Waymo robotaxis malfunction in traffic and require emergency responder assistance
Waymo robotaxis have experienced multiple malfunctions including stalling at intersections, becoming stuck in drive-thrus, and failing to recognize school bus stops, requiring police and firefighter intervention. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating reports of safety failures, including an incident where a Waymo vehicle struck a child near a school in Santa Monica, California.
What happened
Waymo robotaxis have stalled in intersections during a power outage and become stuck in drive-thrus.
One Waymo vehicle drove through an active crime scene while police yelled at it to go the other way in November.
Waymo robotaxis have allegedly illegally passed stopped school buses and in one case struck a child crossing a street near a school in Santa Monica, California in January.
First responders have been required to intervene when Waymo vehicles malfunction, with police moving vehicles from roadways and communicating with remote operators to relocate stuck vehicles.
Reported impact
The malfunctions have caused traffic disruptions in affected areas.
First responders have had to dedicate resources to assist Waymo vehicles, with local officials expressing concern about public funds being used to support the company's operations.
Index analysis
According to an expert quoted, approximately 90 to 95 per cent of situations where autonomous vehicles encounter trouble are routine for human drivers but rare for autonomous vehicles because they lack contextual understanding.
The vehicles appear to know traffic rules but do not understand them in context, such as giving right of way incorrectly and failing to recognize school bus stops despite apparent rule knowledge.
Governance controls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating reports of Waymos failing to stop for school buses.
California state Senator Dave Cortese introduced Senate Bill 1246 to require understanding of California traffic laws by operators of autonomous vehicles and to cap the number of vehicles a single operator can monitor.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.