tech
February 9, 2026
Why Waymo is having a hard time stopping for school buses
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TL;DR
- Waymo robotaxis have been involved in at least 24 reported incidents of failing to stop for school buses in Austin since the start of the 2025 school year.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Waymo following these incidents.
- A software update intended to correct the school bus stopping issue has not been effective, with further violations occurring afterward.
- Waymo acknowledged a vehicle struck a child outside a Santa Monica elementary school on January 23rd, though the child sustained minor injuries.
- Experts suggest Waymo's shift towards 'end-to-end learning' and more 'confidently assertive' driving may be contributing to these safety lapses.
- Austin ISD reportedly asked Waymo to pause operations around schools during loading and unloading times, but the company refused.
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