The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it has launched a preliminary investigation into Waymo after a self-driving vehicle struck a child in Santa Monica, raising safety questions as the company pursues expansion into Illinois, including Chicago.
According to USA Today, a Waymo autonomous vehicle struck a child on January 23 near a Santa Monica elementary school during drop-off hours, with the child sustaining minor injuries after running from behind a parked SUV. The incident prompted NHTSA to examine vehicle caution around schools and pedestrians. Waymo reported the crash immediately and committed to cooperating.
Concerns have been raised by opponents of Waymo’s proposed Illinois expansion over safety records, snowy conditions, and oversight for autonomous vehicles. NBC Chicago reports that a bill would enable a pilot in Cook County including Chicago plus other areas, with critics questioning performance in winter weather. Waymo states its vehicles show fewer serious crashes than human-driven ones.
A review of national data shows broader trends regarding autonomous vehicle incidents. Craft Law Firm analysis of NHTSA data shows that as of November 17, 2025, 5,202 autonomous vehicle accidents occurred in the United States, encompassing advanced driver assistance systems. About 7.4 percent led to injuries and 1.2 percent to fatalities. The incidents have increased over time, with Tesla accounting for the majority.
Waymo operates as an Alphabet Inc. subsidiary focused on autonomous vehicle technology development since 2009, offering ride-hailing in select U.S. cities via sensor-equipped electric vehicles. According to Waymo, it has logged over 20 million rider-only miles while prioritizing safety enhancements through ongoing data analysis.
