COUNCIL HONKS ITS CONCERNS ON NEW RULES FOR DRIVERLESS VEHICLES
When it comes to exploring the potential of autonomous vehicles in improving safety and reducing traffic, the DMV appears to be stuck in reverse. Regulations the DMV has unveiled would end testing of “unmanned” autonomous vehicles and going forward would require a licensed and specially trained driver to be in the vehicles at all times. In a letter to California Transportation Sec. Brian Kelly, the Bay Area Council joined other technology industry and business groups in expressing both bewilderment and “significant concern” about the regulations, which included over-reaching requirements on the gathering of personal information from vehicles, and calling for major amendments to the draft rules.
The Council embraces the promise of fast-emerging autonomous technology to reduce accidents and improve capacity of clogged highways through more efficient vehicle operation. It encouraged the DMV to do the same. The rules also could put California at a competitive disadvantage with Texas, where similar restrictions do not exist. To engage in our transportation policy work, please contact Senior Vice President Michael Cunningham.
