LANSING (WKZO-AM) — Polls show that the public isn’t ready yet to jump into a car that doesn’t have a steering wheel, but the state legislature is embracing the operation of self-driving vehicles on Michigan roads.
The state House has just passed a bill with bipartisan support that will permit their operation on Michigan Public roads, with or without anyone on board.
Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, said the legislation is about keeping Michigan competitive as the auto industry moves toward the next generation of automobiles.
“The transportation industry is changing and someplace in the world is going to make vehicles that are used in lots of different ways. We are paving the way to have the new autonomous vehicles tested and built in Michigan,” Hoadley said.
“This comes down to public safety,” Rep. Brandt Iden, R-Oshtemo, who is vice chairperson of the transportation committee, said. “By replacing human drivers with autonomous operating technology we can greatly reduce the number of fatal accidents, which is a win-win for us all.”
“The operation of self-driving vehicles on state public roadways will aid in Michigan’s economic expansion, improve safety on roadways and offer additional means of transportation to elderly and disabled people,” Iden said.
The bills are headed for the governor’s desk.
