Test Drivers Report Injuries as Waymo and Zoox Robotaxi Fleets Expand
A review of safety data filed with OSHA shows that test drivers working for robotaxi operators Waymo and Zoox have sustained injuries as both companies expand their autonomous vehicle fleets.
According to the report reviewed by TechCrunch, more than two dozen injuries were recorded among test drivers in 2024 and 2025. The injuries stem from sudden movements made by the autonomous vehicles, including hard braking events. Drivers reported conditions such as sprains, whiplash, and general pain resulting from these unexpected maneuvers.
The incidents come as both Waymo and Zoox have been scaling their robotaxi operations across U.S. cities. Waymo, under Alphabet, has been expanding its commercial service, while Zoox, owned by Amazon, has been testing its purpose-built autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Test drivers typically remain in vehicles during the scaling phase of autonomous vehicle programs to monitor system performance and intervene if necessary. The reported injuries highlight an ongoing concern about the interaction between human safety operators and autonomous systems that may exhibit behavior patterns differing from human drivers.
OSHA data provides a window into workplace safety conditions as the robotaxi industry matures from limited pilot programs to broader commercial deployments.