Editorial: Mich. should own self-driving market
The Senate’s speedy passage of a bill package that would allow auto manufacturers to operate driverless vehicles on Michigan roads shows Lansing can make things happen quickly when it wants to. That’s a good sign.
As Michigan fights to continue as the center of the world’s automotive industry, it must stay on the cutting edge of research and development opportunities for self-driving cars and mobility technology. To that end, these bills are necessary.
Their unanimous passage in at least one chamber shows the state’s policymakers rightly understand just how competitive the auto industry has become, and that Michigan has to do everything it can to stay ahead. The House should quickly pass the bills as well.
We trust lawmakers have considered the ramifications of one of these driverless vehicles causing an accident with a traditional car. The legislation holds manufacturers and their suppliers liable for any accidents.
Manufacturers surely understand how destructive it would be to allow driverless vehicles to recklessly cause accidents. Just look at what Tesla is going through since one of its semi-autonomous vehicles was involved in a fatal accident in Florida this year.
Self-driving technology is nascent, and will inevitably fail from time to time. Manufacturers must be overly cautious before they place their cars on public roadways.
An accident between a completely driverless vehicle and a traditional vehicle has no precedent because no states allow them on the highways.
Michigan is one of just seven states with laws on autonomous cars. Most state-level legislation relates to the testing of autonomous vehicles, and all states currently require drivers behind the wheel.
But California is nipping at Michigan’s heels. Its legislative assembly has introduced amendments to a bill that would allow for the testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads without a driver behind the wheel.
Silicon Valley’s competition with Detroit for the future of the auto industry is no doubt driving the quick consideration of this legislation in both states. And even though the two hubs are working together through manufacturers and suppliers, Michigan needs to do everything it can to maintain a competitive edge.
That means creating a regulatory environment that is open to research and development and won’t hamper automakers’ goals. This legislation does that by pre-empting legal issues that might occur as driverless cars increasingly require rigorous — and real world — testing.
The state can also become a major player in the formation of national guidelines for autonomous vehicles and other technology, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is in the process of developing.
It’s an exciting time for the auto industry, and for Detroit. Encouraging innovation in Michigan will be critical as the future of mobility continues to progress. This legislation would help the state achieve that goal.