NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Senate Bill 1561, sponsored by Senator Mark Green, aims to change the auto industry through the development of autonomous technology for driving vehicles.
Automobile makers and technology companies are currently developing this technology, some of which is already on today’s cars. Intelligent cruise control and park assist are just two examples. However, the industry is not far from cars that completely drive themselves.
With radar sensors, these vehicles can spot a deer about to cross a road and respond in significantly less time than any human. And with 93.7% of all accidents caused by human error, the opportunities to save lives are endless. Further, the possibility of dramatically enhancing the lives of the elderly and blind makes pursuing the effort a noble one.
Yet most states are not welcoming the industry. Recognizing this, Senator Green initiated legislation to recruit not only manufacturing, but the research and development of these vehicles and their supporting technologies to Tennessee.
“We have a great auto manufacturing base here in Tennessee. Now it’s time to get the brains of the operation here as well,” noted Senator Green, who represents Montgomery, Houston and Stewart Counties.
Green held meetings in Nashville with leaders from all the major automobile manufacturers, parts and technology suppliers and state agencies like TDOT, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Department of Safety, to name of few. One technology vendor from Washington DC commented he had not seen such meetings elsewhere in the country, and Tennessee was clearly leading the way.
The legislation provides a new definition of autonomous technology and establishes a framework for the highly sought technology’s research, testing and manufacture in the Volunteer State. Yet, the impact of leading in the dialogue goes well beyond the simple wording of the bill and creates possibilities for Tennesseans.
An auto manufacturer is now considering relocating to Tennessee. An Association of Autonomous Technology met with leaders last week with the possibility of moving their headquarters to Tennessee. One technology company is now hoping to expand its footprint in the state. There are even talks of NASA projects related to the 2020 Mars Space Project interested in relocating to Tennessee because of the state’s embrace of the technology.
“This year we just wanted to get the dialogue going. And boy did it. Next year we are looking for education grants to link the industry to Tennessee Universities interested in participating in the R&D aspect. We are engaging state and local economic development agencies to further recruit the businesses. This bill really is only the beginning, and it has certainly been the match that ignited this fire,” said Green. “Sometimes a bill is more than just legislation.”