Uber and Waymo launch autonomous rides in Austin, Texas.
Waymo is issuing a voluntary recall of its self-driving vehicles after Texas officers reported no less than 19 incidents of the automobiles passing stopped faculty buses.
The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) on Wednesday requested Waymo to clarify the Texas incidents by Jan. 20.
The company opened an investigation in October into how Waymo automobiles behave round faculty buses, Reuters reported.
“Whereas we’re extremely happy with our sturdy security document exhibiting Waymo experiences twelve instances fewer harm crashes involving pedestrians than human drivers, holding the best security requirements means recognizing when our conduct must be higher,” Waymo Chief Security Officer Mauricio Peña informed FOX Enterprise in an e mail.
US INVESTIGATING WAYMO AFTER FOOTAGE CAPTURES SELF-DRIVING CARS ILLEGALLY MOVING PAST SCHOOL BUSES IN TEXAS
A Waymo self-driving minivan fitted with LiDAR and cameras in Los Angeles in March 2025. (Smith Assortment/Gado/Getty Photographs / Getty Photographs)
Peña mentioned the recall will deal with problems with “appropriately slowing and stopping,” noting the corporate believes the issue stems from a software program situation.
“We’ll proceed analyzing our automobiles’ efficiency and making crucial fixes as a part of our dedication to steady enchancment,” Peña added.
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Safety footage exhibits a white Waymo self-driving automotive passing a parked faculty bus with its cease indicators prolonged and lights flashing in Austin, Texas. (Austin Unbiased College District / Fox Information)
The Austin Unbiased College District (AISD) informed FOX Enterprise earlier this week that Waymo automobiles had been cited 20 instances as of Monday and that the corporate refused to halt operations close to colleges.
Footage supplied by AISD exhibits no less than 19 incidents for the reason that faculty yr started through which Waymo automobiles traveled previous stopped faculty buses with flashing crimson lights and cease arms deployed, whereas pedestrians have been visibly strolling in close by streets and crosswalks.
WAYMO RECALLS 1,200 DRIVERLESS VEHICLES FOR SOFTWARE UPDATE
A Waymo self-driving Jaguar I-PACE SUV waits at an intersection in San Francisco March 18, 2025. (Smith Assortment/Gado/Getty Photographs / Getty Photographs)
The movies present that, in some circumstances, Waymo automobiles initially slowed or stopped for varsity buses earlier than continuing by way of.
AISD reported 5 incidents in November after Waymo had applied software program updates, Reuters reported, citing a Nov. 20 letter posted by NHTSA.
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FOX Enterprise’ Bonny Chu contributed to this report.
