Pete Buttigieg Admits Biden Administration Should’ve Done More To Grow Autonomous Vehicles — Says DOGE-Like Department ‘Makes Tons Of Sense’

Biden-era Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently expressed his belief that the Biden administration could have done more to promote the adoption of autonomous vehicles in the United States. During an appearance on the All In Podcast, Buttigieg highlighted the safety benefits of autonomous technology, stating that some autonomous vehicles are already safer than human drivers and that this trend is only expected to improve over time. He emphasized the potential of autonomous vehicles to save a significant number of lives by reducing the number of accidents caused by human error.

Buttigieg also pointed out the disparity in safety regulations between aviation and road transportation, noting that hundreds of people lose their lives in car crashes every day due to human error. He suggested that more could have been done to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles and improve road safety in the U.S.

In a separate discussion about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Buttigieg expressed his support for the concept in theory but criticized the implementation of the department under Elon Musk’s leadership. He cited an incident where the DOGE sent an email to air traffic controllers urging them to leave their positions and pursue opportunities in the private sector, during a shortage of air traffic controllers. Buttigieg highlighted the importance of efficient government practices but raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current approach.

In the realm of autonomous vehicle technology, Uber Technologies Inc. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi predicted a future where most vehicles would be autonomous within the next 20 years. He compared driving to “horseback riding” in terms of future relevance and emphasized the safety benefits of autonomous driving technologies.

Meanwhile, Tesla Inc. is gearing up for the production of the Cybercab, an electric vehicle that may feature traditional steering wheels and pedals to comply with safety regulations. Alphabet Inc.’s autonomous vehicle arm, Waymo, CEO Tekedra Mawakana emphasized the importance of transparency in the autonomous vehicle sector to ensure road safety.

Overall, the push for autonomous vehicles and advancements in technology are shaping the future of transportation. Companies like Uber, Tesla, and Alphabet are at the forefront of this innovation, with partnerships and developments aimed at improving road safety and efficiency. The evolution of autonomous driving technologies is expected to revolutionize the way we travel and contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation system.