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In Arizona, the future of transportation is unfolding on the streets of Phoenix, where driverless cars are revolutionizing how people move. These autonomous vehicles (AVs), operating without human drivers, are not just experimental—they’re part of thriving businesses serving real customers. According to a recent report by the Goldwater Institute, Arizona’s free-market approach has made it the nation’s leader in AV success. By prioritizing innovation and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles, the state has set a model for others to follow, delivering safer roads, economic growth, and enhanced mobility.
Key Highlights
- Safety Gains: One major AV company in Arizona has driven over 20 million miles of rider-only service by September 2024, with 81% fewer airbag-deployment crashes and 78% fewer injury-causing crashes compared to human drivers.
- Regulatory Framework: Initiated by a 2015 executive order from then-Governor Doug Ducey, updated in 2018, and codified in 2021, Arizona’s laws ensure AVs meet federal safety standards while fostering innovation.
- Societal Benefits: AVs improve access for the elderly and disabled, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance shipping efficiency, contributing to cleaner air and economic gains.
A Model Rooted in Freedom and Safety
Arizona’s success stems from a streamlined, state-led framework that avoids excessive regulation. The Arizona Department of Transportation oversees AV operations with a light touch, stepping in only when necessary. This balance ensures safety—AVs must carry insurance and obey traffic laws—while allowing companies to scale. The result? A technology that eliminates human error, the leading cause of road accidents, and delivers 62% fewer police-reported crashes than traditional vehicles.
Beyond Safety: Mobility and Economic Growth
AVs offer more than just safer roads. For non-drivers, including the elderly and disabled, they provide newfound independence by addressing transportation barriers that lead to billions in missed healthcare costs annually. Economically, Arizona’s approach attracts investment and jobs, positioning the state as a hub for transportation innovation. In contrast, states imposing restrictive “driver in” laws risk stifling progress and losing out.
A Roadmap for the Future
Arizona proves that a liberty-first model unleashes AV potential. As the Goldwater Institute’s report highlights, states adopting this approach can lead the next transportation revolution, blending safety, accessibility, and growth. Arizona’s roads are already paving the way.
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