Waymo Robotaxi Strikes Child Near Santa Monica School as Federal Agencies Launch Investigation
Summary
A Waymo robotaxi strikes a child near a Santa Monica elementary school during drop-off hours, causing minor injuries when the child suddenly enters the roadway from behind a parked SUV, prompting federal investigations by NHTSA and NTSB into the autonomous vehicle's safety protocols around schools.
Key Points
- A Waymo robotaxi strikes a child near a Santa Monica elementary school during drop-off hours, causing minor injuries as the child suddenly enters the roadway from behind a parked SUV
- The autonomous vehicle brakes hard from 17 mph to 6 mph upon impact after immediately detecting the pedestrian, with the child standing up and walking to the sidewalk afterward
- Both NHTSA and NTSB open investigations into whether Waymo exercised appropriate caution given the school proximity and presence of children, adding to existing probes into robotaxis illegally passing school buses