The Breakdown 25

• A Waymo driverless vehicle struck a child near Grant Elementary School in Santa Monica on January 23, 2026, during the busy morning drop-off hours, raising immediate safety concerns.
• The child reportedly ran into the street from behind a double-parked SUV, leading to a collision while the vehicle was traveling at a low speed of under 6 mph.
• Initial police reports stated no injuries were sustained, but Waymo later communicated that the child did incur minor injuries, highlighting conflicting narratives surrounding the incident.
• In response to the accident, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Waymo's operations, particularly regarding the safety of autonomous vehicles in school zones.
• This incident has sparked intense discussions about the challenges and risks of integrating self-driving technology into everyday life, especially near vulnerable populations like schoolchildren.
• As Waymo operates a significant fleet in the West Los Angeles area, the ramifications of this event could shape future regulations and public perceptions of autonomous driving safety.