A growing number of companies have autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the road these days — namely 145 million robotaxis, zero-occupancy vehicles and long-haul trucks. Many Americans are hesitant to embrace AV technology, largely because it’s new and unfamiliar. Of course, the emergence of this new technology carries both benefits and risks to the owners, operators and passengers. Yet as we become more comfortable with driverless vehicles, AVs are uniquely positioned not only to solve some serious industry challenges, but also to decrease fleet risk and reduce business costs. The Appeal of AVs People all over the world rely on the trucking industry to move products from one place to another. Yet despite the world’s need for new products, the trucking industry is struggling. Between significant driver shortages and rising operating costs for labor, fuel and for insurance premiums, AVs could be exactly what’s needed at this moment. AVs offer a compelling alternative. By reducing reliance on human drivers in certain routes or conditions, AVs have the potential to lower accident frequency tied to driver error, improve consistency in vehicle operation and reduce labor-related costs over time. These improvements could significantly reduce the cost of risk per mile, particularly for highway driving, where conditions are more predictable and automation is most successful. Barriers to AV Adoption As with any new technology, there are risks associated with early adoption. Some of these risks include: Public perception: The public is largely skeptical about AVs. Any incident is likely to attract attention, even if it’s a small one. Unpredictable environments: AVs must safely interact with human drivers, pedestrians and ever-changing road conditions wherever they travel. Uncertain regulatory landscape: Laws and regulations vary by location and may change quickly, requiring ongoing monitoring and compliance. Evolving insurance policies: Coverage for AVs is new and changing. With