It would seem an obvious conclusion that huge autonomous trucks barreling down highways could pose a safety hazard. Driverless car deaths and injuries have already proven that they are not 100% safe, as had been touted by manufacturers. But California Governor Newsom has just vetoed Assembly Bill 316, which would have required a trained human driver to be in autonomous vehicles that weigh over 10,001 pounds. Currently, they are barred in California, but the department of motor vehicles is working to lift that restriction. Newsom’s action is a heavy blow to labor, particularly the Teamsters, who, along with both houses of the state legislature, who passed the bill, are concerned about job loss and danger.
Read the full story by Abhirup Roy for Reuters, published September 23, 2023, here: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/california-governor-vetoes-bill-banning-robotrucks-without-safety-drivers-2023-09-23/
