On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed HB 2398, an autonomous vehicle (AV) bill allowing for the testing and full commercial deployment of safe AVs on roads in the Keystone State. 

“This is big news for anyone who wants to see safer streets in Pennsylvania,” said Chamber of Progress CEO Adam Kovacevich. “AVs eliminate human error from driving, will save thousands of lives over the long run, and have the power to connect non-driving communities with options for getting around. If you factor in the economic benefits that the state’s tech workforce will see, this is a win-win-win for Pennsylvania.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic deaths in Pennsylvania rose 9% in 2021 compared to the year before. NHTSA estimates that 90% of accidents are caused by human error.

In Pittsburgh alone, the AV industry provides over 6,300 jobs and an estimated $651 million in labor income, resulting in $34.7 million in state and local tax revenue. Indirect employment created by the industry currently totals about 15,000 jobs.

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Chamber of Progress (progresschamber.org) is a center-left tech industry policy coalition promoting technology’s progressive future.  We work to ensure that all Americans benefit from technological leaps, and that the tech industry operates responsibly and fairly.  

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