Connecticut is trying to position itself to become the next frontier in the technology revolution of vehicles that drive themselves, which have been pioneered by Uber, Google, Tesla and Ford.
But before the state goes full sci-fi, it would require the language in Connecticut’s dated motor vehicle statutes to be modernized to make clear who or what is considered an operator.
“I think Connecticut should try to be at the lead of this,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, whose office has been reviewing the motor vehicle regulations.
The futuristic vehicles have already debuted in places such as Arizona and Pittsburgh, but not without controversy over safety protocols. California suspended Uber’s driverless car program in December after video emerged of the ride-hailing vehicles running red lights in San Francisco, which the company blamed on human error.
Malloy said tech firms are eager to introduce driverless vehicles in the state, including in two of its largest cities. He would not identify the companies.
“Hartford and Stamford have been named as possible right-sized cities for experimentation,” said Malloy, who was Stamford mayor from 1995 to 2009. “Why not be ahead of the curve as opposed to behind the curve?”
Up for consideration
State Sen. Carlo Leone, D-Stamford, co-chairman of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, introduced a bill last week that would create a task force to look into the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on the state and its automobile industry. The proposal is expected to come up for discussion during public hearing, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
“I see a lot of problems if we don’t do it right,” Leone said of regulating driverless cars. “(The technology) could be efficient, but it could cause a lot of disruptions.”
Thomas Madden, Stamford’s director of economic development, has said that he wants that city to be a leader for autonomous vehicle technology in the Northeast. He has even incorporated planning for autonomous zones in a state-funded proposal for an Innovation Zone near Stamford’s transportation center.
“We are in full support of this legislation,” Madden said. “I’m excited that Connecticut is taking the steps necessary to put (Stamford) in a position to take advantage of the 22nd-century economy and the technology that is rapidly coming down the pipeline.”
Madden says he is ready and waiting to incorporate autonomous vehicle technology into the city’s economy, with automaker partnerships already in the works.
“We’re waiting to see the final legislation that is put forward,” he said. “What we would like to see set up are districts crafted so the cities can work with manufacturers or companies to develop autonomous technology.”
Considering all variables
The state Office of Policy and Management is among several agencies that will likely have to iron out the language regulating driverless cars.
“We need to work with our agencies and the Legislature to clarify (a statute) to clearly allow the introduction of autonomous vehicles on our roads, and we are committed to continuing to work on this issue,” said Chris McClure, an OPM spokesman.
State Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, co-chairwoman of the Transportation Committee, said the state has the chance to be on the cutting edge.
“A driverless car could be an incredible boon to the elderly and those whose mobility is impaired,” Boucher said. “Think about it — don’t drink and drive.”
But with technology, she said, comes a host of safety questions.
“Have they programmed every conceivable circumstance that (could) occur?” Boucher said “What happens with ice and snow and your wheels no longer have control of the car?”
Boucher said the state needs to adapt its laws to new technology.
“I’m old enough to remember ‘The Jetsons,’ ” she said. “I’m waiting for that to appear. Maybe we’re on the precipice. But it could be very unnerving if you don’t see someone at the wheel.”
©2017 the Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, Conn.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
