Senate Panel Approves Self-Driving Cars without Human Controls

Nov 16,2017

Last month, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved a bill to speed the use of self-driving cars without human controls. The Senate must vote on the measure, but it seems likely that will happen. The ultimate goal of the bill is to get us closer to having driverless vehicles available for consumers.

If the bill is passed, automakers could be selling self-driving vehicles in the very near future. Manufacturers would have to demonstrate their self-driving vehicles are as safe as other vehicles. Each automaker could sell up to 15,000 vehicles the first year, and up to 80,000 vehicles in three years. The cap would be eliminated after four years.

Self-Driving Trucks No Closer to Hitting the Road

While the bill will speed the process for self-driving cars to hit the market, it does not include provisions for self-driving commercial trucks. While companies including Tesla, Alphabet and Uber have said they are working on self-driving trucks, legislation permitting these vehicles on U.S. roadways is a longer way off.

“Autonomous vehicles have the potential to make roads much safer. However, there are certainly safety concerns that these companies must address before self-driving cars prove to be a safer alternative to regular vehicles,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

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DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.