Michigan Gets Big Nod for Permitting Full Testing of Self-driving Vehicles

In response to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signing legislation to  allow for full testing of self-driving vehicles, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) president and CEO, Gary Shapiro, applauded the decision.

“Michigan has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the passage of new laws designed to allow self-driving vehicle testing in the state and continued development of new testing facilities within the state for automakers and transportation services providers,” Noted Shapiro.

He continued, “Self-driving and connected cars have the potential to reduce more than 90 percent of accidents caused by human error, provide previously unimagined independence to seniors and the visually-impaired, eliminate hours wasted in traffic and minimize congestion. To truly harness these benefits, we need more states to embrace Michigan’s model to allow for efficient and safe testing of self-driving vehicles. As the heart of the American automotive revolution, the state is well positioned to lead the way to a safer future.

“We commend Governor Snyder for leading the charge to position Michigan as, in his words, ‘the new mobility leader of the world’. The race to put self-driving cars on the road is fueled by the desire to embrace innovative transportation solutions – and, in the case of Michigan, with great benefit to the state economy thanks to revenue from expanded testing facilities.”

The latest CTA research shows four in five consumers recognize the potential benefits driverless technology can offer including reductions in accidents and related injuries, monetary savings in insurance and new mobility options for the disabled.

Tags: Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Gary Shapiro, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, self-driving cars

Category: Featured