Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are rapidly expanding across cities worldwide, promising safer and more efficient transport. However, recent incidents like the Waymo school bus event have raised questions about their safety and reliability. Are these self-driving cars truly ready for everyday use? Below, we explore the latest developments, safety concerns, and what companies are doing to improve AV safety for everyone.
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What happened in the Waymo school bus incident?
In September 2025, a Waymo autonomous vehicle in Atlanta failed to stop for a school bus with flashing lights and a stop arm, passing the bus while children were disembarking. The incident involved the vehicle maneuvering around the bus from a perpendicular side street, with no safety operator present. This event has prompted a federal investigation and raised concerns about AV safety around school buses.
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Are autonomous vehicles safe for public roads?
While AVs have logged over 100 million miles and are designed with safety as a priority, incidents like the recent school bus event highlight ongoing challenges. Experts agree that AV technology is improving, but safety depends on continuous software updates, rigorous testing, and regulatory oversight to ensure they can handle complex real-world situations.
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What is the US investigating about self-driving cars?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating about 2,000 Waymo vehicles following multiple incidents, including the recent school bus event. The investigation aims to assess how AVs respond to road hazards and ensure they meet safety standards, especially as companies expand their fleets across major US cities and internationally.
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How are companies improving AV safety?
Autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo are continuously updating their software to address safety concerns. After incidents, they develop and implement new algorithms, enhance sensor technology, and conduct extensive testing. These efforts aim to reduce accidents and improve the AVs' ability to navigate complex environments safely.
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Will autonomous vehicles be safe for children and pedestrians?
Ensuring safety around children and pedestrians is a top priority for AV developers. Companies are working on advanced sensors and AI systems to better detect and respond to vulnerable road users. While no system is perfect yet, ongoing improvements aim to make AVs safer for everyone, especially in busy areas like school zones.
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When will autonomous vehicles be fully trusted on all roads?
Full trust in autonomous vehicles depends on technological advancements, regulatory approval, and real-world testing. Experts believe that while AVs will become safer over time, widespread adoption will require years of rigorous safety assessments and public acceptance before they are trusted to operate independently in all conditions.