We are constantly on the go here in Knoxville. We rely on our cars, our primary mode of transportation, for everything; to go to school, to work, etc. Now, a new type of car, a car capable of driving itself, is in development, and the Tennessee State Senate has passed a bill that sets guidelines and regulations for self-driving cars, or autonomous vehicles.

What are AVs?

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are vehicles that operate themselves in one way or another. What qualifies as an AV must fit one of five levels.

• Level Zero AVs are not outfitted with any technology like GPS systems or rearview cameras; they are traditional vehicles, especially vehicles built in the twentieth century.
• Level One AVs are outfitted with technology such as automatic cruise control and blind spot sensors.
• Level Two AVs have the same tech as Level Ones, plus some. They are somewhat autonomous but lack any real self-driving capabilities.
• Level Three AVs offer hands-free driving, but the onboard computers can function most effectively only in highway traffic, with the AVs going no more than forty miles per hour as the computers often have trouble operating the vehicles in suburbs with stop signs and the like.
• Level Four AVs would be outfitted with technology capable of health monitoring; for example, they could detect if a passenger is suffering a heart attack and then notify emergency personnel and/or take the passenger to the closest hospital.
• Level Five AVs would be completely autonomous, offer the human driver total hands-free operation, and autonomously take the passenger to his or her destination.

What does the Bill propose?

Although only Level One AVs are currently on the road and Level Two AVs are almost ready for public use, the Tennessee Senate is thinking ahead and has passed a Bill regarding AVs. The Bill redefines what qualifies as a driver, and under the Bill a person who does not need to physically operate his or her car qualifies as a driver. In fact, the new definition of driver also includes onboard technology with complete or near-complete automation and capable of operating the corresponding motorized vehicle without any physical human supervision or operation. In addition, the onboard technology also would be able to automatically minimalize risks during “critical vehicle or system failure[s]” and emergency situations.

The Bill sets forth new regulations and certifications for the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDS) to enforce and oversee. It also stipulates that manufacturers must fill out certain forms before they can test, sell, or have their AVs on the road in Tennessee. Per the Bill, the TDS will set forth taxes and application fees for AVs; for instance, there will be a $0.01-per-mile-driven tax for two-axle AVs and a $0.026-per-mile-driven tax for AVs possessing three or more axles.

What are the benefits of the Bill?

If signed into law, the Bill will have numerous benefits. For instance, it will encourage manufacturers to set up shop in Tennessee, and the manufacturers will draw employees. The Bill also could pave the way for less traffic on Tennessee roads. There are designated lanes for buses, carpools, and emergency vehicles, and the Bill could allow for AVs to also occupy those lanes. Fewer vehicles might mean an increased chance of an auto accident, too, so we may very well end up with safer roads.

Until the day comes when all of our cars drive themselves, we still need to be on our guard for dangerous drivers. If you were in an auto accident in Knoxville, Banks & Jones can help. To schedule your free consultation with an experienced Knoxville auto accident attorney, please call 865-546-2141, or contact us today.