some of Waymo’s autonomous vehicles failed to halt for school buses displaying their stop signs and flashing lights. Specific incidents were reported in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, where Waymo vehicles did not stop for these essential safety signals.
Previous Software Recalls
This is not the first time Waymo has addressed safety issues through software recalls. Earlier in the year, the company recalled its fleet after some robotaxis collided with gates and chains. In the previous year, Waymo filed two additional recalls:
- One addressed a vehicle crashing into a telephone pole.
- The other involved two robotaxis colliding with the same pickup truck being towed.
As Waymo moves forward with this software recall, the company aims to enhance the safety of its autonomous driving technology and ensure compliance with traffic regulations designed to protect schoolchildren and pedestrians.
