Waymo Recalls Self-Driving Cars Amid NHTSA Probe into School Bus Incidents
Waymo is voluntarily recalling self-driving cars for a software update after NHTSA launched an investigation into 19 incidents where vehicles improperly passed stopped school buses in Texas.
NPRWaymo will recall software after its self-driving cars passed stopped school buses
Epoch TimesWaymo Recalls Self-Driving Vehicles Amid Texas School Bus Violations
Fox BusinessWaymo to issue recall after reports of self-driving cars illegally passing stopped school buses in Texas
TechCrunchWaymo to issue software recall over how robotaxis behave around school buses
Overview
NHTSA began an investigation in October into Waymo's self-driving vehicles for improperly passing stopped school buses with flashing lights in Atlanta and Austin.
Waymo identified a software issue causing these incidents, where vehicles ignored stop arms and flashing lights, posing risks to pedestrians near schools.
The company voluntarily recalled its self-driving cars and implemented a software update on November 17 to address the identified problem and enhance vehicle performance.
Despite the software updates, five additional incidents occurred in November, according to a November 20 NHTSA letter, raising concerns about the fix's effectiveness.
Austin ISD police have cited Waymo vehicles 20 times, but the company has stated it will not cease operations near schools until all issues are fully resolved.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present a neutral account of Waymo's software recall, balancing the company's proactive measures with regulatory scrutiny. They detail specific incidents and official investigations without sensationalizing, providing context on software recalls and including Waymo's commitment to safety and continuous improvement, reflecting a balanced editorial approach.