California Bill Requires Human Presence in Autonomous Tractor-Trailers, Backed by Teamsters Union
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has issued a statement of support for a proposed California law that would require humans inside the cabs of autonomous tractor-trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds.
Assembly Bill 316 (AB 316), introduced in January, would mandate trained operators to be present in such vehicles. The bill passed through the Assembly’s Communications and Conveyance Committee on April 19 with bipartisan support and now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
California Assembly Members Argue for Keeping Humans in Control of Autonomous Tractor-Trailers for Road Safety
The authors of the bill, California Democratic Assembly Members Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Laura Friedman, Ash Kalra, and Republican Tom Lackey, argue that keeping well-trained human beings in the cab of 80,000 pound vehicles traveling at high speeds is the best way to ensure Californians’ safety on the roads.
“I was simply horrified to present my bill in a California Legislative hearing and have to listen to the representative of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association imply that our Nation’s, and our state’s, professional and skilled truckers are dangerous, drunk and texting drivers who pose a deathly risk to the public,” said Aguiar-Curry. “The callous disregard for these stewards of our highways and freeways, motivated by profit, is simply appalling.”
The bill is supported by the Teamsters Union and the California Labor Federation, whose members have voiced concerns about the issue. “AB 316 is common sense legislation that, in addition to keeping our roads safe, would protect thousands of good-paying jobs in California,” said Mike Fry, a professional truck driver of 27 years and member of Teamsters Local 2785. “Let me be clear: I’m not against technology, but I am against tech giants putting it before human lives and wellbeing.”
Randy Cammack, Teamsters Joint Council 42 president, added that his organization is grateful to Aguiar-Curry for her leadership on the bill and support for his members’ safety. “It’s time other elected leaders in California follow her lead and put their constituents ahead of Silicon Valley greed,” he concluded.
Public Safety Concerns Regarding Autonomous Vehicles and Driverless Trucks
The general public has also made it known that they have safety concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles. A 2023 American Automobile Association study revealed that Americans have become more afraid of driving alongside autonomous vehicles. A poll of Texas voters showed that more than 70% were uncomfortable sharing the road with driverless trucks.
California DMV Considers Allowing Autonomous Trucks, But Teamsters Union Pushes Back with AB 316
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is considering a regulatory framework that would allow for autonomous vehicles over 10,000 pounds to hit the road, possibly within one year, without consent from the state legislature. The Teamsters Union has pushed back against the proposal, calling it “highly irregular and undemocratic” and advocating for the passage of AB 316.
“AB 316 is gaining widespread bipartisan support because safety and jobs are issues that all Californians care about,” said Jason Rabinowitz, Teamsters Joint Council 7 president. “This is common sense legislation to everyone except the tech companies and their allies in Sacramento advocating against it.”
The debate over autonomous vehicles raises important questions about the balance between technological advancement and public safety. As California legislators continue to weigh the benefits and risks of autonomous tractor-trailers, the future of the state’s transportation industry remains uncertain.
Image Credit: TuSimple
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