U.S. federal regulators have launched an investigation into Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing company, after numerous reports that its driverless vehicles illegally passed stopped school buses, a situation that poses a risk to children.
Federal investigation · Waymo
Regulators probe Waymo driverless cars over reports of passing stopped school buses
U.S. federal regulators have opened an investigation after multiple reports that Waymo's driverless vehicles drove past stopped school buses, a behavior that puts children at risk.
The rule at the center of the probe
In most U.S. states, drivers must stop when a school bus shows these signals.
SIGNAL 1
Stop arm extended
SIGNAL 2
Red lights flashing
WHY IT MATTERS
Children boarding or leaving may cross the road
REQUIRED ACTION
Vehicles must stop
What is known and what is not yet public
Key details have not been disclosed at the time of writing.
KNOWN
Investigation opened by U.S. federal regulators
Opened after multiple reports of Waymo vehicles passing stopped school buses
Concern centers on risk to children
NOT YET DISCLOSED
Number of incidents
Locations involved
Specific regulator findings
Waymo's response or software changes
Possible outcomes, from least to most far-reaching
Ordered by severity only. The steps do not measure size or likelihood.
Close inquiry without action
Require software updates
Recall vehicles
Impose operating restrictions
Where the technical risk sits
A failure at any layer can lead a vehicle to proceed when it should stop.
Sensors
Detect the stop arm, flashing lights and nearby pedestrians
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