NHTSA Seeks More Details Amid Ongoing Probe on Waymo Incidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asked for additional details about the series of incidents involving Alphabet's Waymo self-driving units.

The safety agency launched a probe on Waymo after receiving more than 20 reports of possible traffic safety violations and collisions.

NHTSA Investigates Waymo After Series of Unexpected Behavior

Last month, the NHTSA opened an investigation into Waymo's operations after a series of reports revealed that its self-driving vehicles were exhibiting unexpected driving behavior. The preliminary evaluation recorded 22 incidents and 17 collisions.

The NHTSA shared that Waymo units were involved in collisions with clearly visible objects, citing that a competent driver would have avoided it. Waymo is now asked to submit comprehensive details of all the travel on public roads by August 6.

The agency is specifically requiring Waymo to include "reports including collisions with stationary and semi-stationary objects such as gates and chains, collisions with parked vehicles, and instances in which the (automated driving system) appeared to disobey traffic safety controls."

Waymo Promises to Cooperate with NHTSA Probe

Waymo previously stated that the company is proud of its safety record over tens of millions of autonomous miles driven. The company, which has yet to address the incidents, only shared that it will work closely with the NHTSA.

The auto safety agency will continue to investigate Waymo's self-driving vehicles due to possible increases in crashes, property damage, and injury to civilians. The report also noted that some of the incidents happened near pedestrians.

Outside the probe, Waymo has been expanding its services after receiving approval in Los Angeles and cities near San Francisco. The company has served more than 50,000 weekly trips, including areas with complex environments.

Waymo is also available in Austin, Texas as part of its autonomous service for its employees.