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Driverless cars coming to San Diego roads

Posted at 7:17 PM, Oct 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-19 22:18:11-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Millions of drivers are already behind the wheel, but what if they didn't have to be? San Diego is now one of 10 cities in the country trying to make that happen. 

They'll be using the express lanes on the 15 Freeway, the southern segment of the South Bay Expressway and local streets in Chula Vista as proving grounds for self-driving cars. 

"I think its fabulous," said Dennis Reither. "I think a lot of people you get on the road, a lot of people can't drive anyway so we do self-driving and they can drive a little closer and everything can be kind of in order."

Self-driving cars have already caused problems in other cities. As of October 16, the California DMV has received 44 accident reports from driverless cars. 

Back in May, a man fatally crashed into a semi-truck when the autopilot system on his Tesla failed. 

"Look at our freeways, there's crashes on it every day," said Reither. "So, it's just a matter of the technology just being perfected."

One woman says she would feel more comfortable with robotic cars than with some drivers already on the roads. 

"People behind the wheel isn't really any better," said Terrie Ingalls. I think the advancements getting there will be a good idea. You've got your elderly people who just aren't re-tested and have problems driving and your younger people who aren't paying attention."

Caltrans says safety is their number one priority. Initially, they will have someone in the vehicles when they begin testing. 

The project is still in the planning stages. No word on when those cars will hit the roads.