Georgia leaders call for action after self-driving Waymo cars caught illegally passing school buses

Multiple videos obtained by 11Alive show Waymo self-driving cars illegally passing stopped Atlanta Public Schools buses

(NBC)- Multiple videos obtained by 11Alive show Waymo self-driving cars illegally passing stopped Atlanta Public Schools buses — even with stop signs extended and lights flashing. The district has reported six violations so far, prompting growing concern in Georgia and beyond. Similar incidents in Austin, Texas, have triggered federal scrutiny as Waymo continues expanding its autonomous fleet across the country.

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts, a long-time advocate for autonomous vehicle innovation, said the footage is troubling.
“One of my goals has been to make Fulton County and the state of Georgia the autonomous vehicle capital of the world,” Pitts said. “But these incidents raise concerns.”

While the county lacks regulatory power over Atlanta streets or Waymo operations, Pitts said a temporary pause during school pick-up and drop-off hours may be needed to prevent a tragedy.

Late Friday, Waymo announced it is issuing a voluntary software recall tied to the school bus incidents. The company says it identified a flaw where its vehicles may slow or stop for a bus — and then proceed anyway. A November 17 software update has reportedly improved performance, and engineers are continuing to investigate and refine the system.

But some lawmakers say that’s not enough. Georgia State Senator Rick Williams, co-author of Addy’s Law, which increased penalties for illegally passing a school bus, says the videos speak for themselves.
“We truly and plainly can see them riding right past a school bus,” he said.

Williams says he is drafting legislation to strengthen oversight of autonomous vehicles — but he’s also calling for immediate intervention from state and federal leaders.
“Complete stoppage,” he urged. “School buses are out from 5:30 in the morning to 7 o’clock at night. It’s too dangerous at all hours.”

Officials say discussions around safety standards and regulation are ongoing as the investigation continues.