Self-Driving Cars and Congressional Inaction: A Stalemate
At a recent House of Representatives subcommittee hearing on self-driving cars, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) began her questioning with an assessment of the autonomous shuttle operating in Gainesville, Florida. Cammack expressed frustration with the slow speed and highlighted the overall dissatisfaction with the shuttle’s performance. It seems that the shuttle shares a common trait with Congress – a lack of urgency.
The hearing, titled “Self-Driving Legislative Framework: Enhancing Safety, Improving Lives and Mobility, and Beating China,” marked the first discussion on autonomous vehicles in more than a year. The objective was to address the legislative logjam that has hindered progress on AV regulation for six years. Disagreements surrounding issues such as the number of autonomous vehicles on the road and state-level performance standards have contributed to the impasse. However, based on the lawmakers’ inquiries during the hearing, a breakthrough seems unlikely anytime soon.
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), the ranking Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, emphasized during the hearing that Congress cannot simply revive outdated legislation and ignore the pressing issues that have emerged over the years. Liability concerns and workforce impacts have become increasingly apparent, necessitating comprehensive and up-to-date legislation.
Over the past six years, significant changes have occurred in the self-driving car industry. Funding has decreased, and the anticipated surge in the number of autonomous vehicles on the road has failed to materialize. Larger companies have acquired smaller startups, while many AV operators have downsized or shut down entirely.
Alphabet’s Waymo and GM’s Cruise, two prominent players in the industry, have conducted extensive testing of fully driverless robotaxis in San Francisco, yielding mixed results. While the companies highlight their accident-free records, city officials have raised concerns regarding blocked buses and emergency vehicles. Local residents have also protested the uncontrolled expansion of driverless cars within the city.
Despite these challenges, lawmakers and panelists at the hearing still touted autonomous vehicles as a potentially life-saving technology. They emphasized the need for swift congressional action to prevent the United States from falling behind China in the race to perfect this innovation. Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, asserted that beating China in the marketplace would be the key to success and urged the passing of legislation.
John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, echoed the urgency for Congress to establish a regulatory framework. He emphasized the potential loss of companies and innovation to other nations if corrective measures are not taken promptly.
However, the familiar barriers preventing progress still persist. Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) raised concerns about legal liability and insurance in the event of accidents involving autonomous vehicles. He stressed the necessity of insurance for commercially viable automobiles. The question of civil liability remains unresolved and requires congressional intervention within the regulatory framework.
Shapiro argued that self-driving cars are inherently safer and therefore, should have lower insurance costs. However, Armstrong contended that the issue of civil liability still needs to be addressed, as each case involves plaintiffs, insurance companies, and defense lawyers. Until a resolution is reached, self-driving cars may remain nothing more than an elaborate science project.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
