Tractor-trailers with no one aboard? The future is near for self-driving trucks on US roads
Tractor-trailers with no one aboard? The future is near for self-driving trucks on US roads
The vehicles have drawn skepticism from safety advocates, who warn that with almost no federal regulation, it will be mainly up to the companies themselves to determine when the semis are safe enough to operate without humans on board. The critics complain that federal agencies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, take a generally passive approach to safety, typically acting only after crashes occur. And most states provide scant regulation.
What could go wrong?
I'd be willing to bet you l3 systems, limited to highway miles, have a better track record than humans, especially in long hauls.
Ideally, sure.
Companies: "They're safe! Trust us! It's a total coincedence that we have a huge profit motive in them being you thinking they're safe!"
This is somewhat controlled via insurance though. There is a built in financial incentive to reduce insurance without paying billions for the software.
I'm sure it'll be abused and challenged at some point but this isn't something I'd lose sleep over IMO.
Regulation will probably get pushed to insurance. Someone has to ensure these trucks in case of accidents, with either the company or an insurer paying out in cases of accidents.
