The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary investigation into approximately 2,000 Waymo self-driving vehicles following an incident in Atlanta, Georgia, where a Waymo robotaxi maneuvered around a stopped school bus that was unloading children. This event has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols of autonomous vehicles, especially in scenarios involving vulnerable road users.
Incident Overview
In early October 2025, footage emerged showing a Waymo autonomous vehicle approaching a school bus that had its red lights flashing, stop arm deployed, and crossing control arm extended. The robotaxi initially stopped beside the bus but then proceeded to navigate around its front, passing the extended stop arm while students were disembarking. This action is a clear violation of traffic safety laws designed to protect children boarding or exiting school buses.
NHTSA’s Response
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has opened a probe to assess the performance of Waymo’s self-driving software in situations involving stopped school buses. The investigation aims to determine how the system is designed to comply with traffic laws related to school buses and to identify any potential defects in the automated driving system. The agency noted that, based on its engagement with Waymo, the likelihood of other similar incidents occurring is high.
Waymo’s Position
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has acknowledged the incident and stated that the vehicle approached the school bus from an angle where the flashing lights and stop sign were not visible. The company emphasized that the robotaxi drove slowly around the front of the bus, maintaining a safe distance from the children. Waymo has already developed and implemented improvements related to stopping for school buses and plans to introduce additional software updates in its next release.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the challenges autonomous vehicle manufacturers face in ensuring their systems can handle complex real-world scenarios, particularly those involving children and school buses. The NHTSA’s investigation highlights the need for rigorous testing and validation of self-driving technologies to ensure they adhere to all traffic laws and prioritize the safety of all road users.
Conclusion
As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent on public roads, incidents like this serve as critical reminders of the importance of safety and compliance with traffic regulations. The outcome of the NHTSA’s investigation will likely have significant implications for the future development and deployment of self-driving technologies.
