Official NHTSA report or public statement

NHTSA Expands Investigation into Waymo's Self-Driving Vehicles After Nine Additional Incidents in Austin

May 24, 2024, 02:35 PM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into the safety of Waymo's self-driving vehicles following 22 crashes since 2021. The investigation, which began on May 13, has been expanded to include nine additional incidents. These crashes involve collisions with clearly visible objects, such as parking lot gate arms, small objects, and parked cars, which a competent human driver would be expected to avoid. The investigation has raised concerns about the performance of Waymo's autonomous technology and its unexpected driving behaviors, including potential violations of traffic laws. Despite the ongoing federal probe, Waymo has stated it will not cease its operations in Austin. The company, a subsidiary of Alphabet, continues to face scrutiny over the safety of its driverless cars.