Why is the US DOT using AI to draft safety rules?

The US DOT is using AI, such as Google Gemini, to draft safety rules to significantly speed up the rule-making process, aiming for 'good enough' regulations rather than perfection.

What are the concerns about the DOT using AI for rule-making?

Staffers and experts are concerned that AI like Gemini can confidently produce errors and hallucinations, potentially leading to flawed laws that could impact transportation safety and result in injuries or deaths.

How fast can Google Gemini draft rules for the DOT?

According to DOT's top lawyer, Google Gemini can draft rules in under 30 minutes, a stark contrast to the weeks or months typically required for traditional rule-making.

Home / Technology / AI Drafts US Transportation Rules: Safety at Risk?

AI Drafts US Transportation Rules: Safety at Risk?

27 Jan

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Summary

US DOT using AI to draft safety rules for planes and cars.
Staffers worry about AI errors leading to flawed laws.
DOT aims to speed up rule-making, accepting 'good enough' rules.

AI Drafts US Transportation Rules: Safety at Risk?

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has begun using artificial intelligence, specifically Google Gemini, to draft safety regulations for crucial transportation systems including airplanes, cars, and pipelines. This initiative, revealed recently, has sparked worry among DOT staffers and external experts due to AI's known tendency to generate inaccurate or fabricated information. Concerns include the potential for flawed laws resulting from unchecked AI errors, which could endanger public safety and lead to legal challenges.

Despite these apprehension, DOT's top lawyer, Gregory Zerzan, has indicated that the primary goal is to expedite the rule-making process. He stated that the aim is not for perfect regulations but for 'good enough' ones, with Gemini capable of drafting rules in under 30 minutes, significantly faster than the traditional weeks or months. This approach has been met with skepticism by staffers who emphasize the intricate nature of regulatory work requiring deep expertise.