Waymo Robotaxi Strikes Child at School, Prompting Safety Investigation

A recent incident involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle has raised safety concerns after a child was struck near an elementary school in Santa Monica. This occurrence took place on January 23 during the busy school drop-off period.

Details of the Incident

The child reportedly ran into the street unexpectedly, emerging from behind a double-parked SUV. Although the Waymo vehicle recognized the child and attempted to brake, it still made contact, reducing its speed to 6 mph before the collision.

Regulatory Response

Following the incident, both Waymo and federal regulators have acknowledged the crash. This has prompted an investigation into the safety measures of autonomous vehicles, particularly in school zones.

Safety Measures and Future Implications

• Importance of maintaining safe distances from parked vehicles.
• Need for improved awareness among pedestrians, especially children.
• Potential adjustments in autonomous vehicle programming to enhance safety in high-traffic areas.

The incident highlights the critical need for ongoing scrutiny and assessment of autonomous vehicle safety protocols. As testing continues, Waymo and other companies must prioritize safety, especially in environments frequented by children.