Stick to the Stick.

• Author: Acunto, Steve
• Position: FOREWORD

While I really dislike overly self-referential articles and TV guests and hosts--like Geraldo Rivera on FOX and Joe Scarborough on MSNBC--I will start this column on a personal note: I drive one of the few--maybe the only--Porsche Cayenne in the USA with a manual transmission, or what was called a "stick" back when I learned to drive in Italy on an Alfa Romeo Spider in the late 1960s. I have always had a stick shift in my cars. Perhaps that might explain why I have EXTRA reservations, or over-skepticism, about so-called "autonomous vehicles." That is, I actually feel that I drive my car something like a pilot who must actually navigate with only some key instrument panel help. So when Governor Cuomo announced a few weeks ago that Audi of America Inc. was approved to perform an autonomous vehicle demonstration in New York State, I did not feel so positive. Earlier the Governor had announced that New York would now accept applications from companies interested in testing or demonstrating autonomous vehicles on public roads.

"Autonomous vehicles are a major part of the future of the automotive industry and this pilot program will help ensure New York continues to be a hub of innovation and cutting edge technology," our ambitious Governor said. "This emerging technology has the potential to decrease accidents and save lives on our roadways, and with this approval we are one step closer to a safer and stronger New York for all." Included in the FY 2018 Budget, new legislation allows for testing autonomous technology through a year-long pilot program. Audi of America Inc. was the first company to apply for the rights to demonstrate this technology in New York and the first to be approved under the program. The technology they plan to demonstrate in the Capital Region is considered to be a Level 3 in autonomous vehicle operations by the Society of Automobile Engineers, meaning it is capable of safely allowing hands-free driving at posted highway speeds, but requiring a person to take over if required. Two trained engineers will be in the vehicle to monitor the system and ensure safety, one in the front seat and one in the back seat. The vehicle has already logged thousands of miles on highways across the U.S. safely. The company's vehicle routing information has been pre-approved by the New York State Police and its application was approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles on Friday, May 26. Responsible parties weighed in on this new...