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In Indianapolis on February 5, 2024, the Indiana General Assembly’s Roads and Transportation Committee witnessed pivotal testimony from Teamsters, emphasizing the significance of House Bill 1022. This proposed legislation mandates the presence of human operators in autonomous trucks, underscoring its importance for safeguarding middle-class employment and enhancing motorist safety across the state.
The advocacy for this bill was led by notable figures including Representative Cindy Ledbetter, who authored the bill, and Representative Jim Pressel, the committee chair responsible for convening the hearing. Additionally, Senator Jim Tomes played a critical role in introducing the companion legislation, Senate Bill 57, in the upper chamber. Chuck Whobrey, President of Teamsters Local 215 and Vice President of Teamsters Joint Council 94, expressed gratitude towards these legislative efforts and urged for a decisive vote on HB 1022, while also advocating for a hearing on SB 57 by Homeland Security and Transportation Chairman Mike Cryder.
See also: California Legislates on Autonomous Vehicles
The call for human oversight in driverless trucks is backed by a coalition comprising Teamsters, law enforcement, and various public safety professionals, alongside widespread public support. Harvey Jackson, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 142, highlighted polling data indicating bipartisan voter concerns over sharing roads with autonomous vehicles. The assertion is that a human presence is crucial for safety and adaptability in unforeseen circumstances.
The economic implications of driverless trucks were spotlighted by Michael Kuntz, a member of Local 135, who noted the trucking industry’s substantial contribution to the state’s economy—exceeding $11 billion in wages in 2021. The potential job losses from automation pose threats not only to professional drivers but also to the broader economic fabric of Indiana, affecting state and local revenues, small businesses, and charitable contributions.
A compelling anecdote was shared by Local 135 member William Honey, who in 2019 utilized his truck to avert a potential tragedy during a high-speed police chase. Honey’s actions underscored the indispensable role of human intuition and responsiveness in ensuring road safety, challenging the reliability of autonomous systems in critical situations.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents over 1.3 million members across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, advocating for the rights and safety of workers in the face of technological advancements.
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