Waymo has submitted documents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as part of an ongoing investigation into a January incident where one of its robotaxis struck a nine-year-old girl near a school in Santa Monica, California. The crash occurred when the vehicle, a Jaguar I-Pace, was traveling at 17 miles per hour and slowed to six miles per hour before making contact with the child near its front-right headlight. The girl walked to the curb with minor injuries and did not require medical transport. This incident has prompted scrutiny from both NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with the latter expecting to release a detailed report after its 12-month review period.

NHTSA began its inquiry into the collision shortly after the event, issuing 12 detailed questions to Waymo in March, focusing on aspects such as how the company sets speed limits in school zones, any complaints about robotaxi behavior around schools, and technical details of its software systems. Waymo requested an extension to respond due to the complexity and volume of information requested. The company submitted partial answers as well as a formal extension request citing the need to balance providing useful information while minimizing excessive burdens on both parties. The responses now posted are heavily redacted to protect what Waymo describes as confidential business information.

The release of these documents marks a significant step forward in the regulatory review, with NHTSA indicating it is still evaluating additional submitted materials and will update its investigative file accordingly. While much of the content remains shielded from public view, the fact that Waymo has completed its document submissions suggests that the probe is advancing as planned. The agency’s focus remains on ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicle operations, especially in sensitive areas like school zones where vulnerable pedestrians are present.

This investigation highlights the regulatory challenges facing autonomous vehicle developers as they strive to integrate their technology safely into complex urban environments. Although no serious injuries resulted from the Santa Monica collision, the incident underscores the importance of system transparency and rigorous oversight. Waymo’s cooperation and the ongoing inquiries by NHTSA and NTSB will likely influence future policies and operational standards for robotaxis nationwide.