After Self-Driving Taxis Hinder Emergency Response, Governors Highway Safety Association and Waymo Issue Guide for First Responders

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Waymo have issued a guide that instructs first responders on how to effectively interact with autonomous vehicles.

According to a press release from GHSA, “To ensure first responders feel confident approaching and interacting with autonomous vehicles on the roadways, with or without passengers, Waymo’s First Responder Outreach team leads hands-on vehicle trainings with local fire, police and EMS organizations well in advance of opening their service to public riders.”

Waymo vehicles have repeatedly interfered with emergency vehicles, blocking their way during incidents. GHSA CEO Jonathan Adkins said, “We owe it to our first responders – the first line of defense when there’s a problem on the road – to make sure they are prepared to safely interact with these vehicles.” Waymo cars have also been investigated for failing to stop for school buses and “erratic behavior.”