This chapter discusses recent incidents, regulatory measures, and safety concerns in the autonomous vehicle industry. It highlights the DMV's regulation of autonomous vehicles after an injury incident, the tension between tech companies and San Francisco residents, and the differences between AV companies in terms of technology and safety performance.
The long-simmering culture war between the high tech sector and the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area erupted around the issue of AVs in recent weeks, as the CPUC voted to expand robotaxi operations in the city. The gang gathers this week to discuss the public outcry, the CPUC hearing, the subsequent crashes and other issues, and where it all fits into the AV sector's big picture.