Alphabet’s self-driving subsidiary, Waymo, defended its safety record before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee following multiple federal investigations.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are probing recent safety failures. These incidents include a robotaxi striking a child at low speed and multiple vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses.
Waymo’s written testimony asserts its autonomous vehicles are involved in 10 times fewer crashes resulting in serious injury than human drivers. The company confirmed it is cooperating with federal investigators regarding the specific incidents.
Waymo is simultaneously urging Congress to pass federal legislation to advance the autonomous vehicle industry. The company cited intensifying competition from China as a primary reason for legislative urgency.