The rapid expansion of robotaxis over the past two years has come with an unexpected human cost. Test drivers for Waymo and Zoox have sustained over two dozen injuries from hard braking or sudden movements by the vehicles, according to OSHA data.

These test drivers, who conduct rigorous trials on public roads, have suffered from sprains, strains, and whiplash. Some have been sidelined for weeks or months. In one particularly harrowing case, a test driver in Phoenix spent 157 days away from work after a vehicle made an exaggerated breaking event without any obstruction.

Transdev, which manages Waymo’s test drivers, reported 16 injuries in 2024 tied to hard braking in Waymo’s depot locations. Meanwhile, Zoox reported up to eight worker injuries linked to hard braking. The injuries appear because the companies classify themselves as taxi, limo, or transit services, making them subject to greater OSHA disclosure requirements.

The safety of test drivers remains a concern as the technology advances. While Waymo claims that the injuries represent a small percentage of the millions of miles driven, the number of incidents is concerning. Test driver injuries increased, with 11 incidents reported in 2025, compared to five in 2024.

Autonomous vehicle companies must balance the benefits of scaling with the risks to human safety. As the technology continues to evolve, the question remains: are we moving towards a safer future or simply trading human pain for machine precision?