Recent footage from California shows Waymo's autonomous vehicles struggling to navigate a wildfire-related traffic jam. When stuck, the company turned to first responders instead of its own dedicated roadside assistance team.

This incident is part of a broader pattern where Waymo has relied on public safety officers to move their cars out of harm’s way during various emergencies, including one during a mass shooting response. Critics argue that this undermines police and fire departments' primary roles.

Waymo defends its use of remote assistance workers, who monitor self-driving vehicles via live feeds from around the world, claiming minimal delay in decision-making. However, lawmakers and city officials have expressed growing concern over first responders being called upon to handle autonomous vehicle issues.

The company's roadside assistance strategy is currently facing scrutiny as it plans expansions into new cities. Meanwhile, it’s not just Waymo—other self-driving companies also rely on similar support mechanisms, highlighting the broader challenges of integrating driverless technology with public safety services.