Waymo Announces Voluntary Software Recall Following Reports of Self-Driving Taxis Passing School Buses Illegally
Waymo, an autonomous ride-hailing service, is planning to issue a voluntary software recall following reports of its self-driving taxis illegally passing stopped school buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation after a media report highlighted a Waymo vehicle failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm deployed. The NHTSA also received a letter from the Austin Independent School District detailing instances of Waymo vehicles passing school buses illegally and dangerously.
Waymo's Chief Safety Officer, Mauricio Peña, acknowledged the need for improvement in the company's behavior and stated that a voluntary software recall will be filed with the NHTSA. Waymo identified a software issue contributing to the incidents and plans to address it through updates. Despite the incidents, Waymo emphasized that no injuries have resulted from this problem.
As a subsidiary of Alphabet, Waymo has prioritized safety in its operations, boasting significantly fewer crashes compared to human drivers. Independent analyses support Waymo's safety claims, showing a substantial reduction in crashes with serious injuries and pedestrian injuries involving Waymo's autonomous vehicles. However, federal regulators are seeking more information from Waymo regarding these incidents.
With over 100 million miles of driving under its belt, Waymo continues to accumulate 2 million miles per week. The NHTSA believes that similar incidents may have occurred in the past and has requested detailed information from Waymo. The agency set a deadline for Waymo to respond to its inquiries by January 20, 2026.
In conclusion, Waymo's commitment to safety is evident in its response to the reported incidents involving its autonomous vehicles. The company's proactive approach to addressing software issues and cooperating with regulators underscores its dedication to ensuring the safety of passengers and pedestrians.