UPDATE: Waymo has just announced a voluntary software recall for its autonomous vehicles following alarming reports of robotaxis passing stopped school buses in Texas. The decision comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into 19 documented incidents, raising serious safety concerns.
The recall, confirmed by Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, Mauricio Peña, aims to address issues with the vehicles’ ability to appropriately slow down and stop near school buses, a critical safety measure for protecting children. “While we are incredibly proud of our strong safety record, holding the highest safety standards means recognizing when our behavior should be better,” Peña stated.
The troubling incidents, which occurred since the school year began in August, were recorded by cameras from the Austin Independent School District. Reports indicate that Waymo vehicles have illegally passed stopped buses on at least 19 occasions, prompting urgent scrutiny from authorities. The NHTSA is particularly focused on how Waymo’s autonomous driving system complies with school bus traffic safety laws.
In response to the growing concerns, Waymo has already implemented software updates across its fleet, ensuring that all vehicles are equipped with the latest fixes. However, the company will continue operations during this recall period. Peña emphasized, “We will continue analyzing our vehicles’ performance and making necessary fixes as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.”
The NHTSA is demanding answers from Waymo, with a deadline set for January 20, 2026. The investigation aims to determine the effectiveness of Waymo’s automated driving system in adhering to established safety laws surrounding stopped school buses.
This recall follows a history of incidents involving Waymo’s self-driving cars, including a viral moment when a passenger became trapped inside a vehicle driving in circles for several minutes. Additionally, there was a recent occurrence where a Waymo robotaxi drove into a police standoff in downtown Los Angeles, although the vehicle was only present for a brief moment.
With safety as the highest priority, Waymo is committed to learning from these incidents. “When we encounter unusual events, we learn from them as we continue improving road safety,” stated a Waymo spokesperson.
As the situation develops, it is crucial for parents and communities to stay informed about the safety measures being enacted by autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo. The company’s commitment to refining its systems will be closely watched as authorities continue to monitor compliance and safety practices.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Waymo navigates the challenges of ensuring safe autonomous driving technology.
