Considerations concerning the security of self-driving vans are mounting in California, prompting discussions about imposing new restrictions. This comes within the wake of a number of incidents involving automobiles developed by Cruise and Alphabet.

At present, the allowing of autonomous automobiles in California falls below state regulators’ jurisdiction. Nonetheless, Senator Dave Cortese has sponsored a invoice proposing a big shift in management, suggesting that cities ought to oversee permits for self-driving automobiles and associated laws.

Moreover, a separate invoice by Meeting Majority Chief Cecilia Aguiar-Curry would introduce a mandate for a educated human driver to be current behind the wheel of any self-driving car weighing over 10,001 lbs (4,536 kg).

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The proposal comes 4 months after the controversy about autonomous automobiles on Californian roads reached a fever pitch when a Cruise robotaxi hit and dragged a pedestrian in October. Whereas that incident didn’t contain a self-driving truck weighing greater than 10,001 lbs, nor did the current case of a Waymo car hitting a bike owner, there’s a rising anti-robotaxi sentiment spreading by many communities in California.

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Earlier this week, revelers in San Francisco torched a Jaguar I-Tempo robotaxi operated by Waymo.

Reuters notes that an earlier model of the truck-related invoice was handed by lawmakers in California final yr however was later vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, who claimed the present regulatory framework was enough.

Learn: Waymo Robotaxi Hits Bicycle owner In San Francisco, Retains The Spirit Of Cruise Alive

“It’s a commonsense measure that retains people on board a truck till now we have a plan for our staff and we’re certain that tech bros aren’t jamming unsafe know-how down our throats,” State Meeting member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry mentioned on Monday.

A spokesperson for Governor Newsom commented that he “will consider the invoice on its deserves if it reaches his desk.”

California at present prohibits the operation of heavy-weight autonomous vans, however regulatory frameworks are being developed to allow their use. In distinction, states resembling Texas and Arkansas already allow the testing and operation of self-driving vans.

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