The expansion of robotaxi services by companies like Waymo and Zoox has led to an unexpected increase in injuries among test drivers. According to data reviewed from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), these workers suffered over two dozen injuries in 2024 and 2025 due to abrupt vehicle movements such as hard braking and sudden swerving. These incidents have caused sprains, strains, whiplash, and other physical harm, with some drivers sidelined for extended periods. Transdev, which manages Waymo’s test drivers, reported 16 such injuries across multiple cities, while Zoox accounted for up to eight injuries linked to similar hard braking events.

Waymo has significantly scaled its autonomous vehicle testing since 2025, growing its fleet from 1,500 vehicles to over 3,500 by mid-2026. As the geographic scope of testing expanded, so did the number of injuries, with reports showing that five test driver injuries occurred in 2024 and increased to eleven in 2025, mostly caused by unexpected hard braking. One serious incident involved a driver whose hand was severely injured when a car abruptly reversed and twisted the steering wheel. Waymo and its managing partner Transdev have not disclosed injury data for 2026 yet, with OSHA's reporting requirements typically trailing by a year.

Zoox, owned by Amazon, has also faced ongoing challenges with its test fleet, primarily modified Toyota Highlanders outfitted with self-driving technology. Test drivers reported frequent "brake jabs," sudden stops triggered sometimes by false detection of road debris or system shutdowns called "nogos," leading to multiple injuries, including to instructors and drivers. Despite a recall in early 2025 aimed at reducing unexpected braking, issues persist as Zoox recently commenced commercial ride services in Las Vegas. Company representatives acknowledge the injury reports but emphasize their small incidence relative to millions of miles driven and insist that they follow all safety reporting protocols.

Both companies declined to provide detailed comments regarding the injuries but reaffirmed their commitment to safety as part of the broader effort to make autonomous vehicle services viable and secure. The injuries highlight the physical toll on humans tasked with overseeing these vehicles in real-world environments during their ongoing development and deployment. With robotaxi services rapidly increasing, ensuring the safety of test drivers remains a critical concern as the industry moves toward fully autonomous operations in more cities.