California's Democratic governor has vetoed a bill that would have required human drivers to be on board self-driving trucks.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill to require human drivers on board self-driving trucks, a measure that union leaders and truck drivers said would save hundreds of thousands of jobs in the state.

  • Dizzy Devil DuckyEnglish
    19•1 year ago

    Having a required human driver in the trucks for if/when the self-driving portion of the truck suddenly bugs out or gets into a situation where it cannot get itself free would probably save them a lot of headache and business when suddenly that truck gets into a situation it cannot correct itself.

    Hell, we’ve already seen times when that would’ve saved lives like the time self driving taxis ended up blocking an ambulance en route.

    • @ItsMeSpez
      4•1 year ago

      I wonder if these vehicles could be remotely piloted by a human when they become gridlocked, rather than have someone sitting in the cabin the entire time. Seems like just sitting in an autonomous vehicle while it drives long distances would be a particularly terrible job.

      • @[email protected]
        5•1 year ago

        You could get payed to just sleep or play games, seems like a dream job for some people.

        But remote controlled driving also seems like a pretty good idea, if it works reliably

        • @[email protected]
          3•1 year ago

          that’d be the dream, but the pessimist in me sees the boss installing Spyware, eye tracker software, a sensor in my seat, twice a day video call check ins and a series of beaurocratic tasks that turn it into an 11 hour shift 6 days a week, and in their downtown offices rather than WFH.

        • @Cryophilia
          2•1 year ago

          I’d love it, I’d go back to school for one

          Play so many video games

          I think sleeping would negate the purpose though, you need to be able to see when something is wrong and take control of the vehicle

          • @[email protected]
            2•1 year ago

            I guess you’re right on the sleeping part, might not be the best idea. But I’m sure if the trucking companies could skip sleeping time for trucks and allow the person to sleep while driving. They would 100% do it.

            A loud siren/alarm or something could wake you up I guess if something goes wrong or if you’re nearing your destination