The Rise of Machines: Autonomous Transport Rebels Against Traffic Rules

Self-driving taxis from Waymo are facing another rules exam, with no margin for error. According to Reuters, Alphabet is initiating a voluntary software recall after its vehicles in Texas unlawfully passed school buses with stop signs at least 19 times since the beginning of the school year. This is one of the most strictly regulated road situations in the U.S.: the driver must stop and wait for children to cross the road. The NHTSA investigation began in October, and the regulator has demanded detailed answers from Waymo regarding the Texas incidents, with a deadline set for January 20. The company admits that the issue may have been caused by software glitches: the vehicle initially slowed down or stopped, but then resumed motion, even with the bus still stationary. Waymo claims that the updates already implemented have significantly improved the vehicles’ behavior, and the recall will essentially distribute and fix the necessary software version across the fleet.