Imagine a law to save more than 30,000 American lives and millions of hospital visits annually, while empowering disabled and older Americans. Congress now has the chance to do what China, Europe, and Japan began years ago: create a national law enabling self-driving cars nationwide.
A bipartisan bill, the SELF DRIVE Act, championed by House Energy and Commerce leaders Chairman Bob Latta (R-OH) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), would finally create a clear national framework so safe autonomous vehicles can operate across state lines instead of facing a confusing state-by-state patchwork. A similar bill passed the House almost unanimously in 2017 but died in the Senate.
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Today, human error causes over 90% of collisions and remains the leading cause of roadway fatalities. Autonomous vehicles will dramatically reduce these crashes. Fewer crashes mean fewer injuries, lower healthcare costs, and reduced insurance premiums for American families.
Self-driving technology can expand mobility for millions of Americans, especially seniors and people with disabilities, connecting them more easily to jobs, healthcare, and daily activities. It also opens the door to new vehicle designs and experiences, from mobile workspaces to more accessible transportation options.
At the same time, this innovation will support American competitiveness and job creation. A national policy would give U.S. companies the clarity they need to invest, build, and scale, strengthening domestic manufacturing and ensuring the United States remains a leader in the next generation of transportation. Our nation will see an auto manufacturing renaissance as new vehicles are created and designed for sleeping, entertainment, conference calls, education, dining, and entirely new ways to live and work on the move.
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Until we adopt a national policy that allows autonomous vehicles to cross state lines, we will not reap the benefits that innovative American companies are creating as they strive to lead the world in self-driving. With elections coming up, it is difficult, but not impossible, for Congress to act.
Every year we delay means thousands of lives lost, hundreds of thousands of injuries and Americans deprived of the safety, convenience and lower cost self-driving vehicles will bring.
Gary Shapiro is the executive chair of the Consumer Technology Association.
