[corn-you-copia] Michigan Legalizes Consumer Sales Of Self-Driving Vehicles
- From: "Hap Holly" <hap@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <corn-you-copia@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2016 21:20:05 -0600
*Thanks to Roger C. for this article that I would have expected on April
1st, not in mid December.*
<https://cleantechnica.com/category/clean-transport-2/autonomous-vehicles/>
Autonomous Vehicles
Published on December 10th, 2016 | by James Aire
0
Michigan Legalizes Consumer Sales Of Self-Driving Vehicles (No Steering
Wheels Or Pedals Required)
December 10th, 2016 by <https://cleantechnica.com/author/nathan/> James
Aire
<https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2016/08/Uber-self-
driving-car-Volvo-XC90.jpg> The state of Michigan has gone ahead and
completely legalized self-driving vehicles. What this means is that
manufacturers can now sell vehicles that drive themselves all of the time to
consumers. These vehicles don't even have to feature steering wheels or
brake pedals.
Unsurprisingly, the legalization was heavily backed by on-demand taxi
service firms - such as Uber and Lyft - and also Google, the Detroit 3, and
Toyota.
If this sounds somewhat familiar, it's because the legalization bills were
passed by the Michigan Senate all the way back in September, but they were
only very recently signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder.
<https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2015/02/Chevy-Bolt
-13.jpg> So, to reiterate (in case you think you're dreaming): auto
manufacturers are now legally allowed to sell completely autonomous vehicles
to consumers, and consumers are now legally allowed to use self-driving
features anywhere in the state, on any road.
Altogether, this can be taken as things getting one step closer to the day
when Uber and Lyft fire the majority of their drivers and greatly increase
their profit margins (or get into a nasty pricing war and don't increase
their profit margins).
It would seem likely that, after a short adjustment period, a switch to
autonomous taxis will increase service utilization for Uber and Lyft. Then
problems relating to bad drivers and vehicles that reek of third-hand smoke
and/or animal urine can then be resolved to some degree or another.
<https://c1cleantechnicacom-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/files/2015/11/PTT-MTV-Pr
eview.jpg> It'll be interesting, though, to see what tact the companies end
up taking with regard to bad riders. Outright bans for bad behavior? Heavy
fines? A warning system? While the elimination of drivers will do away with
bad drivers, it'll likely lead to worse passenger behavior and
accountability.
Anyways, back to the legalization in Michigan, Governor Snyder commented on
the matter: "By establishing guidelines and standards for self-driving
vehicles, we're continuing that tradition of excellence in a way that
protects the public's safety while at the same time allows the mobility
industry to grow without overly burdensome regulations.
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