A Waymo autonomous vehicle struck a child near a Santa Monica school, leading to a federal investigation into the safety of self-driving cars in school zones.
Federal safety regulators are intensifying their scrutiny of self-driving cars following a serious incident involving Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet. The investigation focuses on a Waymo vehicle that struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California, during morning drop-off hours.
The crash occurred on January 23, raising immediate concerns about the behavior of autonomous vehicles in school zones and their ability to respond to unpredictable pedestrian movements. On January 29, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed it had opened a preliminary investigation into Waymo’s automated driving system.
According to documents released by the NHTSA, the incident took place within two blocks of the elementary school during peak drop-off times. The area was bustling with activity, including multiple children, a crossing guard, and several vehicles double-parked along the street.
Investigators reported that the child ran into the roadway from behind a double-parked SUV while heading toward the school. The Waymo vehicle struck the child, who sustained minor injuries. Notably, there was no safety operator inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation is examining whether the autonomous system acted with appropriate caution given its proximity to a school zone and the presence of young pedestrians. The investigation will assess how Waymo’s automated driving system is designed to operate in and around school zones, particularly during busy pickup and drop-off times.
This includes evaluating whether the vehicle adhered to posted speed limits, how it responded to visual cues such as crossing guards and parked vehicles, and whether its post-crash response met federal safety standards. The agency is also reviewing Waymo’s actions following the incident.
Waymo stated that it voluntarily contacted regulators on the same day as the crash and expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the company emphasized its dedication to improving road safety for both riders and other road users.
“At Waymo, we are committed to improving road safety, both for our riders and all those with whom we share the road,” the company said. “Part of that commitment is being transparent when incidents occur, which is why we are sharing details regarding an event in Santa Monica, California, on Friday, January 23, where one of our vehicles made contact with a young pedestrian.”
Waymo explained that the incident occurred when the pedestrian suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into the vehicle’s path. The Waymo technology detected the individual as soon as they began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle. The Waymo Driver braked hard, reducing speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact was made.
“To put this in perspective, our peer-reviewed model shows that a fully attentive human driver in this same situation would have made contact with the pedestrian at approximately 14 mph,” Waymo stated. “This significant reduction in impact speed and severity is a demonstration of the material safety benefit of the Waymo Driver.”
Following the incident, the pedestrian stood up immediately, walked to the sidewalk, and 911 was called. The vehicle remained stopped, moved to the side of the road, and stayed there until law enforcement cleared it to leave the scene. Waymo emphasized that this event highlights the critical value of its safety systems.
Waymo vehicles are classified as Level 4 autonomy on the NHTSA’s six-level scale. At Level 4, the vehicle manages all driving tasks within specific service areas, and a human driver is not required to intervene. However, these systems do not operate everywhere and are currently limited to ride-hailing services in select cities.
The NHTSA has clarified that Level 4 vehicles are not available for consumer purchase, even though passengers may ride inside them. This latest investigation follows a previous NHTSA evaluation that began in May 2024, which examined reports of Waymo vehicles colliding with stationary objects like gates, chains, and parked cars. That investigation was closed in July 2025 after regulators reviewed the data and Waymo’s responses.
Safety advocates argue that the new incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding the operation of autonomous vehicles, particularly in sensitive environments like school zones. The investigation could influence how regulators establish expectations for autonomous driving systems near schools, playgrounds, and other areas with vulnerable pedestrians.
For parents, commuters, and riders, the outcome of this investigation may affect where and when autonomous vehicles are permitted to operate. The challenges posed by self-driving technology highlight the complexities of ensuring safety in scenarios involving human unpredictability, especially when children are involved.
Federal investigators now face a crucial question: Did the system act as cautiously as it should have in one of the most sensitive driving environments possible? The answer to this question could play a significant role in shaping the future of autonomous vehicle regulation in the United States.
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