The US government is investigating Waymo’s robotaxis due to safety concerns around school buses. The investigation follows reports of the autonomous vehicles potentially failing to stop when children are getting off school buses.
Waymo, owned by Alphabet Inc., is one of the leaders in autonomous vehicle technology. However, the recent concerns have raised questions about the reliability of robotaxis, especially when it comes to navigating high-risk areas like school zones.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is conducting a review to ensure that Waymo’s self-driving cars are adhering to traffic safety laws. This includes the crucial requirement for vehicles to stop when a school bus has its stop sign extended.
Waymo has been working to build public trust in autonomous driving technology. Still, incidents like these highlight the potential risks and the ongoing need for regulation and oversight.
Waymo has expressed its commitment to safety and is cooperating with the investigation. The company says it continuously updates its systems to improve safety and respond to various real-world challenges.
The outcome of this investigation could impact the future deployment of autonomous vehicles, particularly in areas with vulnerable populations like schools.
