San Francisco Steers Wrong Direction on Driverless Cars

At a time when San Francisco should be doing everything in its power to create a welcoming environment for innovative technology employers, the city this week moved to appeal a recent decision by the California Public Utilities Commission allowing expanded use of driverless cars. The Bay Area Council mounted a powerful advocacy campaign in support of the CPUC decision and we’re disappointed to see San Francisco take this action. Driverless vehicles provide proven safety benefits, especially compared to human-piloted vehicles, and dramatically improve mobility for those who cannot drive or for whom public transit is inconvenient.

These vehicles have driven millions of miles without a single reported injury, whereas traffic fatalities and injuries by human drivers in San Francisco have only risen in recent years. The vehicles are regulated by the state – both the CPUC and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – and have proceeded through a thorough and intensive regulatory approval process. To engage in the Council’s advanced mobility transportation work, please contact Vice President Emily Loper.