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yesterday

Feds Probe Waymo After Child Is Hit Near School as Teamsters Urge License Suspension

Officials are examining whether the driverless taxi used proper caution in a school zone following earlier bus-safety concerns.

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A Waymo Zeekr robotaxi model, developed with Chinese automaker Geely, is shown charging at a public charging station during testing before the driverless services begins its expansion in San Diego, California, U.S. November 19, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
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Overview

  • NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened a case into a Jan. 23 collision near a Santa Monica elementary school during morning drop-off.
  • Agency documents describe nearby children, a crossing guard and double-parked vehicles, and state the child’s injuries were minor.
  • Waymo reports the child ran from behind a double-parked SUV, the robotaxi braked hard and slowed to about 6 mph, then pulled over and contacted emergency services.
  • Federal safety officials are also reviewing Waymo’s behavior around stopped school buses after incidents in Austin and Atlanta, following a December recall of more than 3,000 vehicles.
  • Teamsters California called on the California Public Utilities Commission to indefinitely suspend Waymo’s operating license while investigations proceed.