Waymo Robotaxi Hits Child Near Elementary School, Sparking Federal Probe

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A Waymo autonomous vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California, last month, resulting in minor injuries. The incident has prompted a federal investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into whether Waymo's self-driving technology properly recognizes and responds to school environments and vulnerable pedestrians.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges autonomous vehicle companies face in navigating complex pedestrian scenarios, especially around schools where children's safety is paramount. The investigation will assess whether Waymo's autonomous driving system exercises appropriate caution and speed limits in these high-risk areas.

The details

The January 23rd collision occurred during school drop-off chaos, with a child running across the street from behind a double-parked SUV toward Grant Elementary. Waymo's 5th Generation system, operating without a human safety driver, detected the situation and braked, reducing speed from 17 mph to under 6 mph before impact. The child sustained minor injuries, stood up immediately, and walked away after fire department evaluation.

• The incident occurred on January 23, 2026 near Grant Elementary School in Santa Monica, California.
• NHTSA launched a preliminary probe into the collision shortly after the incident.

What’s next

The investigation's outcome will determine whether Waymo's robotaxi service faces new restrictions around schools in the future.