Tesla's Cybercab emergency headache

Tesla's new Cybercab has no steering wheel or pedals. When firefighters respond to accidents, they must call two separate support hotlines and wait for Tesla employees to help, slowing critical emergency response.

No controls, no handles, no easy access

Cybercabs lack traditional controls and door handles. Firefighters must call support to gain virtual control via touchscreen, then operate it while wearing heavy gloves. They also need to know which wires to cut to disable the vehicle.

Hidden dangers firefighters must know

The Cybercab can remain in autonomous driving mode even when stationary with the indicator off. Attempting to start it in low voltage power mode might trigger a fire. Tesla placed a QR code on windshields to help responders remember procedures.

Too much burden on first responders

Jeffrey Lindsey, former fire chief and director of fire and emergency services at the University of Florida, says calling support adds another task to responders' already full plates. Scene safety and assessment must come first.

“You're taking in the whole scene. You're trying to figure out what's going on.”

Waymo already causing frustration

San Francisco firefighters complained that Waymo robotaxis immobilized by malfunctions turned them into roadside assistance. During a city-wide power outage last December, confused Waymos blocked intersections with no traffic lights to guide them.

Industry needs unified emergency standards

Prabodh Panindre, a New York University professor studying technology and fire science, says manufacturers need to develop standardized, manufacturer-neutral emergency protocols alongside first responders, not company-specific procedures.

“The central issue is the need for independent research to develop standardized, manufacturer-neutral emergency-response protocols.”