Who’s driving Waymo’s self-driving cars? Sometimes, the police.

The article highlights incidents where Waymo’s self-driving robotaxis have required intervention from police officers, illustrating challenges in the autonomous vehicle’s operation during complex or emergency situations. A notable example occurred last August near Redwood City, California, when a fire caused traffic disruptions and forced drivers to travel the wrong way on the freeway. A Waymo robotaxi became stuck while trying to navigate this unusual scenario, ultimately requiring the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to take control of the vehicle and move it to safety. This incident, while unusual, is not isolated; TechCrunch identified at least six cases where first responders had to manually operate Waymo vehicles during emergencies, sometimes diverting officers from critical duties. Waymo has its own roadside assistance team intended to support its fleet, but the company has increasingly relied on public safety officers to physically move stalled vehicles. This reliance has drawn criticism from city officials and lawmakers, who argue that expecting first responders to serve as default roadside assistance is unsustainable. At a March 202