Waymo Self-Driving Car Hits Child Near Santa Monica Elementary School

Federal investigation launched into incident as Waymo claims child 'suddenly entered roadway'

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:15pm

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A Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California last week, prompting a federal investigation into the incident. Waymo claims the child 'suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into our vehicle's path.' The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary review to examine the self-driving car's behavior and response in the school zone.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the safety of self-driving vehicles, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic like school zones. The federal investigation will scrutinize Waymo's technology and protocols to determine if the car acted with appropriate caution. As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, ensuring their safe operation near schools and in residential areas is crucial.

The details

According to reports, the Waymo self-driving vehicle was traveling at around 17 mph when it detected the child entering the roadway. The car immediately braked, slowing to under 6 mph before the collision. The child sustained only minor injuries and was able to walk to the sidewalk after the incident. Waymo has cooperated with authorities and called 911 following the collision.

  • The incident occurred last week near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California during drop-off hours.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The U.S. government agency responsible for writing and enforcing federal motor vehicle safety standards.

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What they’re saying

“The child 'suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into our vehicle's path.'”

— Waymo

What’s next

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to examine the Waymo vehicle's behavior in the school zone, including its speed and response after the collision.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and oversight as self-driving vehicles become more prevalent, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic like school zones. The federal investigation will be crucial in determining if Waymo's technology and response were appropriate, and in setting standards to ensure the safe operation of autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.