Ranking Members Larsen, Norton Statements from Hearing on the Future of Automated Vehicles

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"I would like to thank Subcommittee Chair Rick Crawford for holding this hearing on autonomous vehicles.

Today, I am interested in discussing the effects of autonomous vehicles on roadway safety and the commercial driving workforce. This Committee has a responsibility to ensure that, as autonomous vehicles are deployed, the highest possible safety standards are met and that Americans have access to high-quality, family-wage transportation jobs.

Automated vehicles, including commercial trucks and transit buses, are already on the road in many jurisdictions across the country and have the potential of transforming our transportation system. We must thoughtfully address the emerging opportunities and risks.

Nationwide, we are experiencing a startling rise in roadway fatalities. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to save lives by reducing traffic crashes caused by human behavior, but that potential is not a guarantee. Potential safety benefits must be carefully weighed against risks, especially when public roads are being used as testing grounds for new technologies. The bottom line cannot be saving money--it must be saving lives.

To that end, Congress and the Department of Transportation must ensure that autonomous vehicle deployments are only permitted in a manner that prioritizes the safety of the traveling public, including vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.

Autonomous vehicles must also be integrated into our transportation system in a manner that respects America's commercial driving workforce. Autonomous vehicles could significantly improve working conditions for commercial drivers and increase on-the-job safety. But eliminating the need for a human driver could also result in widespread job displacement if the needs of workers are not prioritized at the outset.

Commercial truck driving is a proven career path that offers a wage that can support a family. These jobs do not require a college degree. They are an opportunity for people to achieve high earnings without going into debt.

Comprehensive regulations and oversight of autonomous vehicle deployment will be required to create and preserve high-quality, family-wage jobs and good working conditions for Americans whose livelihoods depend on driving.

Thank you to each of our witnesses for being here today and offering your unique insights. I look forward to the discussion."

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