Written by: Andrew Brennan, PMBA Class of 2019, Idan Erez, Global MBA Class of 2019, Samuel Lada, PMBA Class of 2019
Advancements in technology continue to pave the way for the implementation of autonomous vehicles. Effective deployment of such technologies could dramatically reduce the number of automotive-related deaths each year. Continually testing the technology is imperative as it becomes increasingly more complex and sophisticated. According to RAND research, deploying and testing technology by 2020 will accelerate its perfection and potentially save 500,000 American lives over the next 50 years.1
Over the last few years, only 21 states2 and 17 cities3 have enacted legislation addressing the advancement of this technology. At the federal level, the House and Senate are working to pass legislation that would help accelerate the development. Other state regulations, and hesitant policymakers, however, prohibit testing and are only delaying the realization of significant reductions in automotive-related deaths. These states are at a competitive disadvantage as technology companies, automotive manufacturers and other key stakeholders look to deploy AVs and invest in the states open to testing and improving the technology.
Machine learning, like the human driver, relies on experience. The more miles traveled today, the faster the technology can develop and the more quickly lives are saved tomorrow. With more than 37,000 automotive-related deaths each year, the time to act is now. Policymakers must work with key stakeholders to develop appropriate legislation that allows for the testing, refinement and advancement of the technology. Waiting for near-perfect technology will delay the realization of economic and societal benefits, and more importantly, result in preventable deaths.
This blog is part of a series created under the direction of Bonnie Pierce, Lecturer in Strategic Management and Public Policy, for the GW Business School class “Business and Society: Autonomous Vehicles.”
1 Bauman, Melissa, “Why Waiting for Perfect Autonomous Vehicles May Cost Lives”, November 7, 2017, RAND Corporation
2 National Conference of State Legislatures, “Autonomous Vehicles - Self-Driving Vehicles Enacted Legislation”, January 2, 2018
3 Bloomberg Philanthropies – The Aspen Institute, “Is your city getting ready for AVs? This is a guide to who’s doing what, where, and how.”
