US governors urge responsible regulation for public buy-in of AVs

While connected vehicles offer the promise of improving many people’s lives, industry and public authorities must overcome their fears about safety and being left behind, said two US state governors. “There’s a lot of fear that they may be losing control,” said Colorado governor John Hickenlooper (right) during a panel discussion with Michigan governor Rick Snyder (centre) at ITS America 2018 in Detroit. “We have to make sure that each step we take we show people that their world will be safer,” said Hicke
June 7, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Colorado governor John Hickenlooper (right) and Michigan governor Rick Snyder (centre)
While connected vehicles offer the promise of improving many people’s lives, industry and public authorities must overcome their fears about safety and being left behind, said two US state governors.


“There’s a lot of fear that they may be losing control,” said Colorado governor John Hickenlooper (right) during a panel discussion with Michigan governor Rick Snyder (centre) at 560 ITS America 2018 in Detroit. “We have to make sure that each step we take we show people that their world will be safer,” said Hickenlooper.

There are also fears that many people will lose their jobs thanks to the increasing use of connected vehicles, said Snyder. Many people, in the logistics sector and people transport sector - such as taxis and Uber - wonder if they will be redundant. “We need to be thoughtful about not waiting for this crisis to happen…we shouldn’t leave them behind,” said Snyder. Hickenlooper said both he and Snyder are “passionate” about ensuring the education system, from high school upwards, caters for future jobs such as servicing autonomous vehicles. They might have to have a lot of knowledge about lidar, for example. The public must also see that their governments are ensuring manufacturers of connected vehicle technology are adhering to regulations. On the other hand, the regulations shouldn’t stifle innovation by manufacturers.

“Of course the industry doesn’t want to see anybody hurt,” said Snyder. “It’s a balancing act trying to put in place responsible regulation.”

Hickenlooper agreed that it will have to be a partnership between the public authorities, the public and the manufacturers.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Cohda Wireless: 'New York has the best urban canyons'
    July 21, 2020
    Dr Paul Alexander, chief technical officer of Cohda Wireless, talks to Adam Hill about DSRC versus C-V2X, global connected vehicle take-up, the uses of WiFi – and, of course, seeing round the Big Apple's buildings...
    Read More
  • Georgia Yexley: Here's how micromobility can deliver public good
    June 27, 2023
    Georgia Yexley, founder of Loud Mobility, looks at the lessons on diversity, equity and inclusion which can be learned from the US and wider – and explores why it is a vital component for industry growth in the UK
    Read More
  • Reducing injuries and deaths in US workzones shouldn’t be this complicated
    April 17, 2023
    In National Work Zone Awareness Week, surely the least we can do is to help get road workers home safely at the end of the day, says One.network's boss
    Read More
  • Silos are last century’s thinking
    April 21, 2016
    After 45 years in transportation, Ken Philmus sees the need for major change in a sector currently ill-prepared to meet the challenge of funding and rapidly advancing technological change. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, Ken Philmus, currently senior vice president of transportation solutions at Xerox, appreciates both approaches, but times are changing and he believes the sector needs to change too. “I like trains, planes and automobiles but I love the concept of mobility and that’s w
    Read More

Highlighted Content