Waymo Autonomous Vehicle Crash Rates Fell in Los Angeles
Los Angeles drivers saw autonomous vehicle crash rates drop significantly between 2023 and 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Car Types
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Data from 2026 shows a sharp decline in Waymo vehicle crash rates in Los Angeles, falling to under six per million miles compared to 57 per million miles in 2023. These figures reflect a broader shift in autonomous vehicle performance as testing expands across the region.
Why it matters
The decrease in accidents stems from enhanced autonomous technology, the integration of remote human assistance, and local drivers becoming more accustomed to sharing roads with self-driving cars. These safety improvements are central to the development of driverless transportation in busy urban environments.
Waymo crash rates dropped to under six per million miles in 2026, a substantial improvement from the 57 crashes per million miles recorded in 2023. The majority of these recorded incidents occurred while the vehicles were in a stopped position.
The players
Waymo
An autonomous driving technology company that operates self-driving vehicle services and testing fleets.
Zoox
An Amazon subsidiary focused on developing and testing autonomous vehicles for urban mobility.
The details
The autonomous vehicles use a fail-safe design that forces the car to stop when it encounters an unfamiliar situation or technical issue. This system is bolstered by remote human intervention, where human operators provide guidance to the autonomous software in real-time. As the technology has matured, the interaction between these vehicles and human-operated traffic has become more predictable.
Timeline
2023 marked the baseline year with 57 crashes per million miles.
2026 saw the crash rate decline to below six per million miles.
The Home Front
The decline in accident rates follows the increased presence of autonomous vehicle testing fleets across the Los Angeles region. This shift highlights a major milestone in urban transportation safety as companies like Waymo and Zoox scale their autonomous operations.
Drivers in Los Angeles should continue to exercise standard defensive driving habits when navigating areas with active autonomous vehicle testing. It is helpful to remain aware that self-driving cars may come to a complete stop when encountering technical obstacles.
The takeaway
The sharp drop in Waymo crash rates suggests that autonomous safety systems and remote human support are becoming increasingly effective in urban settings. Residents should remain vigilant on the road, as these vehicles are programmed to prioritize safety by stopping when they detect anomalies.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and safety standards in the Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LAist.
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