Oxford study reveals 47% of US jobs at risk from automation and autonomous vehicles

In the heart of Nevada, discussions surrounding the future of transportation took a serious turn as the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure convened to address pressing safety concerns related to autonomous vehicles. The meeting, held on May 16, 2025, highlighted the growing unease among lawmakers and the public regarding the readiness of these technologies to safely integrate into everyday life.

A recent study from Oxford University revealed that nearly half of American jobs are at risk due to automation, with autonomous vehicles playing a significant role in this shift. However, the technology has faced scrutiny following a series of alarming incidents. In February, a driverless robotaxi collided with a fire truck responding to an emergency, resulting in one passenger being hospitalized. This incident was not isolated; San Francisco reported over 50 cases in just six months where autonomous vehicles disrupted emergency services, raising serious questions about their reliability.

The committee also discussed a troubling incident in Southern Nevada, where a truck carrying lithium-ion batteries caught fire on Interstate 15, leading to a 44-hour closure and significant traffic disruptions. This event sparked concerns about the safe transportation of these batteries, which power many autonomous vehicles. The discussion around potential regulations for lithium battery transport gained momentum, especially after another crash on US Highway 95 involving a truck carrying 31,000 pounds of batteries.

As the meeting unfolded, lawmakers expressed their commitment to ensuring public safety while navigating the complexities of technological advancement. The implications of these discussions extend beyond Nevada, as the state grapples with the balance between innovation and the well-being of its residents. With the future of autonomous vehicles hanging in the balance, the committee's actions may shape the landscape of transportation for years to come.