Driverless big rig robotrucks are now on the road in this state

This development raises important questions about safety, reliability and the future of the trucking industry.

Aurora's autonomous trucks now operate on routes between Dallas and Houston, hauling commercial loads. 

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing over 150,000 truckers, strongly questions Aurora's safety claims.

"Simulations and supervised testing aren't enough," OOIDA states. "Phantom braking and unpredictable road conditions make autonomous trucks a risky proposition. Until there's mandatory, transparent oversight, these safety claims are premature."

OOIDA also criticizes the lack of robust federal regulation, pointing to voluntary data programs like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) AV TEST as inadequate.

"Exemptions from FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) safety rules weaken proven standards," OOIDA argues. The association wants mandatory crash and disengagement reporting and warns against removing trained drivers from the cab entirely.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a labor union representing more than 1.2 million workers in North America, shares similar safety concerns.

"The Aurora Driver can't operate in severe weather like ice, unplowed snow or torrential rain," said Matt McQuaid, communications project manager for the Teamsters. He also noted that "Teamsters are professional drivers who safely handle all conditions with miles driven in the real world."

This order mandates the reporting of specific crash-related information when ADS or level 2 ADAS is engaged or was recently in use, enabling NHTSA to monitor potential safety defects in these vehicles and ensure compliance with safety standards. The goal is to proactively address safety concerns related to these technologies as they evolve, in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

There are undeniable upsides. Autonomous trucks could operate 24/7, slash delivery times, reduce costs and help address the growing driver shortage. They may even improve road safety by eliminating accidents caused by human error. But risks remain. Public trust in driverless tech is still shaky. Many worry about what happens to jobs when machines take the wheel. The Teamsters are particularly vocal about this.

"Tens of millions of people turn a key for a living, but companies like Aurora couldn't care less if they lose their livelihoods. Eliminating all driving jobs would be disastrous for our communities and the middle class," McQuaid said.

Still, consistent federal regulation is lacking. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy has called for nationwide standards: "We can't fall behind China or other countries. After safety, we need to give a wide runway for innovation."

John D. Esparza, president of the Texas Trucking Association, praised Aurora for its rigorous safety protocols, saying, "Their attention to safety is evident. The pursuit of perfection is necessary." 

Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, emphasized the broader significance: "Autonomous trucks are a triumph of American ingenuity and will ease supply chain issues."

Aurora's deployment of autonomous trucks in Texas offers a glimpse into the future of transportation. The benefits of increased efficiency and the potential for safer roads are compelling. However, it's crucial to keep a close eye on how this technology develops. We need independent verification of safety claims and a proactive approach to managing the impact on jobs. The key will be ensuring that as driverless trucks hit the roads, we also support the workers affected by this transition.

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