Waymo‘s Self-Driving System Under Scrutiny: NHTSA Probes Additional Incidents
A Growing List of Concerns
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Federal regulators are intensifying their scrutiny of Waymo’s self-driving technology following the discovery of nine new incidents that raise further questions about the safety of its autonomous vehicles operating in Phoenix and San Francisco. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) launched a preliminary investigation earlier this month after receiving 22 reports of Waymo robotaxis engaging in sudden maneuvers that resulted in crashes or potentially violated traffic safety laws.
This investigation, which focuses on the software’s ability to avoid collisions with stationary objects and its effectiveness in detecting and responding to traffic control devices like cones, has now expanded to include these additional incidents. Waymo has yet to provide a public statement regarding the ongoing probe; TheTrendyType will update this article if a response is received from the Alphabet-owned company.
Details of the New Incidents
The newly added incidents encompass a range of concerning behaviors exhibited by Waymo robotaxis. Reports indicate collisions with gates, utility poles, and parked cars, as well as instances of driving in the wrong lane with oncoming traffic and venturing into construction zones. These occurrences highlight potential vulnerabilities in the software’s ability to navigate complex real-world scenarios safely.
NHTSA Expresses Concern
The ODI has expressed serious concerns that these sudden driving behaviors could significantly increase the risk of crashes, property damage, and injuries. While no accidents resulting from these incidents have been reported, several involved collisions with visible objects that a human driver would be expected to avoid. Furthermore, some of these incidents occurred in close proximity to pedestrians, raising additional safety concerns.
Waymo’s Response Anticipated
NHTSA has set a deadline of June 11 for Waymo to provide detailed responses to a series of questions related to the investigation. The agency’s actions underscore the growing scrutiny surrounding autonomous driving technology and the need for robust safety measures to protect both passengers and the public.
Increased Regulatory Focus on Autonomous Vehicles
This investigation into Waymo follows another recent probe launched by NHTSA into Amazon-backed Zoox. The agency opened an investigation after receiving reports of Zoox’s autonomous Toyota Highlanders unexpectedly triggering their brakes, resulting in rear-end collisions with bicycles. This heightened regulatory focus emphasizes the importance of ensuring that autonomous driving technology meets rigorous safety standards before widespread deployment.
