The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association remains “deeply skeptical” about driverless trucks now operating along Interstate 45 in Texas this week.
Aurora Innovation launched fully driverless trucks on the Texas interstate this week after completing their safety case – an assembly of evidence the company believes can prove that the autonomous trucks are ready to hit the road. The following agencies were briefed on the autonomous truck’s alleged readiness:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), Local law enforcement in Texas
“Moving autonomous commercial freight without anyone behind the wheel is a historic step forward in our mission to build a smarter and more efficient supply chain, and one we’re proud to lead alongside Aurora,” said Lior Ron, Founder and CEO of Uber Freight, who has been working with Aurora, in a press release.
Despite the safety briefs and 1,200 miles of driverless tests, the OOIDA says that the association remains “deeply skeptical of the safety assurances made by Aurora regarding its upcoming deployment of driverless trucks.”
“While the company has released a voluntary safety report highlighting simulation data and supervised road testing, OOIDA believes this falls short of demonstrating readiness for full public road integration. Simulations and limited road testing cannot replicate the vast range of real-world driving conditions that commercial vehicles encounter daily,” their statement continues.
“Furthermore, serious risks like ‘phantom braking’ — where autonomous vehicles unexpectedly brake — pose a significant hazard, especially for heavy trucks. Until autonomous technology can be proven safe under all conditions through mandatory, transparent oversight, OOIDA believes these safety claims are insufficient and premature.”
“This puts at risk everyone sharing public roadways,” said OOIDA Director of Communications George O’Connor. “Commuters on I-45 did not sign up to be in a science experiment.”
Aurora’s driverless trucks can now be found on Interstate 45 between Houston and Dallas, hauling freight for two partner companies for the foreseeable future.
“Our Dallas to Houston hauls are the longest trips in autonomy on American public roads with no one behind the wheel. EVER,” Aurora wrote.
