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Feds Probe Waymo After Robotaxis Pass School Buses

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a deeper inquiry into Waymo after reports that its self-driving robotaxis illegally passed school buses in Austin multiple times. Parents and local officials have raised alarms over the safety of autonomous vehicles around children, pushing regulators to request more detailed information from Waymo on its fifth-generation self-driving system and operational practices. The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny over how autonomous vehicles navigate complex school zones.

Credit: Waymo/Uber

What Triggered the Federal Investigation

The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) first opened a probe in October after reviewing footage showing a Waymo robotaxi maneuvering around a stopped school bus in Atlanta. The bus had its stop sign extended and lights flashing while unloading students. In the video, the robotaxi crossed in front of the bus from the right side and then turned left around the front before continuing down the street. This incident raised immediate safety concerns about how autonomous vehicles detect and respond to school buses.

Waymo’s Explanation and Initial Response

Waymo defended the robotaxi’s actions, claiming the bus partially blocked the driveway, making the flashing lights and stop sign difficult to see. The company also highlighted that it quickly issued a software update to improve its vehicles’ performance near stopped school buses. Despite these efforts, the issue has persisted, raising questions about whether software alone can prevent such incidents.

Continued Reports in Austin

Even after the software update, the Austin School District reported 19 separate instances of Waymo robotaxis illegally passing school buses since the start of the 2025–26 school year. Officials noted that at least five of these incidents occurred after the company applied its latest software fix on November 17. These repeated events have intensified federal scrutiny and fueled local concern over the safety of children near autonomous vehicles.

Waymo’s Safety Claims

In response, Waymo emphasized that safety remains its top priority. The company cited data showing its robotaxis have reduced injury-related crashes fivefold compared to human drivers and experience 12 times fewer pedestrian injury crashes. Waymo argued that its autonomous system improves overall road safety, even while acknowledging ongoing operational challenges.

Regulatory Pressure Mounts

The NHTSA’s December 3 letter requests detailed information about Waymo’s system design, software updates, and operational protocols. Regulators aim to determine whether the robotaxis comply with federal traffic laws, particularly regarding school bus interactions. The inquiry reflects a broader concern about how autonomous technology balances efficiency with child and pedestrian safety.

Broader Implications for Autonomous Vehicles

These incidents highlight the complexities of deploying autonomous vehicles in urban environments. School zones, with their unique rules and high pedestrian activity, present particularly difficult challenges for self-driving technology. Experts note that even minor software miscalculations can pose serious safety risks, underscoring the need for rigorous testing and transparent reporting.

Waymo’s Technology and Urban Challenges

Waymo’s fifth-generation self-driving system relies on a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate city streets. While designed to reduce accidents, the system can still struggle with obstructed views or unusual traffic scenarios, such as partially blocked school bus stops. Industry analysts suggest that continual software refinement and real-world data integration are essential to minimize such risks.

Community and Parental Concerns

Parents in Austin have voiced frustration over repeated incidents, questioning whether Waymo’s vehicles are safe around children. The school district’s reports to Waymo underline the importance of accountability and monitoring for autonomous fleets. Local officials are now pushing for more transparent reporting and potential policy adjustments to ensure student safety.

The Road Ahead for Waymo

As NHTSA continues its investigation, Waymo faces mounting pressure to demonstrate compliance with traffic laws and improve operational safety. The company may need to introduce stricter sensor protocols, enhanced software updates, or additional driver oversight in areas with high pedestrian activity. How Waymo addresses these challenges could set a precedent for the broader autonomous vehicle industry.

Industry-Wide Safety Takeaways

Waymo’s situation serves as a case study for the autonomous vehicle sector. Regulators, parents, and companies alike are watching closely to see how emerging technologies handle complex, high-risk scenarios. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between innovation and safety in the race to bring self-driving vehicles to public roads.

While Waymo emphasizes overall road safety improvements, repeated incidents near school buses raise critical questions about autonomous vehicle readiness. Federal investigations will likely shape future regulations, ensuring that technological advancement does not come at the expense of child safety. The outcome in Austin could influence policies and public perception of self-driving cars nationwide.