## Autonomous Encounter: Waymo Robotaxi Incident Involves Child Near Santa Monica School
A Waymo autonomous vehicle was recently involved in a collision with a child pedestrian near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California. The incident, which occurred on January 23rd, resulted in minor injuries to the child, according to statements from Waymo. This event has prompted an official investigation by federal regulators, adding to the growing scrutiny surrounding the safety and operational protocols of self-driving technology.
### The Incident Unfolds: A Waymo Vehicle Makes Contact with a Pedestrian
On the afternoon of January 23rd, a Waymo robotaxi made contact with a child pedestrian close to a Santa Monica elementary school. The specific age of the child has not been disclosed. Waymo reported the incident to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), confirming that the injuries sustained by the young individual were minor.
Following the report, the NHTSA has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Waymo has publicly committed to full cooperation with the agency throughout this investigative process, as stated in a company blog post.
### Waymo’s Account and Immediate Aftermath
According to Waymo’s detailed statement, the autonomous vehicle was traveling at approximately 17 miles per hour before it “braked hard,” reducing its speed to 6 miles per hour at the moment of impact. The company asserts that the young pedestrian “suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV,” moving directly into the path of the Waymo vehicle. Waymo’s system reportedly detected the individual “as soon as they began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle.”
In the immediate aftermath of the contact, the company noted that the pedestrian stood up promptly and proceeded to the sidewalk. Emergency services were contacted via 911. The Waymo vehicle remained stationary at the scene, later repositioning to the side of the road, and stayed there until law enforcement officials granted permission for it to depart.
## Broader Scrutiny: Waymo Under Investigation
This recent incident in Santa Monica places Waymo under additional regulatory examination, coming amidst ongoing federal inquiries into other operational issues concerning its autonomous fleet.
### Previous Regulatory Concerns: School Bus Incidents
The self-driving technology company is currently facing dual investigations stemming from reports of its robotaxis illegally passing school buses. In October, the NHTSA initiated a probe following the initial reports of such incidents in Atlanta, Georgia. More recently, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened its own investigation last week, prompted by approximately 20 similar incidents reported in Austin, Texas. These instances raise critical questions about the Waymo vehicles’ ability to accurately recognize and appropriately react to school buses, particularly when children are present.
As the autonomous vehicle industry continues its rapid expansion, incidents like the one in Santa Monica underscore the intense scrutiny and regulatory challenges companies like Waymo face. The outcomes of these investigations will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping public perception and future policy for self-driving technology.