Tempe, Arizona — Waymo, the self-driving taxi service operated by Alphabet, is planning to initiate a voluntary software recall following incidents where its autonomous vehicles reportedly passed stopped school buses. This troubling behavior has raised concerns about road safety, particularly for children.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating Waymo’s operations after multiple reports indicated that its autonomous vehicles failed to halt for buses with deployed stop signs and flashing lights. A media report unveiled video footage showing a Waymo car navigating around a stopped school bus in Atlanta, igniting further scrutiny.

Documentation from the Austin Independent School District revealed at least 19 instances where Waymo vehicles allegedly passed school buses without stopping. One alarming case described a Waymo vehicle cruising past a bus mere moments after a student had crossed in front and was still in the street.

Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, Mauricio Peña, acknowledged the company’s commitment to safety, noting the need for continuous improvement. He mentioned that while Waymo prides itself on a strong safety record, the company recognizes that certain behaviors must improve. Acknowledging the software issues that contributed to these incidents, Peña stated that updates would be implemented to address these deficiencies.

The NHTSA has recorded that Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have logged over 100 million miles since July of last year, amassing approximately 2 million additional miles weekly. However, given this extensive use, regulators are concerned about the potential for similar incidents occurring in the past. The agency is now seeking detailed information from Waymo regarding previous emergencies, including a response deadline set for January 20, 2026.

Despite these setbacks, Waymo maintains that its vehicles are generally safer than those operated by human drivers. The company cites substantial reductions in serious accidents in the cities where it operates. Independent analyses have corroborated these claims, demonstrating that Waymo vehicles are far less likely to cause accidents than traditional vehicles.

As the automated vehicle sector continues to expand, incidents like these underline the importance of safety protocols and regulatory oversight in advancing autonomous technology. Waymo’s proactive approach to address this issue through a recall demonstrates a commitment to improving safety features, ensuring safer roads for all users.