That's the issue here. It's so automated that if even the slightest thing goes wrong, the vehicle goes into a mode that makes it difficult to continue, though not impossible. I wouldn't have chosen to get towed in this instance, since it still drives, but had they been on a highway, it would have been dangerous/illegal to continue at 15 mph. It feels like this was a design decision made without considering the consequences.
I've seen what happens when a hood opens at highway speed. No one was hurt, but that driver probably filled their pants, if you know what I mean.
I'm not that color, otherwise... yeah.