Waymo robotaxi hits a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica
9 days ago
- #autonomous vehicles
- #NHTSA investigation
- #road safety
- A Waymo robotaxi struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica on January 23, causing minor injuries.
- The NHTSA has opened an investigation into the accident, and Waymo has pledged full cooperation.
- The robotaxi was traveling at 6 mph after braking from 17 mph when the child suddenly entered the roadway from behind an SUV.
- Waymo stated its vehicle detected the child immediately and called 911 after the incident.
- The crash occurred near an elementary school during drop-off hours, with other children and a crossing guard present.
- Waymo faces dual investigations into its robotaxis illegally passing school buses in Atlanta and Austin.
- Waymo claims its peer-reviewed model suggests a human driver would have hit the pedestrian at 14 mph in the same situation.