Story perspectives

Waymo Faces Scrutiny Over Self-Driving School Bus Incidents

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is intensifying its investigation into Waymo due to reports of its self-driving cars illegally passing stopped school buses in Austin, Texas.
The Austin Independent School District recorded 19 incidents this school year, with five occurring after a software update.
Local officials have requested Waymo to suspend operations during school pick-up and drop-off times, but the company has declined.
Waymo's expansion into new markets has raised safety concerns among residents and officials, including California State Senator Dave Cortese, who calls for stricter regulations on autonomous vehicles.

History

Historical Context

California's Assembly Bill 371, passed in 2018, mandated safety regulations for autonomous vehicles, particularly around schools. Recent incidents in Austin, where Waymo vehicles reported 19 violations, underscore ongoing safety concerns. As local officials advocate for stricter regulations, the future of self-driving technology hangs in the balance, potentially reshaping industry standards and public confidence in autonomous vehicles.

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Story summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is intensifying its investigation into Waymo due to reports of its self-driving cars illegally passing stopped school buses in Austin, Texas.
The Austin Independent School District recorded 19 incidents this school year, with five occurring after a software update.
Local officials have requested Waymo to suspend operations during school pick-up and drop-off times, but the company has declined.
Waymo's expansion into new markets has raised safety concerns among residents and officials, including California State Senator Dave Cortese, who calls for stricter regulations on autonomous vehicles.

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