Robotaxi testing by Waymo and Zoox has led to more than two dozen reported worker injuries in 2024 and 2025, including sprains, strains, pain and whiplash caused by abrupt braking or swerving. The reports highlight the human risks faced by safety and test drivers as autonomous vehicle companies rapidly expand testing and commercial operations.

Transdev, which manages Waymo’s test drivers, reported 16 software-linked injuries at depots in three cities, while Zoox reported up to eight injuries associated with hard braking. OSHA disclosure rules may leave other incidents unreported, and current and former Zoox contractors say sudden braking and worker injuries continued as recently as July; both companies said safety is important, while Zoox said such incidents were rare relative to its fleet’s millions of test miles.