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AP Photo/Sandra Chereb
Gov. Brian Sandoval takes a spin in a driverless car Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Carson City. Sandoval described the experience as “amazing”; he took the test run with a Google engineer and DMV Director Bruce Breslow. They started their trip at the DMV offices in Carson City and went north to Washoe Valley, where they turned around.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 | 3:20 p.m.
CARSON CITY -- Gov. Brian Sandoval got behind the wheel of a Toyota Prius on Wednesday - and left the driving to a computer for a test drive through the capital and a scenic valley.
Sandoval became the first governor in the nation to test drive the robot-car technology Google Inc. is testing in Nevada.
"All of it is amazing," Sandoval said after the gas-electric hybrid - with a spinning gizmo on its roof - pulled into a parking space in front of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. "It's another compliment to American engineering."
The gizmo is a laser range finder. The cars are also equipped with radar, sensors and computers that allow the vehicles to drive themselves.
Nevada lawmakers approved a bill this year allowing the cars on Nevada roadways. Another bill exempts operators of robotic vehicles from a texting-while-driving ban that takes effect Jan. 1.
"I think it's important for Nevada to be first on this," Sandoval said. "This is going to be part of the future, and Nevada has always been a very progressive state."
Sandoval, with Google engineer Chris Urmson riding shotgun and DMV Director Bruce Breslow in the back seat, drove from the DMV offices to the middle of Washoe Valley about 10 miles north before turning around.
The governor took manual control of the car for a while but was amazed at its maneuverings while on autopilot.
"It accounts for all the safety issues," Sandoval said. "It even tells you when a crosswalk is coming up."
The technology is not yet available commercially, and the DMV is in the process of developing regulations for licensing the cars, said DMV spokesman Tom Jacobs, who got to take a spin in the driverless auto earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Google officials, who did not want to speak with reporters, have been mapping the state's roadways.
If the car enters an area that hasn't been mapped, Jacobs said a female voice will tell the operator, "Please drive."
When Sandoval is behind the wheel, any car would be driverless.
Google, Dale does everything for him anyway, so he can run for VP.
Looks like your job is next Mr. Cab driver, Mr. and Ms. Truck Driver, Mr. and Mrs. Bus Driver. Someone in China will be at a console monitoring a 100 auto-guided vehicles. Or a Mexican truck, thank you Obama, Clinton and Bush.
I guess he'll pick-up the tab after the first accident that kills someone. (Don't tell me these vehicles can't be hacked.)
A step in the right direction. We are the first in the nation and within 20 years this technology will be widely in use.
look at brian "my kids don't look hispanic so i could frickin care less about those losers that actually look hispanic and who might be unfairly subjected to racial profiling thru immigration reform even though i am a mexican american" sandoval...
driving thru northern nevada...
good for him...
look how northern nevada spends our money...
how nice...
sandoval and heller...
northern nevadans...
that just love to spend southern nevada's money...
i am so frickin happy for them...
I want me a helicopter... : )
As long as these lazy cars for lazy drivers stay right except to pass, I'm fine with them. They will follow the law to the letter and will be easy to get around.
Good thing is these cars can not drink and drive and kill someone.
No more DUI in this state if enough people step up and use them.
The future is on the way. Some of you better get ready for it now that you have learned to post silly things on the Internet in the darkness of your room. ;-)
Sandoval said "...and Nevada has always been a very progressive state." Yea.. like transparency in political contributions..and transparency with taxpayer paid officials running for public office..and the non-existent ethics..yea...very progressive.
I know what's wrong with that car . It has a loose nut behind the wheel
Looking at the bright side of having such an innovative vehicle, it will enable seniors who might be in jeopardy of losing their keys, another avenue; and for the habitual DUI drivers who must work, it should be mandated, and for those with really awful driving records or habits, this will provide them wheels (restricted by court or parents). Our society demands mobility, as this type of vehicle is a great option on the horizon!