Self-driving cars are a common sight in Silicon Valley, but in Tampa, Fla. a test drive of an automated vehicle can still cause a stir.
Volkswagen AG’s Audi brand today offered test drives on a closed section of Tampa’s Selmon Expressway featuring an Audi A7 equipped with a prototype “Traffic Jam Pilot” system that can relieve drivers of steering, braking and speed control duties allowing hands-free operation at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott got one of the first rides. He explained his enthusiasm for autonomous driving research in a word: “Jobs.” The governor, who’s running for re-election, says Florida laws allowing autonomous vehicle testing on public roads will help the state attract technology jobs. Florida is one of four states that allows on-road autonomous vehicle testing.
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