Over the past decade, we have all heard of the fast approaching reality that is autonomous vehicles. A technology that is sure to revolutionize the transportation industry and change much of the daily lives we are currently used to, however, for a small but significant group of the global workforce, it isn’t all roses on the horizon.
For the longest time, the arrival of autonomous vehicles has been promised to bring nothing but benefits to communities around the world, reduced emissions from transportation, the elimination of congestion, and an increase in the safety of commuting around the world. Though it is true that we can expect to benefit from these aspects in the near future, it seems that autonomous vehicle manufacturers and government bodies are shying away from addressing the inevitable issue of unemployment among drivers that will arise as a consequence of autonomous vehicle use.
As things currently stand, driving jobs provide a safe haven for many low-skilled employees around the world. In 2014, there were 4 million driver jobs in the U.S. alone, a number that is surely significant enough for lawmakers to consider when planning for the deployment of autonomous vehicles.
As of now, little has been done to plan for or even address this upcoming crisis, governments are generally trying to plug holes as they appear, however, in order to build trust with these drivers and assure them that they will not be rendered useless in the new age of technology, governments must present to these workers; a clear image of the future where they are just as secure, dignified and most importantly, just as employed.
Though unemployment seems to be the main concern, simply redeploying these worker to other industries or sectors is not the answer, this becomes abundantly clear when you consider that the vast majority of drivers around the world have had or will have long careers in the field, a career that provides them with respect, dignity, and a strong sense of belonging and are therefore unlikely to accept a new career path that will strip them of all the stripes earned over a prolonged period of time.
Overtime, working in the transport industry provides these employees with years worth of experience that cannot be studied or taught in a classroom, experience that can prove to be extremely valuable in the development of autonomous vehicles with the right training and implementation. Mapping systems, for example, require a deep knowledge of traffic patterns and potential road collisions that can not be perfected by relying solely on simulations and road tests but rather with first hand experience, one which is abundantly present with these veteran drivers.
The matter of creating job opportunities for these drivers in the new age of transportation is not to be contemplated or planned for the future, this plan must be brought into action immediately and with sincerity in order to provide these veterans with some reassurance that there is a place and need for them as the world continues moving into the new age of AI.
