Federal Probe After Waymo Self-Driving Car Hits Child in Santa Monica

Child Struck by Waymo Vehicle in Santa Monica on Jan. 23

Federal agencies are investigating a collision on Jan. 23 in Santa Monica, California, in which a Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school and caused minor injuries.

Incident Near Elementary School During Drop-Off Hours

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the incident occurred within two blocks of an elementary school during school drop-off hours. At the time of the collision, the vehicle was operating under its automated driving system with no safety operator inside.

According to an NHTSA statement, the child ran across the street from behind a double-parked SUV toward the school and was struck by the Waymo autonomous vehicle. Other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles were in the area when the collision occurred.

Waymo Describes Vehicle Response and Aftermath

Waymo stated that its technology detected the child as soon as the child began to emerge from behind the stopped vehicle. The company said the autonomous driving system braked hard, slowing the vehicle from approximately 17 miles per hour to under 6 miles per hour before contact was made.

Waymo reported that after the contact, the child stood up and walked to the sidewalk. The company said it called 911 following the incident. According to Waymo, the vehicle remained stopped, then moved to the side of the road, and stayed there until law enforcement cleared it to leave the scene.

The NHTSA stated that, according to Waymo, the child sustained minor injuries. The age of the child has not been released. Officials have not provided information about the vehicle’s route or whether any passengers were inside at the time.

Federal Safety Investigations Underway

Waymo said it reported the collision to the NHTSA on the day it occurred and indicated that it would cooperate fully with the agency throughout the investigation process.

The NHTSA said its investigation will examine whether the self-driving vehicle exercised appropriate caution given its proximity to the elementary school during drop-off hours and the presence of young pedestrians and other potentially vulnerable road users.

The National Transportation Safety Board, working in coordination with the Santa Monica Police Department, has also opened a safety investigation into the crash.