Waymo plans to file a voluntary software recall after reports of its self-driving taxis illegally passing parked school buses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating after media reports showed a Waymo vehicle ignoring a stopped bus with flashing red lights. The Austin Independent School District reported 19 incidents where Waymo vehicles failed to stop, including a case where a vehicle passed while a student was crossing the road.
Waymo’s chief safety officer stated that maintaining safety standards requires acknowledging areas for improvement. The company identified a software issue linked to the incidents and is confident that an update will resolve it. While Waymo has emphasized its safety record, showing a significant reduction in crashes compared to human drivers, federal regulators are requesting more information about these events. NHTSA is continuing its investigation and has set a response deadline for Waymo of January 20, 2026.
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