Story perspectives

Waymo Robotaxis Spark Outrage Over Emergency Response Failures

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

San Francisco emergency responders voiced frustration at a hearing, as Mary Ellen Carroll of the Department of Emergency Management said police and firefighters assisted immobilized Waymo LLC robotaxis during a power outage.
City leaders criticized Waymo for relying on first responders for roadside assistance.
In Austin, Waymo robotaxi blocked an ambulance during a mass shooting, raising concerns about operations.
Waymo acknowledged the issue and aims to limit such incidents.

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Story summary

San Francisco emergency responders voiced frustration at a hearing, as Mary Ellen Carroll of the Department of Emergency Management said police and firefighters assisted immobilized Waymo LLC robotaxis during a power outage.
City leaders criticized Waymo for relying on first responders for roadside assistance.
In Austin, Waymo robotaxi blocked an ambulance during a mass shooting, raising concerns about operations.
Waymo acknowledged the issue and aims to limit such incidents.