Autonomous Vehicles in Baltimore

The future of autonomous vehicle services in Maryland, including Waymo and other self-driving vehicles, is still unclear after House Bill 1295 failed to obtain enough votes to pass in the latest legislative session. Lawmakers expressed concerns not only about the safety of the autonomous vehicles but also about the potential job losses that could occur should Waymo and other companies be given permission to operate within the state.

Despite the setback, many supporters believe this will not be the end of autonomous vehicles in Maryland and fully expect to have the opportunity to reintroduce this bill during the next legislative session. Many arguments in favor of the bill include removing the human element from driving. Supporters of autonomous vehicles cite their safety record; Waymo’s data shows that their cars are involved in 90% fewer serious accidents than human drivers.. Another benefit highlighted by supporters is that autonomous vehicles provide an easily accessible means of transportation for people with disabilities.

Waymo representatives remain optimistic about the future and will continue to lay the groundwork for operations in Baltimore while they wait for the bill to pass. Legislative approval of autonomous vehicles would alter the nature of Maryland transportation and could lead to major changes over the next 12 months.

Written by Austin R. Scott, Esq.