Maryland lawmakers debate testing of driverless trucks amidst safety concerns

The Maryland General Assembly's Environment and Transportation (ENT) Committee convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss the implications of autonomous vehicle technology, particularly focusing on driverless trucks. The session highlighted significant concerns regarding safety, regulatory frameworks, and the potential impact on Maryland's roads.

A key point of discussion was the anticipated testing of driverless trucks in Texas later this year, with no confirmed timeline for their introduction in Maryland. Lawmakers expressed apprehension about Maryland becoming a testing ground for this technology without adequate safety measures in place. Delegate Stewart emphasized the importance of ensuring that human operators remain in vehicles to provide an additional layer of safety, particularly in unexpected situations such as road closures or adverse weather conditions.

Delegate Baker raised concerns about the high accident rates on major interstates in his district, questioning when Maryland might see testing of these vehicles. He noted that while testing in Texas may be beneficial, it is crucial to wait for comprehensive data before allowing similar trials in Maryland. The sentiment among committee members was clear: they do not want Maryland to be a "beta test site" for unproven technology.

Witnesses from various organizations, including the Truck Safety Coalition and Consumer Auto Maryland, echoed these concerns. They argued for a regulatory framework that mandates data collection on crashes and citations involving autonomous vehicles. This data would be essential for assessing the safety of these vehicles before they are allowed on Maryland roads.

Supporters of the bill, including representatives from labor unions, highlighted the potential risks of deploying autonomous vehicles without human oversight, particularly in public transit. They stressed that human drivers possess critical skills and experience that AI technology currently cannot replicate.

Conversely, representatives from the autonomous vehicle industry argued that driverless technology could alleviate the ongoing labor shortage in trucking, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They claimed that autonomous trucks could help reduce shipping costs and improve efficiency.

The committee's discussions underscored a growing divide between the push for technological advancement and the need for stringent safety regulations. As Maryland lawmakers continue to deliberate on this issue, the outcome will significantly influence the future of autonomous vehicles in the state. The committee plans to gather more information and data before making any decisions, emphasizing the importance of safety and public trust in the adoption of new technologies.