There are circumstances sufficient to justify a social safety net. Although private would be better, government-provided is possible. This isn’t one of those circumstances:
Some California drivers are resorting to desperate measures to beat the surge in gas prices at the pump — deliberately running dry on the state’s freeways and simply waiting for rescue.
… part of a publicly funded patrol that gives a free gallon of gas to drivers who have run out of fuel.
I accept that stranded motorists can be a safety hazard, but who are these idiots who would run out of gas on purpose to save three, maybe four, dollars? And why should the taxpayers foot the bill? It’s not an imaginative leap to think the taxpayers state should bill all stranded motorists. I’ve also heard of a fascinating service called AAA, but they don’t operate on the public dime, so I see the lack of appeal.