The California Senate has approved a bill demanding the presence of a trained human safety operator whenever a self-driving truck operates on public roads in the state.
According to TechCrunch, this essentially acts as a ban on autonomous trucks. The bill, known as AB 316, garnered 36 votes in favor and two against on the Senate floor.
However, it still awaits the signature of California Governor Gavin Newsom before becoming law. Newsom, known for his tech-friendly stance, is anticipated to veto the AB 316.
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Trucks drive near City Hall to protest shipping container fees being assessed against independent truckers as part of the ports' Clean Truck Program to allow only newer, less-polluting trucks at the ports, on November 13, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The members of the National Port Drivers Association, who work the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, formed caravans from the ports to City Hall in downtown Los Angeles.
Opponents and Supporters of the California Bill on Self-Driving Trucks
A senior advisor to the governor expressed opposition to the bill in a letter to its author, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, stating that such restrictions could undermine existing regulations, potentially hinder supply chain innovation, and impact California's economic competitiveness.
"The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has serious concerns about AB 316's potential impact on California's overall economic competitiveness and the state's ability to carry forward momentum from billions of dollars in recent investments for supply chain infrastructure. Our state is on the cusp of a new era and cannot risk stifling innovation at this critical juncture," read the letter published by Politico.
Supporters of the bill, introduced in January, said that exerting more control over the removal of drivers from autonomous trucks would safeguard California road users and enhance job security for truck drivers.
Jason Rabinowitz, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7, criticized AV companies for prioritizing their investors' interests over public safety. He emphasized the need for Newsom to prioritize the well-being of Californians over corporate concerns.
Other Side of the Debate
On the other side of the debate, proponents of autonomous vehicles contend that the bill not only contradicts the essence of driverless technology but also hampers progress in a field that has the potential to save lives.
They draw attention to the 47% increase in truck crash fatalities in 2021, totaling 5,788 incidents over the past decade. This contrasts with self-driving trucks, which have reported zero fatalities after millions of miles of public road testing in more than two years.
However, a human safety operator was behind the wheel in almost all of those miles driven. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) currently has a standing ban on autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds.
AB 316 was crafted in anticipation of the DMV lifting this restriction. The bill essentially restricts the agency from authorizing autonomous trucking firms to conduct testing or deployment without a human driver.
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