Google’s self-driving car startup Waymo is facing a preliminary investigation from federal safety regulators after its robotaxis have been linked to about 20 traffic accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Tuesday that it had received a total of 22 reports, including 17 where a self-driving Waymo vehicle was the “only vehicle” involved in an accident.
NHTSA application The agency’s investigation is focused on “.”[automated driving system] Acts that may cause a single collision or violation of traffic safety laws. ”
“Reports include collisions with stationary and semi-stationary objects such as gates and chains, collisions with parked vehicles, and instances where ADS appears to have failed to comply with traffic safety controls,” NHTSA said.
In other incidents, Waymo vehicles allegedly “traveled in oncoming traffic with nearby oncoming vehicles or entered construction zones,” authorities added, citing publicly available reports.
The newspaper has reached out to NHTSA for further comment.
Robotaxis are primarily used in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix.
When asked for comment, a Waymo spokesperson said the company provides “more than 50,000 trips a week to our passengers in some of the most difficult and complex environments” and cooperated with the investigation. He indicated his intention to do so.
“NHTSA plays a critical role in road safety, and we will continue to work with them as part of our mission to be the world’s most trusted drivers,” a Waymo spokesperson said in a statement following the investigation. said.
The preliminary investigation is part of NHTSA’s process and could ultimately lead to a recall if investigators find enough cause for concern.
The announcement is just the latest sign that federal safety officials are scrutinizing autonomous and semi-autonomous driving software, which is becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
NHTSA is in the midst of a long-running investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot software.
In December, Tesla sent an over-the-air software update to nearly all of its cars in the U.S. to remind drivers to use extra caution when Autopilot is activated.
Earlier this week, the agency also announced an investigation into Amazon-owned Zoox after two Toyota Highlanders equipped with self-driving technology were involved in accidents.
with post wire
