Regulators probe Waymo after its robotaxi drove around a stopped school bus

Core Points - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Waymo's autonomous vehicle performance after a robotaxi was seen maneuvering around a stopped school bus in Atlanta, Georgia [1][2] - The investigation will focus on how Waymo's self-driving software interacts with stopped school buses and compliance with related safety rules [2] - Waymo claims that the robotaxi could not see the bus's flashing lights or stop sign due to the bus partially blocking the driveway [2][3] Company Performance and Safety - Waymo emphasizes that safety is its top priority, stating that its vehicles are involved in fewer crashes than human-driven ones [3] - The company has issued software updates to improve the performance of its fleet in response to safety concerns [3] Expansion and Testing - 2023 has been a year of expansion for Waymo, with launches in Atlanta, Austin, and testing in various metro areas including New York City [4][7] - The company is also testing its robotaxis at major airports and has plans for further expansion into more cities by 2026 [4] Previous Investigations - This is not the first investigation by NHTSA into Waymo; previous probes have included issues with roadway barriers and vehicles entering wrong lanes or construction zones [8][9]