Waymo and Zoox test drivers have reported over two dozen injuries linked to sudden movements of autonomous vehicles in 2024 and 2025. The injuries primarily stem from hard braking and abrupt maneuvers, with Waymo's data showing 16 injuries across three cities and Zoox reporting eight incidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data highlights the risks associated with scaling robotaxi services.
Despite the reported injuries, both companies emphasize their commitment to safety and compliance with reporting requirements. As Zoox begins its commercial robotaxi service, the ongoing issues with hard braking raise concerns about the safety of test drivers and the operational challenges faced by autonomous vehicle companies as they expand their fleets and services.