tech
January 29, 2026
Waymo robotaxi hits a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica
The child, whose age is not public, sustained minor injuries according to Waymo. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating.
TL;DR
- A Waymo robotaxi collided with a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica on January 23.
- The child sustained minor injuries, and their age and identity are not publicly available.
- The NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both opened investigations into the accident.
- Waymo reported the robotaxi was traveling at six miles per hour after braking, and the child suddenly entered the roadway.
- The incident occurred near the elementary school during normal school drop-off hours, with other children, a crossing guard, and double-parked vehicles present.
- The NHTSA is examining if the autonomous vehicle exercised appropriate caution.
- Waymo is also facing separate investigations regarding its robotaxis passing school buses.
- Waymo stated a human driver in the same situation would have made contact at approximately 14 mph.
Continue reading
the original article