California Constructing the Legal Framework for Driverless Cars

MercuryNews - August 30, 2012 by Mike Rosenberg

SACRAMENTO -- California on Wednesday stepped on the accelerator toward a futuristic highway filled with robot cars as the Legislature sent to Gov. Jerry Brown a bill that would allow driverless vehicles to hit the road later this decade.

If signed by Brown, the legislation would shift technology being mastered at places like Google and Stanford from test courses to public roads. Since 99 percent of all traffic and fatal accidents are caused by some form of human error or imperfection, supporters envision a world of computer-controlled cars that would zip around quickly and safely.

SB 1298 from Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Van Nuys, was passed unanimously by the Senate Wednesday night following the Assembly's 74-2 approval Tuesday. It's among dozens of bills under consideration during a flurry of activity as the Legislature wraps up its session this week.

Read more>>

Follow me on Twitter. Please subscribe to our news feed. Get regular updates via Email. Contact us for advertising inquiries.