Federal Regulators Probe Waymo After Robotaxi Skirts Stopped School Bus

Federal Regulators Launch Probe into Waymo After Robotaxi Incident with School Bus

Federal safety regulators have initiated an investigation into Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous driving subsidiary, following an incident where one of its robotaxis reportedly drove around a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights. This development underscores the intensifying scrutiny faced by self-driving technology as it expands into public roadways.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the preliminary evaluation, citing concerns over the Waymo vehicle’s behavior. Driving past a school bus with flashing red lights is a serious traffic violation in most jurisdictions, designed to protect children boarding or exiting the bus. The incident highlights potential challenges in how autonomous systems perceive and react to complex, safety-critical scenarios involving vulnerable road users.

Details of the Incident and NHTSA’s Investigation

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) announced the probe on May 29, 2025. The agency’s preliminary evaluation is specifically looking into “Waymo’s Level 4 ADS (Automated Driving System) performance in the presence of previously undetected or unpredictably operating conventional vehicles, and traffic control devices.” This broad scope suggests NHTSA is not only concerned with the school bus incident itself but also with the Waymo system’s general ability to handle dynamic and unexpected road conditions.

The agency’s notice detailed that a Waymo robotaxi was observed driving around a school bus that had its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. This action is typically illegal and extremely dangerous, as it indicates children are likely present and may be crossing the street. The ODI is also reviewing 23 other incidents involving Waymo vehicles, which include 17 minor collisions and six reports of driving behavior that potentially violated traffic laws. These additional incidents further broaden the scope of NHTSA’s concerns regarding Waymo’s operational safety.

Waymo has acknowledged the investigation and stated its commitment to cooperating fully with NHTSA. A company spokesperson emphasized Waymo’s focus on safety, noting that their vehicles have completed millions of miles of fully autonomous driving. “We are proud of our safety record and continue to engage with NHTSA to provide information and answer questions,” the spokesperson said. This proactive stance is crucial for maintaining public trust and regulatory confidence in autonomous vehicle technology.

Broader Context: Regulatory Scrutiny on Autonomous Vehicles

This investigation into Waymo is not an isolated event. It reflects a growing trend of federal oversight on autonomous vehicle companies as their operations expand. Regulators are keen to ensure these advanced systems are not only technically proficient but also capable of safely navigating the unpredictable complexities of real-world driving.

For instance, Waymo’s competitor, Cruise (General Motors’ self-driving unit), faced significant regulatory action in late 2023. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) revoked Cruise’s operating permit in San Francisco after a series of incidents, including one where a Cruise robotaxi dragged a pedestrian for 20 feet. NHTSA also initiated an investigation into Cruise, citing concerns about pedestrian safety and the company’s response to incidents. This demonstrates the severe consequences that can arise from safety lapses in the autonomous vehicle sector.

Waymo, which currently operates fully autonomous services in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and recently launched in Austin, has largely maintained a strong safety record compared to some of its rivals. However, this school bus incident, coupled with the 23 other reported events, signals that even established players are not immune to regulatory scrutiny. The expansion of Waymo’s operations means more interactions with diverse road conditions and human behaviors, increasing the potential for novel safety challenges.

The Implications for Waymo and the Autonomous Driving Industry

The outcome of NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation could have significant implications for Waymo. Depending on the findings, NHTSA could escalate the investigation to an engineering analysis, which might lead to a recall of Waymo’s software or even operational restrictions. Such actions could slow down Waymo’s expansion plans and impact investor confidence in the broader autonomous vehicle market.

For the industry as a whole, this probe reinforces the message that safety is paramount. As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, public acceptance and regulatory approval will hinge on their ability to consistently demonstrate superior safety performance compared to human drivers. Incidents like the one involving the school bus, though potentially minor in terms of physical damage, can significantly erode public trust and invite stricter regulations.

Key Takeaways

• NHTSA Investigation: Federal regulators are probing Waymo after a robotaxi drove around a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.
• Scope of Probe: The investigation covers the school bus incident and 23 other reported events, including minor collisions and potential traffic violations.
• Regulatory Trend: This reflects increasing federal scrutiny on autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo and Cruise.
• Safety Priority: The incident highlights the critical need for autonomous systems to safely handle complex, safety-critical scenarios and unpredictable road conditions.
• Potential Impact: The probe could lead to operational restrictions or software recalls for Waymo, influencing its expansion and the broader industry’s trajectory.

Conclusion

The ongoing NHTSA investigation into Waymo serves as a critical reminder of the delicate balance between technological innovation and public safety in the autonomous vehicle sector. While Waymo continues to assert its commitment to safety and boasts millions of autonomous miles, the incident with the school bus underscores the immense responsibility that comes with deploying self-driving technology on public roads. As the industry matures, continuous collaboration with regulators, transparent reporting, and an unwavering focus on safety will be essential for building the trust required for widespread adoption of robotaxis and other autonomous solutions.