Waymo robotaxis probed after reports of failing to stop for school buses

Core Points - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary investigation into approximately 2,000 Waymo self-driving vehicles due to reports of potential violations of traffic safety laws concerning stopped school buses [1][5] - The investigation follows a media report detailing an incident where a Waymo autonomous vehicle failed to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm deployed [2][3] - Waymo has acknowledged the incident and stated that it has already implemented improvements for stopping at school buses, with further software updates planned [3][4] Company Overview - Waymo operates a fleet of over 1,500 robotaxis in major U.S. cities, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin [4] - The company is owned by Alphabet and has plans for international expansion, with upcoming launches in cities such as Tokyo and London [6] Technology and Safety - The vehicle involved in the incident was equipped with Waymo's fifth-generation Automated Driving System (ADS) and was operating without a human safety driver at the time [3][7] - The company emphasizes that driving safely around children is a top priority, and the vehicle's approach to the school bus was due to an angle that obscured the visibility of the flashing lights and stop sign [3]