Autonomous Vehicles: The Unseen Risks of Unregulated AI

The rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology has ushered in a new era of transportation, promising increased efficiency and safety. However, the recent incidents involving Waymo's driverless cars during protests in Los Angeles and San Francisco have raised serious concerns about the readiness of this technology to handle complex and unpredictable driving environments. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and accountability of autonomous vehicles.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has been at the forefront of advocating for safety regulations in the deployment of autonomous vehicles. In their June 2025 newsletter, the TWU highlighted the potential dangers of a proposed 10-year ban on state-level AI regulations, which is included in the pending House and Senate Republican budget reconciliation bill. This ban, if enacted, would prevent states from implementing their own safety measures to protect workers and the public from the harms of artificial intelligence. The TWU, along with other labor unions, has argued that such a ban would leave everyone vulnerable to "wide-ranging abuses stemming from irresponsible AI."

The incidents in Los Angeles and San Francisco serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with unregulated autonomous vehicles. During the protests, Waymo's driverless cars were left unattended in areas under a city-imposed curfew, becoming "sitting ducks" for vandalism and damage. This incident underscores the need for human oversight and safety regulations that a 10-year ban on state-level AI regulations could undermine.

The TWU International President John Samuelsen has emphasized that during a time when the federal government isn't doing its job to properly regulate AI deployments, it is reckless to shut down state attempts to protect residents from the improper or dangerous use of AI in transportation. This lack of regulation could lead to more incidents like the one in Los Angeles, where driverless vehicles are unable to handle unexpected or dangerous situations, posing a risk to public safety.

The proposed 10-year ban on state-level AI regulations could also have broader implications for the future of transportation. As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, the demand for public transportation jobs is expected to decline, leading to job losses in the trucking and transit sectors. This shift poses a significant threat to blue-collar workers, who may struggle to find alternative employment in a rapidly changing job market.

The TWU has been successful in advocating for safety regulations in the deployment of autonomous vehicles. In January 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sided with the TWU over Aurora and other autonomous trucking companies, ruling that cab-mounted beacons were not a suitable replacement for safety triangles that must be displayed when a large truck is broken down on the side of the road. This ruling is a critical component for holding autonomous trucking companies accountable and ensuring safe operations.

However, the trucking lobby continues to pressure federal regulators to eliminate restrictions on driverless trucks that are intended to promote safety. In May 2025, the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association wrote to the Department of Transportation (DOT) urging the FMCSA to update hours-of-service and inspection requirements that currently require action by a human. The TWU has been vigilant in opposing these efforts, recognizing the potential risks to public safety and the livelihoods of hard-working blue-collar workers.

The incidents involving Waymo's driverless cars during protests in Los Angeles and San Francisco have also raised questions about the readiness of autonomous vehicles to handle complex and unpredictable driving environments. To ensure that driverless cars are better prepared for such scenarios, several steps can be taken:

1. Human Oversight: Having human operators or safety monitors on standby to intervene in emergency situations can help mitigate risks and ensure that the vehicles can navigate through complex situations safely.

2. Advanced AI and Sensor Technology: Enhancing the AI and sensor technology in driverless cars can improve their ability to detect and respond to unpredictable events.

3. Real-Time Data Integration: Integrating real-time data from various sources, such as traffic management systems and social media, can help driverless cars anticipate and respond to changing conditions.

4. Regulatory Oversight: Strengthening regulatory oversight can ensure that driverless car companies adhere to safety standards and are held accountable for any failures.

5. Public Awareness and Education: Educating the public about the capabilities and limitations of driverless cars can help manage expectations and reduce fear.

The implementation of these steps can significantly affect public trust in autonomous technology. By demonstrating a commitment to safety and preparedness, driverless car companies can build confidence among the public. For instance, Waymo's expansion into new cities and its commitment to safety, as evidenced by its collision rates, can serve as a model for other companies.



In conclusion, the rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle technology presents both opportunities and challenges. While the promise of increased efficiency and safety is enticing, the potential risks associated with unregulated AI deployment cannot be ignored. The incidents involving Waymo's driverless cars during protests in Los Angeles and San Francisco serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and accountability of autonomous vehicles. By taking proactive measures to enhance safety, improve technology, and ensure regulatory compliance, driverless car companies can better prepare for complex driving environments and build public trust in autonomous technology. The TWU's advocacy for safety regulations in the deployment of autonomous vehicles is a critical component in this effort, and their continued vigilance will be essential in protecting the livelihoods of hard-working blue-collar workers and ensuring the safe integration of this technology into our transportation systems.