Waymo Robotaxi Strikes Child Near Santa Monica Elementary School

A Waymo robotaxi was involved in an incident striking a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica on January 23. The child, whose age and identity remain undisclosed, suffered minor injuries. Following the event, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation.

Details of the Incident

Waymo reported that the robotaxi was traveling at six miles per hour when the accident occurred. The vehicle had slowed down from approximately 17 miles per hour, demonstrating a significant braking effort. According to Waymo, the child abruptly entered the roadway after emerging from behind a tall SUV.

• The incident took place within two blocks of the elementary school.
• It occurred during regular school drop-off hours.
• There were other children and a crossing guard nearby at the time.

Waymo’s Response

In a blog post, Waymo stated that the robotaxi detected the child immediately as they began to move into the vehicle’s path. Following the contact, the child stood up, walked to the sidewalk, and emergency services were contacted. Waymo’s vehicle remained at the scene until law enforcement authorized it to leave.

Investigation Context

The incident is part of a larger scrutiny facing Waymo, which is currently undergoing dual investigations. These inquiries relate to reports of the company’s robotaxis illegally passing school buses. The NHTSA began its probe in October after incidents were reported, including one in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, the National Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation following about 20 similar cases reported in Austin, Texas.

NHTSA’s Concerns

The NHTSA is focusing on whether Waymo’s autonomous vehicle exercised proper caution given its location near the elementary school and the presence of young pedestrians. The safety regulator emphasized the need for enhanced awareness in environments that involve vulnerable road users.

Comparative Analysis

In its blog post, Waymo referenced a peer-reviewed model suggesting that a fully attentive human driver would have likely struck the child at around 14 miles per hour in similar conditions. However, the company has not published a detailed analysis for the specific incident involving the child.