US opens probe after Waymo self-driving vehicle strikes child near school, causing minor injuries

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday it is opening an investigation after a Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California last week, causing minor injuries.

The agency said the child ran across the street on January 23 from behind a double parked SUV towards the school and was struck by the Alphabet-unit Waymo autonomous vehicle during normal school drop off hours. The agency said there were other children, a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles in the vicinity.

NHTSA is opening a preliminary evaluation to investigate whether the Waymo AV exercised appropriate caution given its proximity to the elementary school during drop off hours, and the presence of young pedestrians and other potential vulnerable road users. The agency said it plans to examine the vehicle's "intended behavior in school zones and neighboring areas, especially during normal school pick up/drop off times, including but not limited to its adherence to posted speed limits" and will "also investigate Waymo's post-impact response."

-David Shepardson/Reuters