Vehicles Entered Closed Construction Zones
Alphabet’s self-driving unit Waymo has recalled nearly 3,900 robotaxis in the United States after a software issue raised fresh safety concerns.
The recall was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It comes after more than a dozen incidents in California and Arizona since early April.
According to the filing, some Waymo autonomous vehicles failed to detect ramp closure signs. The vehicles then entered closed freeway construction zones and lanes with active work underway.
Second Recall in Just Over a Month
Waymo said it identified an area that needed improvement around freeway construction zones. The company said it had voluntarily restricted freeway operations last month while making software updates.
The latest recall is Waymo’s second in just over a month. Earlier, the company recalled about 3,800 robotaxis after concerns that vehicles could enter flooded roads with higher speed limits.
That recall followed an April 20 incident in San Antonio, where a Waymo vehicle drove into a flooded lane during extreme weather. The vehicle was empty, and no injuries were reported.
Safety Investigations Continue
Waymo has issued several recalls over the past two years. These included problems linked to vehicle detection, road hazards, and prediction of nearby objects.
The company is also facing an NHTSA investigation after a self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica in January. The child suffered minor injuries.
In another case, the National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating an incident involving Waymo vehicles illegally passing a stopped school bus with activated lights.
The latest recall adds more pressure on the self-driving industry as regulators continue to examine robotaxi safety on public roads.
