NTSB Investigates Waymo for Illegal School Bus Interactions
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has begun an investigation into Waymo following numerous reports of its robotaxi vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. This investigation focuses on more than 20 incidents that have occurred in Austin, Texas, where automated vehicles failed to halt for students getting on and off buses.
NTSB Investigation into Waymo’s Robotaxi Operations
The NTSB emphasized the severity of these incidents and will send investigators to Austin for further analysis. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a comprehensive final report is projected to be released within 12 to 24 months.
Previous Investigations and Responses
This marks the first time Waymo has faced NTSB scrutiny, although a similar investigation was initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last October due to related issues. The company previously issued a software recall aimed at resolving these concerns, but updates have not completely quelled the problem.
In response to the safety issues, the Austin Independent School District has requested Waymo to halt operations during peak pickup and drop-off hours. Recent video evidence from local news shows multiple instances of Waymo vehicles bypassing stopped school buses.
Waymo’s Expansion and Safety Claims
Despite the ongoing investigation, Waymo continues to expand its services. Recently, the company launched a robotaxi service in Miami, complementing services already available in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Number of incidents in Austin: Over 20
- Expected preliminary report release: Within 30 days
- Final report timeline: 12 to 24 months
- Previous investigations: NHTSA probe since October
Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, Mauricio Peña, expressed confidence in the company’s safety measures, stating, “We safely navigate thousands of school bus encounters weekly across the United States.” He emphasized that no collisions have resulted from the reported incidents, asserting that Waymo’s performance around school buses is superior to that of human drivers.
Furthermore, Peña noted ongoing cooperation with the Austin Independent School District and recognized their success in reducing violations related to human-driven vehicles around school buses.
Distinct Roles of NTSB and NHTSA
It is important to differentiate the roles of these agencies. The NTSB is not a federal regulatory body and does not impose fines or penalties. Instead, it conducts thorough investigations to identify underlying issues in transportation safety and often issues non-binding recommendations post-investigation.
The initial incident involving a Waymo vehicle passing a stopped school bus occurred last September in Atlanta when a robotaxi disregarded the stop sign and flashing lights. Waymo claimed the vehicle could not detect the signals, but corrective measures were undertaken with a software update. Despite addressing this particular scenario, further incidents have materialized in Austin, raising significant safety concerns.
The ongoing investigation by the NTSB highlights the critical need for autonomous vehicle technology to meet safety standards, especially concerning school bus regulations.
