Austin, January 15, 2026
The Austin Independent School District has requested Waymo to suspend its driverless vehicle operations during school bus pick-up and drop-off hours after 24 occurrences of its autonomous vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. The ongoing violations have raised safety concerns, prompting AISD to explore legal actions while Waymo seeks to address the issue through software updates.
Austin, Texas: Austin ISD Urges Waymo to Halt Driverless Cars Near School Buses After 24 Violations
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has called on Waymo to suspend its driverless vehicle operations during school bus pick-up and drop-off times following 24 documented instances of its autonomous vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses.
Recent Violations
Despite a voluntary software recall issued by Waymo in December 2025 to address this issue, AISD reports that violations have continued. The most recent incident occurred on January 12, 2026, when a Waymo vehicle was recorded passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended and lights flashing, while students were present in the vicinity.
District’s Response
In response to these ongoing violations, AISD has formally requested that Waymo cease operations during critical hours—specifically from 5:20 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—until the company can ensure its vehicles comply with traffic laws concerning school buses. AISD continues to explore all legal avenues to address this safety concern.
Waymo’s Position
Waymo has acknowledged the issue and implemented software updates aimed at improving the vehicles’ response to stopped school buses. The company maintains that safety is its top priority and asserts that its vehicles have a strong safety record, including a significant reduction in injury-related crashes compared to human drivers. Waymo has stated that it is committed to working collaboratively with AISD and other stakeholders to resolve the issue.
Background
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into Waymo’s autonomous vehicles after reports emerged of the vehicles passing stopped school buses in Austin. This investigation is part of a broader federal review of self-driving systems and their interactions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. NHTSA has requested detailed information from Waymo regarding its self-driving system and operations to assess compliance with traffic safety laws concerning school buses.
Implications
The ongoing violations have raised significant safety concerns within the Austin community. AISD emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic laws designed to protect students and has called for immediate corrective actions. The situation underscores the challenges associated with integrating autonomous vehicles into public roadways, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as school zones.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, both AISD and Waymo are under pressure to find a resolution that ensures the safety of students and the broader community. The outcome of this situation may have broader implications for the deployment and regulation of autonomous vehicles in school zones nationwide.
FAQ
- What is the Austin Independent School District (AISD) requesting from Waymo?
- AISD has formally requested that Waymo cease operations during school bus pick-up and drop-off times following 24 documented instances of its autonomous vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses.
- What is Waymo’s response to the ongoing violations?
- Waymo has acknowledged the issue, implemented software updates to improve vehicle responses to stopped school buses, and maintains that safety is its top priority. The company asserts that its vehicles have a strong safety record and is committed to working collaboratively with AISD to resolve the issue.
- What is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) doing about this issue?
- NHTSA has initiated an investigation into Waymo’s autonomous vehicles after reports emerged of the vehicles passing stopped school buses in Austin. The agency has requested detailed information from Waymo regarding its self-driving system and operations to assess compliance with traffic safety laws concerning school buses.
- What are the implications of these violations for the Austin community?
- The ongoing violations have raised significant safety concerns within the Austin community. AISD emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic laws designed to protect students and has called for immediate corrective actions. The situation underscores the challenges associated with integrating autonomous vehicles into public roadways, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as school zones.
- How might this situation affect the deployment of autonomous vehicles in school zones nationwide?
- The outcome of this situation may have broader implications for the deployment and regulation of autonomous vehicles in school zones nationwide, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures and compliance with traffic laws to protect students and pedestrians.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Count | 24 documented instances of Waymo vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses in Austin. |
| AISD’s Request | Cease operations during school bus pick-up and drop-off times until compliance with traffic laws is ensured. |
| Waymo’s Response | Acknowledged the issue, implemented software updates, and maintains a strong safety record. |
| NHTSA’s Investigation | Initiated an investigation into Waymo’s autonomous vehicles’ compliance with traffic safety laws concerning school buses. |
| Community Implications | Raised significant safety concerns within the Austin community, emphasizing the need for adherence to traffic laws to protect students. |
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