A Waymo robotaxi struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica on January 23, triggering fresh scrutiny of autonomous vehicles operating around schools. Collision near campus The crash occurred on a residential street near an elementary school during daytime hours. The probe adds to two other active federal reviews involving Waymo vehicles. In that case, a Waymo robotaxi passed a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended. Together, the cases reflect growing concern over how autonomous vehicles respond in school-related environments.