Autonomous vehicle companies are conducting testing on public roads with live traffic. These vehicles are permitted to use public roads in residential neighborhoods, often in areas where children play in the street, and traffic is otherwise minimal. Proponents of these vehicles profess they offer reduced risk of physical harm, however this has  yet to be proven, and they present a far more alarming existential risk.

Autonomous vehicles include extensive data collection technologies which present a real risk to privacy and security. In order to function safely, autonomous vehicles must employ various sensors which collect data. Massive amounts of data must be collected in order to refine the algorithms needed to make these machines operate safely. Compiling such a vast repository of data represents an immense security risk to individuals, businesses, and nations, as this data could be accessed by hackers, thieves, and foreign enemies.

All technologies are fallible, and autonomous vehicles have and will inevitably continue to be involved in incidents resulting in property damage, bodily harm, and death. With a sentient operator, fault and liability are relatively easily assigned. With an autonomous vehicle, however, assigning liability in an accident could pit individuals against massive corporations with extensive legal resources. While autonomous vehicles may someday make personal vehicle travel safer, there will always be some risk, and such a potentially lethal activity should require the supervision of a sentient human operator.

We must evaluate if a technology makes life better or simply easier. In this case, I would argue the latter. Due to the clear risks to residents associated with testing these unproven technologies, I urge local lawmakers to ban their use on public roads. I appreciate your consideration and support.