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Concerns Over Self-Driving Vehicles Mount in Texas and California
Austin has witnessed rising frustrations from public safety officials regarding self-driving vehicles, as reports indicate incidents of these cars halting in the middle of traffic and causing “near miss” situations near emergency scenes. A log revealed through a public records request by WIRED highlights that these autonomous vehicles often fail to respond effectively to hand signals from traffic enforcement officers. André Jordan, a division chief in the Austin Fire Department, acknowledges the autonomous vehicle industry’s operations but emphasizes the safety of personnel working in potentially dangerous situations. According to Jordan, “self-driving cars significantly impact all three public safety agencies in Austin.”
Across California and Austin, where state laws limit local oversight of autonomous vehicles, officials are increasingly vocal about needing more comprehensive data from vehicle operators. In Austin, city leaders are particularly interested in receiving access to detailed three-dimensional maps that enhance navigation for companies like Cruise, as well as safety-related data that tracks aggressive braking and incidents necessitating human intervention. Additionally, officials are looking to understand more about the demographic profiles of riders in self-driving vehicles, particularly to ensure these services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Regulatory Response in Los Angeles
In November, following the launch of Waymo’s limited self-driving service in Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass formally requested state regulators to pause the rollout of autonomous vehicles, citing complications faced by first responders in San Francisco. In her communication, Bass stated that Los Angeles is well-equipped to manage AV regulations within its jurisdiction, underscoring the need to tailor deployment strategies to enhance benefits while minimizing risks in diverse communities. According to Colin Sweeney, a spokesperson for the LA Department of Transportation, the city has established a task force directed by the mayor to address AV-related challenges with stakeholders and fellow officials.
State Preemption Laws Creating Friction
The push for local control reflects a broader trend, as many cities find themselves grappling with legislation that restricts their authority over autonomous vehicle regulation. In the past year, Mississippi passed legislation that limits municipal governance over these matters. Similarly, while Kentucky’s governor previously vetoed a comparable law, it is anticipated to be reintroduced this legislative session. Washington state is also facing potential changes, as debates regarding a similar proposal remain stalled in committee.
Industry Perspectives on Regulation
Jeff Farrah, the CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association—which includes major players like Waymo and Cruise—asserts that maintaining regulatory authority at the state level is in line with traditional automotive practices. He highlights the importance of having a consistent regulatory framework, claiming, “Cities can enforce traffic laws, but the integration of life-saving AV technology cannot proceed effectively if multiple cities implement conflicting regulations.”
However, Seattle provides a contrasting view. As a testing ground for vehicles developed by Zoox and Nvidia, it stands out as one of the few U.S. cities to operate its autonomous vehicle test permitting program. City officials in Seattle have opposed state-level preemption laws, advocating for local authorities to determine performance standards for self-driving technologies and to demand detailed operational data from these companies.
Source
www.wired.com