SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 6, 2025 – Streets in cities served by Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are becoming noticeably safer, according to new research from the company behind the Waymo Driver. From fewer injury-causing crashes to dramatically better outcomes for pedestrians and cyclists, the data highlights a powerful shift toward safer, more livable communities driven by self-driving technology.
Waymo’s newly released research paper, set to appear in the Traffic Injury Prevention journal, takes a deep dive into how its autonomous driving system is impacting public safety. The results speak volumes: Waymo Driver is not just matching human performance—it’s outperforming it in critical ways, especially when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable people on the road.
Safer Streets, Fewer Crashes
The report draws on 56.7 million miles of autonomous driving data and compares it directly with human driving benchmarks across 11 different crash types. The takeaway? Waymo’s vehicles are consistently safer, regardless of who was at fault.
Key findings include:
- 92% reduction in crashes involving pedestrians
- 82% fewer crashes involving cyclists
- 82% reduction in crashes involving motorcyclists
- 96% decrease in injury-related intersection crashes
- 85% drop in suspected serious injury crashes
These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re life-changing. As Waymo Chief Safety Officer Mauricio Peña puts it, “This research reinforces the growing evidence that the Waymo Driver is playing a crucial role in reducing serious crashes and protecting all road users.”
Why This Matters for Everyday Commuters
For people walking, biking, or simply navigating busy intersections, Waymo’s technology offers tangible peace of mind. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), intersection-related incidents are a leading source of serious injury crashes. Waymo’s success here is largely due to its advanced detection capabilities, such as identifying vehicles running red lights and reacting appropriately.
Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association, notes, “Fewer crashes and fewer injuries, especially for people walking and biking, are exactly the kind of progress we want to see from autonomous vehicles.”
A Future with Fewer Tragedies
Waymo’s long-term goal is a bold one: zero traffic deaths and serious injuries. While serious crashes are fortunately rare, Waymo is committed to continuing its research to build even more confidence as its vehicles log more miles.
The recent findings are part of Waymo’s broader Safety Impact Hub and build on previous data, including research by Swiss Re, which also found a positive safety contribution when accounting for crash causation.
Where and When Can You Experience It?
Waymo Driver is already active in select cities, and its coverage continues to expand. While availability may vary by location, residents in Waymo-serviced areas can already experience the benefits of this next-generation safety innovation on their daily commutes.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or crossing the street, the presence of Waymo Driver in your city could mean a safer journey—and fewer tragic headlines.
Learn more at https://waymo.com