Such autonomous vehicles will transform the 21st century in the same way that mass‐​produced automobiles transformed the 20th. Auto travel will become safer. Congestion will decline if not disappear. People who can be productive rather than endure the stress of driving will look at travel in an entirely new way. Eventually, mobility will be available to everyone, not just those who have a driver’s license.

Considering the technology available today and what experts think will be available in the near future, Congress and other policymakers should consider the following steps: