Public Comments for: HB1125 - Automated driving systems; requirements for operation, civil penalties, report.
Please accept the attached written remarks in support of HB 1125 on behalf of the R Street Institute.
As a blind No.VA resident, I am strongly against driverless vehicles coming into our state without important liability and insurance considerations first being worked out.
On behalf of Chamber of Progress, a tech industry association supporting public policies to build a society in which all people benefit from technological advances, I respectfully urge you to support HB 1125, which establishes a clear, statewide framework for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles in Virginia.
My name is Mike Godino. I reside at 301 Claybrook Drive in Waynesboro, VA 22980. here in the valley, we have very limited transportation and I am legally blind; therefore, I need and will access all options available to get from here to there. I oppose HR1125 as my inability to read the DMV eye chart prevents me from acquiring a driver's license in the state of Virginia. HR1125 requires the passenger has a driver's license. this requirement would disenfranchise my consideration to travel independently. forcing me to travel with a licensed driver. This requirement is as futile as not having a vehicle here in the valley thus leaving me without a reliable ride. I do however support HR1124 for the simple fact it would offer me more options of getting around. Since losing my vision in 1992, I have learned to trust technology and the benefits it can provide. Please pass HR1124 offering people who are blind more transportation options. Thank you, Mike Godino 540-471-8116
Obviously, there are citizens that were born with or developed severe vision impairmentsat a very young age that driving was a luxury that simply was off the table. Others drove for perhaps many years prior to losing all or a substantial portion of their vision and may not have bothered to benew the driver's license. However, all-in-all they still need to get around and often want the autonomy of getting places with always relying on family and friends. I do not understand the requirement of a driver's license as call for in HB1124 but if it is simply for ID reasons in case of an accident where a person is unable to respond, why can't proof of identification suffice? That could include one of a multitude of items.