Episode 208 | Accelerating Autonomy: Navigating Policy, Economics and Global Competition

India Herdman, Senior Manager, Policy Affairs, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the current state of autonomous vehicle / truck policy and why a National Autonomous Vehicle Framework will unlock economic growth in the U.S. The conversation begins by examining the current state of autonomous vehicle policy, highlighting the patchwork of regulations at the state level and the stagnation at the federal level. India emphasizes the importance of passing comprehensive federal legislation to unlock the potential of autonomous vehicles, pointing out the safety and economic benefits they could bring to the U.S.The conversation then delves into the political landscape surrounding autonomous vehicle policy. India outlines the challenges faced on both sides of the aisle, including labor union concerns for Democrats and China-related issues for Republicans. She stresses the need for compromise and a balanced approach to move forward to ensure that the United States is not left behind on the development and commercialization of autonomy. In addition to discussing autonomy, Grayson and India touch on other related issues, including the AM radio mandate for vehicles, the role of trial lawyers in shaping policy, and the need for public education on autonomous vehicles. One of those platforms to showcase the future of autonomy is the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) as it serves as a platform for showcasing autonomous vehicle advancements and engaging policymakers.Throughout the episode, both Grayson and India emphasize the economic potential of autonomous vehicles and express frustration at the lack of political will to advance the technology for the benefit of the economy. They call for a more proactive approach from the industry to educate the public and policymakers about the benefits of AVs.Wrapping up the podcast they urge listeners and viewers to recognize the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate progress on autonomous vehicle policy to ensure U.S. competitiveness and that the American public can reap the safety and economic benefits of this transformative technology.Recorded on Tuesday, June 18, 2024Episode Chapters0:00 Current State of Autonomous Vehicle and Truck Policy3:57 Autonomy is Good for the Economy6:18 Politicians, Special Interests and the Media11:33 Distracted Driving14:17 Public Trust in Autonomous Vehicles15:37 CES19:19 Geopolitics 31:18 Tort Reform 34:06 AM Radio Mandate40:29 Future of Autonomous Vehicle Policy--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy® is a leading source of data, insight and commentary on autonomous vehicles/trucks and the emerging autonomy economy™. The company has two businesses: The Road to Autonomy Indices, with Standard and Poor’s Dow Jones Indices as the custom calculation agent; Media, which includes The Road to Autonomy and Autonomy Economy podcasts as well as This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.