California Drafts Regulation to Test Driverless Semi Trucks on Public Roads
Autonomous driving is a goal that the trucking industry has been working towards, despite the challenges that come with the technology. California may soon become one of the first states to allow driverless semi trucks to be tested on public roads, as it has drafted regulations that could approve trial programs. However, there is also a coalition of Californians who are advocating for keeping a human driver behind the wheel, citing the potential dangers of driverless cars.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles recently published the first draft of regulations that would permit testing of driverless semis weighing more than 10,000 pounds on California roads. This news has been welcomed by the trucking industry, as it opens up opportunities for real-world testing and offers potential advantages such as increased safety and cost-competitiveness. Driverless semis, unlike human drivers, would not require mandated rest periods, making them potentially more efficient.
Despite the progress being made towards allowing driverless semis on the roads, there is opposition to this idea. The California State Assembly recently passed a measure that requires a human operator to be present in all self-driving semi trucks. This bill has support from both major political parties and the Teamsters labor union and is awaiting the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom. However, Newsom vetoed a similar measure last year and is expected to do the same with this bill, or leave it unsigned. He aims to strike a balance between safely testing and deploying the technology, while also addressing any potential impact on jobs.
The concerns of the skeptical Californian public cannot be ignored. They have witnessed the chaos caused by driverless cars on the roads over the past two years. The California DMV is taking this into consideration and is seeking public and expert input on the proposed regulations until October 14. This waiting period may allow Texas to beat California to driverless semi testing, as Texas intends to permit it by the end of the year.
Ultimately, the success of driverless semis will hinge on the public’s perception of their safety. While minor incidents involving autonomous vehicles have occurred, such as collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles, the stakes are much higher with an 80,000-pound semi truck. If autonomous trucking tests were to experience any mishaps, it is easy to imagine Californians disabling them or even organizing heists during their operation. Safety is paramount, and any misstep could undermine public trust in this technology.
Overall, California’s draft regulation to test driverless semi trucks on public roads is a significant development for the trucking industry. It opens up new possibilities for increased efficiency and cost savings. However, concerns over safety and job displacement must be addressed. The coming months will reveal whether California or Texas takes the lead in testing driverless semis, and how the public and experts respond to this evolving technology.
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