Link: Waymo robotaxi hits a child near a school, causing minor injuries

A Waymo robotaxi struck a child in Santa Monica causing minor injuries, which led to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The accident occurred during school drop-off hours in a crowded area.

The child, emerging from behind a double-parked SUV, was hit as the vehicle decelerated from 17mph to 6mph after detecting the child. Despite the impact, the child was able to stand and walk to the sidewalk immediately after.

Waymo responded by calling 911 and moving the vehicle to the side of the road, where it remained until law enforcement allowed it to leave. This incident raises questions about the safety protocols of autonomous vehicles near schools.

The NHTSA is examining whether the robotaxi adhered to safety norms given the challenging environment of a school zone. They are particularly focusing on the vehicle's behavior in sensitive areas during peak times.

Waymo claims that its autonomous technology, by reducing the speed of impact, likely prevented more severe injuries. They argue that a human driver would have hit the pedestrian at a higher speed under the same conditions.

Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating separate incidents involving Waymo robotaxis and school buses in Texas. This scrutiny comes on the back of recent safety recalls and ongoing issues with Waymo's operations in school zones. #

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