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Federal regulators have requested detailed information from Waymo regarding its self-driving system after reports of robotaxis illegally passing school buses in Austin. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cited 19 incidents since the 2025-26 school year, prompting an investigation into Waymo’s safety protocols. A prior probe began in October after footage showed a Waymo vehicle maneuvering around a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Despite a software update, the Austin School District claims the issue persists, demanding operational restrictions during school hours. Waymo maintains its updates have improved safety, citing a fivefold reduction in injury-related crashes compared to human drivers.
Key facts
- NHTSA requested detailed information from Waymo about its self-driving system following 19 reported incidents of robotaxis passing school buses in Austin.
- The Austin School District documented 19 illegal passing incidents since the start of the 2025-26 school year, with five occurring after Waymo’s November 17 software update.
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation launched an initial probe in October after reviewing footage of a Waymo vehicle bypassing a stopped school bus in Atlanta.
- Waymo claims its software updates have improved safety, citing a significant reduction in injury-related crashes compared to human-driven vehicles.
- The Austin School District demanded operational restrictions during school hours until Waymo guarantees compliance with safety laws.
TAGS:
#autonomous vehicles #NHTSA #regulatory issues #safety regulations #school bus safety #self-driving cars #Waymo
