Bottom line: A Waymo autonomous vehicle slowed from 17 mph to 6 mph and hit a child who ran out from behind an SUV near an elementary school; the company says a human driver would have struck the child at a higher speed.
Waymo Self-Driving Car Hits Child Near Elementary School – What Really Happened?
Image: Waymo Self-Driving Car Hits Child Near Elementary School – What Really Happened? – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Waymo’s test fleet looks just like a regular midsize sedan – sleek body panels, chrome‑finished wheels, and a roof‑mounted sensor array that blends into the roofline. The design purposefully hides the technology so pedestrians feel comfortable around the car, a choice that has sparked debate after this incident.
Performance & Mileage
When the child emerged, the vehicle’s software applied emergency braking. The speed dropped from 17 mph (about 27 km/h) to 6 mph (10 km/h) before impact. Waymo’s data logs claim a human driver, reacting later, would have been traveling at a “much higher speed,” increasing the chance of a more severe injury.
The car’s electric powertrain delivers smooth acceleration, but the incident highlights that even with rapid deceleration, a collision can still occur if a pedestrian appears suddenly. Waymo says its sensors can detect obstacles within 2‑3 seconds, yet the real‑world reaction time is still limited by physics.
Price & Rivals
Waymo’s autonomous ride‑hailing service is priced similarly to traditional rideshare trips, but the cost of the underlying hardware and software development runs into the hundreds of millions. Rivals like Cruise and Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving (FSD) are racing to prove safety while keeping fares competitive.
| Engine | Electric motor (dual‑motor AWD) |
|---|---|
| Mileage | ~250 mi per charge (est.) |
| Price | Ride‑hail rates – roughly $1‑$2 per mile |
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FAQ
- Did the Waymo car brake in time? The vehicle reduced speed from 17 mph to 6 mph, but it still made contact with the child.
- How does Waymo’s safety compare to a human driver? Waymo says a human would have hit the child at a higher speed, suggesting the autonomous system reacted faster than a typical driver.
- Will this incident affect Waymo’s rollout? The company is reviewing the event, but it continues testing in several cities while working with regulators.
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Source: Read Official News
