Santa Monica, California, January 30, 2026
A recent incident involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle that struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica has sparked safety concerns over self-driving cars. The collision occurred during morning drop-off hours, leading federal authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event and the vehicle’s compliance with safety protocols in school zones. While the child sustained minor injuries, Waymo’s response and the ongoing federal investigation highlight the pressing issues regarding the safety of autonomous vehicles, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas.
Santa Monica, California
Waymo Incident Raises Safety Concerns for Autonomous Vehicles
Federal authorities are investigating a recent incident involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle that struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California. The collision occurred on January 23, 2026, during morning drop-off hours, raising concerns about the safety of self-driving cars in school zones.
Incident Details
The accident took place near Grant Elementary School, located at 24th and Pearl streets. Reports indicate that the child ran into the street from behind a double-parked SUV and was subsequently struck by the Waymo vehicle. Fortunately, the child sustained minor injuries and was able to walk to the sidewalk after the incident. Notably, the Waymo vehicle was operating without a safety driver at the time of the collision. The company promptly reported the incident to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Waymo’s Response
Waymo issued a statement explaining that its vehicle detected the child as soon as they emerged from behind the parked vehicle. The Waymo Driver responded by braking hard, reducing the vehicle’s speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact was made. The company emphasized that a fully attentive human driver in a similar situation would have made contact with the pedestrian at closer to 14 mph, highlighting the potential safety advantages of autonomous technology.
Federal Investigation
The NHTSA has launched an investigation to ascertain whether the Waymo vehicle exercised appropriate caution given its proximity to the elementary school during high-traffic drop-off hours. This incident adds to the growing concerns regarding the safety of autonomous vehicles, especially in areas with a notable presence of pedestrians, such as school zones.
Background on Autonomous Vehicle Safety
As autonomous vehicles gain traction, scrutiny over their safety has intensified. In a recent incident in November 2025, a Waymo vehicle in San Francisco struck and killed a neighborhood cat, sparking public outcry and prompting further investigations into the company’s safety protocols. Additionally, Waymo is under investigation concerning its compliance with school bus safety regulations, with reports of its vehicles allegedly passing stopped school buses in other cities.
Waymo’s Safety Record
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has positioned itself as a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, operating driverless taxis in various metropolitan areas. The company claims to have significantly reduced the incidence of injury-causing crashes compared to human drivers. However, situations like the recent incident in Santa Monica serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges associated with ensuring the safety of these vehicles, particularly in environments with high pedestrian activity.
Public Concerns and Future Implications
The incident in Santa Monica underscores the urgent need for rigorous safety standards and enhanced transparency from companies engaged in autonomous vehicle technologies. As these vehicles become more ubiquitous, addressing public concerns and implementing effective safety measures is crucial. It is essential to protect all road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians in proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods.
FAQ
What happened in the Waymo incident in Santa Monica?
On January 23, 2026, a Waymo autonomous vehicle struck a child near Grant Elementary School in Santa Monica during morning drop-off hours. The child ran into the street from behind a double-parked SUV and sustained minor injuries. Waymo reported the incident to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is cooperating with the investigation.
What is Waymo’s response to the incident?
Waymo stated that its vehicle detected the child as soon as they emerged from behind the stopped vehicle. The Waymo Driver braked hard, reducing speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact was made. Waymo emphasized that a fully attentive human driver in the same situation would have made contact with the pedestrian at approximately 14 mph, highlighting the safety benefits of their autonomous system.
What is the NHTSA investigating?
The NHTSA is investigating whether the Waymo vehicle exercised appropriate caution given its proximity to the elementary school during drop-off hours and the presence of young pedestrians. This incident adds to growing concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.
Has Waymo faced other safety incidents?
Yes, Waymo has faced other safety-related challenges. In November 2025, a Waymo vehicle in San Francisco struck and killed a neighborhood cat, leading to public outcry and further investigations into the company’s safety protocols. Additionally, separate investigations have been initiated into Waymo’s compliance with school bus safety rules, with reports of the vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses in other cities.
What is Waymo’s safety record?
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has been a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, operating driverless taxis in various cities. The company claims that its vehicles have significantly reduced injury-causing crashes compared to human drivers. However, incidents like the one in Santa Monica highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of autonomous vehicles, particularly in environments with high pedestrian traffic.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | January 23, 2026 |
| Location | Santa Monica, California |
| Involved Parties | Waymo autonomous vehicle, child pedestrian |
| Injuries | Minor injuries to child |
| Investigation | NHTSA investigating vehicle’s caution in school zone |
| Waymo’s Response | Reported incident, cooperating with investigation, highlights safety benefits of autonomous system |
| Previous Incidents | San Francisco cat incident, investigations into school bus safety compliance |
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