As autonomous vehicles become increasingly common on our roadways, we must continue to adapt to their changing capabilities to ensure we keep all Pennsylvanians safe. While the technology in these vehicles has advanced significantly in recent years, there is still room for improvement. Self-driving vehicles are programmed to detect and respond to emergency vehicles and school buses by giving them the right-of-way they are afforded under law, yet certain conditions can cause an autonomous vehicle to fail to detect and respond to an emergency vehicle.
 
For this reason, I will soon be introducing legislation that would require autonomous vehicles to be able to receive a wireless communication through a system in which emergency vehicles and school buses can alert the vehicle of its presence and instruct it to pull off to a safe area and let other vehicles pass. This legislation would also establish a grant program that would assist with outfitting emergency vehicles and school buses with the necessary equipment.
 
With this bill, we can help first responders and school bus drivers by ensuring that all self-driving cars do not endanger or obstruct them while performing their important jobs.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to protect and assist our first responders and school bus drivers.