The robot cars will not be completely autonomous, but will have safety drivers on board who can take over if needed.
The safety driver had to take over manual control to get us past the light, but once he resumed the autonomous driving mode, it proceeded uneventfully for the remainder of the trip.
The self-piloted vehicles will be limited to a maximum speed of 25 miles/hour, and each will include a safety driver, who can take over at any point via the on-board wheel, brake and accelerator.
Embark did the new cross-country trip in five days, but it included a safety driver on board behind the wheel, and because said driver has to be ready to take over control, the route involved scheduled rest brakes.
California requires a number of things from autonomous car makers, like special vehicle registrations for the cars and the car operators, accident report submissions as well as reports pertaining to when and how often a safety driver needs to take over.
The rides will all be monitored by a safety driver.
By displaying a simple window decal bearing the words, "This vehicle may be stopped and visually inspected by the police at any time to ensure driver's safety," a driver consents to being pulled over by any officers seeking to check on his well-being.
He also went on the record to say that despite the media reporting the concerns of several drivers over the safety of the event, none of those concerns had been raised with him.
But Mr. Mateo said that even with the current concerns over safety, the drivers would be unlikely to comply with the rules.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers over age 65 accounted for only 2 percent of accidents in 2009, compared with more than 6 percent for teenagers.
