Waymo Robotaxi Strikes Child Near California School

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US auto safety regulators are investigating a Waymo autonomous vehicle that struck a child near a school in Santa Monica, California. The incident occurred on January 23rd within two blocks of an elementary school during drop-off hours, with children, a crossing guard, and other double-parked vehicles nearby.

Why it matters

This is the second recent probe into Waymo's behavior around children, raising concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles in areas with high pedestrian traffic, especially near schools. The incident highlights the challenges self-driving cars face in navigating complex urban environments with unpredictable human behavior.

The details

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Waymo robotaxi collided with a child who was running across the street from behind a double-parked SUV. The collision occurred within two blocks of an elementary school during the busy morning drop-off period, with many children, a crossing guard, and other double-parked vehicles in the vicinity.

• The incident took place on January 23, 2026.

What’s next

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will continue its investigation into the incident to determine the cause and any potential safety issues with Waymo's autonomous vehicles.