News Summary
A motorcyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident involving a Waymo self-driving vehicle in Tempe, Arizona. Following a rear-end collision, the motorcyclist was struck by another vehicle that fled the scene. Waymo is cooperating with authorities, and the incident raises concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles on the road.
Tempe, Arizona – A motorcyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident early Sunday morning involving a self-driving vehicle from Waymo. The tragic incident took place at approximately 1:30 a.m. on September 14, 2025, at the intersection of Lemon Street and Rural Road, near the Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe campus.
According to the Tempe Police Department, they responded to reports of a crash involving two vehicles and a motorcycle. Upon arrival, they discovered that the motorcyclist had been transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The identity of the motorcyclist has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Initial reports indicate that the motorcyclist rear-ended the Waymo vehicle, which was yielding to pedestrians and preparing to make a right turn at the time of the collision. Following the rear-end impact, the motorcyclist fell in front of the Waymo, which stopped after detecting the incident. Subsequently, another vehicle struck the motorcyclist and fled the scene. It has been confirmed that the driver of this second vehicle is a student at ASU.
There were no passengers in the Waymo vehicle during the accident, as confirmed by a representative of the company. Waymo has stated that their self-driving vehicles continuously record video of their surroundings. The company has provided authorities with the license plate number of the vehicle that fled the scene. The details captured by the Waymo’s recording system will likely assist detectives in their ongoing investigation into the matter.
The Tempe Police Department has confirmed that the investigation is active, and they are gathering further details about the incident. Waymo has expressed condolences regarding the accident and confirmed their full cooperation with law enforcement and regulatory entities during the investigation.
This accident marks the third fatal incident involving a self-driving vehicle. The previous incidents occurred in 2018 and January 2025. The increasing presence of autonomous vehicles on public roads has raised questions and concerns regarding safety and accountability during accidents involving these technologies.
Residents and local officials are likely to closely monitor the outcomes of this incident and the investigation. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding the integration of self-driving vehicles into everyday traffic. It sparks a renewed conversation about road safety, technology’s role in transportation, and accountability in cases of accidents involving autonomous vehicles.
As more information becomes available, it will be crucial for both the community and authorities to address any potential implications relating to traffic laws, safety regulations, and the responsibilities of self-driving vehicle manufacturers. The outcome of these discussions may significantly influence the future deployment and operational guidelines for autonomous driving technologies.
In the wake of this accident, traffic safety advocates are expected to push for more stringent regulations for self-driving vehicles to ensure the protection of all road users, while ongoing technological advancements will need to prioritize safety as their core principle.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
U.S. Department of Transportation Unveils New Automated Vehicle Framework
Additional Resources
- State Press: Waymo Motorcycle Accident
- Wikipedia: Self-driving car
- KTAR: Motorcyclist Dead in Waymo Incident
- Google Search: Waymo motorcycle accident
- Forbes: Waymo Not at Fault in Motorcycle Fatality
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Motorcycle
- AZ Central: Waymo Fatal Crash
- Google News: Waymo accident
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Waymo Involved in Deadly Crash
- Google Scholar: Autonomous vehicle incident
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
