Waymo, Google's autonomous driving division, will soon appear before a U.S. Senate committee to defend the solid safety record it has established with its autonomous vehicles. The company will present data demonstrating that the incidence of serious injuries and major accidents associated with its fleet is only one-tenth of those recorded in vehicles operated by human drivers.

This Senate hearing is strategically important for Waymo, which aims to earn the trust of lawmakers and regulators at a time when public debate over the safety of autonomous vehicles is gaining greater prominence. The company's operational history thus serves as a key element to support the viability and safety of autonomous driving technology in the U.S. market.