Waymo, a leading autonomous driving company, has recalled 1,212 of its self-driving vehicles equipped with fifth-generation automated driving system (ADS) software. The recall comes after concerns were raised about the vehicles’ involvement in multiple collisions.
The company operates its services in four major cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin, with plans to expand to Atlanta and Miami. Between 2022 and late 2024, approximately 1,500 Waymo cars in operation were involved in 16 collisions, although no injuries were reported.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Waymo’s robotaxis, citing multiple instances where the vehicles collided with ‘clearly visible objects that a competent driver would be expected to avoid.’ In response, Waymo has introduced new technology to prevent future issues.
NHTSA Investigation and Waymo’s Response
The NHTSA’s investigation has highlighted concerns about the safety of Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. Waymo has stated that it provides ‘more than 250,000 paid trips every week in some of the most challenging driving environments in the U.S.’ and emphasized its record of reducing injuries over tens of millions of fully autonomous miles driven.
Despite the company’s claims of improving road safety, consumers have documented several bizarre incidents involving Waymo’s vehicles. For instance, a Waymo car once stopped traffic at a Chick-fil-A drive-thru for half an hour, causing a significant backlog. Residents in San Francisco have also complained about the noise generated by Waymo’s vehicles, particularly at night.
This recent recall follows a previous one involving 444 Waymo self-driving cars due to a software error. Waymo is working to scale its operations while aiming to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities. The company has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the recent developments.
As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, companies like Waymo face the challenge of balancing innovation with safety and public acceptance. The outcome of the NHTSA’s investigation will be crucial in determining the future of Waymo’s operations and the broader autonomous vehicle industry.
