The momentum is building for autonomous vehicles across the country, and Pennsylvania has just given the technology a new boost. The state has just issued an Automated Vehicle Testing Policy which gives companies guidelines on how they can and cannot operate what PA refers to as Highly Automated Vehicles (HAVs).
While it does place certain restrictions in place, the document is largely a win for supporters of “self-driving” technologies. In fact, in the introduction, the document waxes poetic about the state’s contributions to new technologies, saying:
“Stretching back to the time of Benjamin Franklin, Pennsylvania has been a cradle of innovation and industry, so it comes as no surprise that today, the Keystone State is at the epicenter of the rise of HAV technology.”
The new policy states that companies are free to test HAVs on “all trafficways in Pennsylvania” unless declared otherwise. This gives companies free reign to test their vehicles once they’ve been given a HAV Testing Contract by the state.
While testing however, companies will need to adhere to the restrictions the state has put in place which include the following:
- HAVs must record, store, and share data from the vehicle’s operations – including crash data
- Cybersecurity protections must be present in all HAVs
- PennDOT must be notified before any HAV is tested without a driver at the wheel
- PennDOT may bar HAVs from using specific routes and roadways
- In the event of an accident while the HAV is in control of the vehicle, liability will be determined on a case-by-case basis
Much of the policy discussed in the document has to do with safety, a chief concern among autonomous vehicle skeptics.
“We are going to be sure they are keeping data so we can follow back on any type of minor or major crashes,” said Leslie Richards, PA Transportation Secretary. “We are all concerned with making sure it’s done as safely as possible.”
But while safety is important, the state also acknowledges the possibility for error. The policy document even admits that “testing, by its nature, entails trial and error.” But despite the risk, PA seems ready to charge ahead with HAV technology, saying that the testing will “ultimately advance HAV technology to the point where it can be safely and effectively deployed, so society can reap its enormous potential benefits.”
You can read PA’s Automated Vehicle Testing Policy here.
Source: penndot, truckinginfo, govtech, mercurynews, theincline, triblive
James Houser says
Is a proponent of automated trucks really are missing two key elements . Especially in a state like Pennsylvania where there are many more miles of Two lane twisting roads then there are interstates. If automated trucks beginning to be the norm it will start to have a devastating effect on the unemployment numbers as drivers become unnecessary. If human error is the reason that they are seeking the advancement of automation, perhaps they need to rethink again about the amount of training the new drivers receive. In what seems like a short 20 years of driving I have seen an abject difference in the quality and capability of commercial drivers. Having grown up in the industry with several multi-million mile drivers in my family it genuinely pains me to see how little new drivers are instructed. Things like courtesy to other trucks , sense about how you operate, and most importantly basic driving skills. We are almost into a second generation of drivers who are being taught to drive but people who don’t know how to drive a truck.
Rufus Crank says
Yea,and when cyberhackers shut down our transportation grid, everyone will suffer accordingly. Hooray for wealthy corporations setting humans up for failure! HUMANS SUCK! DOWN WITH HUMANS! UP WITH PROFITS! DOWN WITH FAMILIES!
Nathan says
1. Will HAV’s be held to the “preventable” accident standard? 2. What is the “societal benefit” of autonomous trucks?
joe McMunn says
And Pa. has one of the worst roads in the country. Could be interesting.:)
Anthony says
Wait till those computers are hacked!!! Excellent technology…Stupid idea!!!
Mark. Smith says
Sounds like they don’t know the difference between a 10lb drone & a 80,000 lb “Nightmare”
will says
Love the phrase , liability for accidents will be on a case by case basis. Funny since if a human is behind the wheel of a big rig they are at fault…
Tom Whittaker says
Are the computers going to do the pre and post trip inspections as well
10 wheela says
Cant wait to see that thing on its side on highway 30
Sebastian Mujica says
Writing is on the wall… otr endangered job… too bad.
Jason Kane says
Anyone ever see the big reveal when freightliner introduced its autonomous vehicle and had it drive across Hoover dam? It can be found on YouTube if you haven’t seen it.
Pay close attention as it approaches. It crosses the yellow line several times, sometimes even as much as half the width of the truck. Get ready for head-on collisions to be on the rise.
Michael Hofmann says
This will go forward no matter the cost in lives or safety. 55, 60, 62 mph limiters, crash mitigation software (CMS), modified HOS. All these adjustments are made under the pretense of Safety but in reality do little to heighten it, by people that have a grudge against the people that drive trucks. The data exist on increased lane changes, staggered speed limits, aggressive small vehicle drivers, rear-ending of semi tractors, safe clearing distances, passing in a timely fashion and so on. Each time there is another “reaping the benefits” it’s the corporate world that sees it at the expense of all others. This is just another attack on jobs that can be done by Americans.
D. Mecci says
Just because you can make something doesn’t mean you should, and this
is surely one of those things. Our society is about people and corporations
should have a responsibility to the people as we all must eat, have shelter,
and a way to use our natural need to feel useful in this life. When corporations
no longer look out for the benefits of society they loss there great potential
to be helpful and should in fact be removed from operating. The problem with
greed is you can never satisfy it….