The U.S. government’s highway safety agency has launched an investigation into crashes involving Waymo’s self-driving vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received reports of 22 incidents involving Waymo vehicles either crashing or violating traffic laws. In response to the probe, Waymo stated that it values road safety and will cooperate with the agency. The company highlighted its track record of safety and transparency, with over 50,000 weekly trips undertaken in challenging environments. Despite Waymo’s assurance of safety, some experts believe that autonomous vehicles may not be ready for public roads yet.
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles were involved in crashes that resulted in collisions with stationary objects such as gates, chains, and parked vehicles. Some incidents occurred after the Waymo driving system behaved unexpectedly near traffic control devices. The NHTSA stated it has reports of 17 crashes and five reports of possible traffic law violations. Waymo clarified that its automated driving system was engaged during each incident, emphasizing its commitment to safety and ongoing mission to become the most trusted driver. However, critics argue that the recent investigations point to potential issues with the readiness of autonomous vehicles for public roads.
NHTSA’s recent investigations include collisions involving self-driving vehicles operated by Amazon-owned Zoox, as well as partially automated driver-assist systems offered by Tesla and Ford. The agency’s enforcement power currently involves opening investigations and seeking recalls, as demonstrated by recent actions taken against various companies. The probes heavily rely on data reported by automakers under an order issued in 2021. NHTSA has also questioned the effectiveness of recalls, such as the one for Tesla’s Autopilot system, which has been associated with numerous crashes resulting in injuries and deaths. The agency has also set performance standards for automatic emergency braking systems in response to safety concerns.
In response to growing concerns about the safety of automated driving systems, NHTSA has been more proactive in regulating these technologies. The agency has opened investigations into various incidents involving autonomous vehicles, highlighting the need for further scrutiny and oversight. Despite the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles, concerns about their readiness for public roads persist. Companies like Waymo face increased scrutiny as they navigate the challenges of ensuring the safety and reliability of self-driving technology. As the investigations continue, stakeholders in the industry are closely monitoring regulatory developments and their implications for the future of autonomous vehicles.
