Waymo Cars 68% Safer Than Human Drivers: IIHS

Waymo's autonomous electric taxis are involved in 68% fewer crashes than the average human driver, according to a new report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS also found that Waymo vehicles experienced lower-severity crashes on average. This analysis, conducted by the IIHS, examined crash data from Waymo's operations in Phoenix, Arizona, and San Francisco, California, between May 2021 and April 2023.

The IIHS report highlights that while Waymo vehicles demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in crash involvement, the data is subject to certain limitations. One key caveat is the difference in operational design domains (ODDs) between autonomous vehicles and human drivers. Waymo's vehicles operate within specific, geofenced areas and under defined conditions, which may not fully reflect the diverse driving environments and scenarios encountered by human drivers. The report suggests that the controlled nature of Waymo's deployments could contribute to the observed safety improvements.

Furthermore, the IIHS noted that the data set, while substantial, is still developing. The report acknowledges that longer-term data collection and analysis will be necessary to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the safety performance of autonomous driving systems across a wider range of conditions and over extended periods. The IIHS is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage from vehicle crashes.