Chicago City Wire

Illinois was represented at the sixth annual Connected Car Insurance USA Conference and Exhibition where the future of driverless vehicles was discussed.

Illinois Department of Insurance acting Director Anne Melissa Dowling and Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn took part in the event.

“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase Illinois as a true leader in technology and innovation,” Dowling said. “A fundamental change is on the horizon where companies are writing more product liability insurance than individual driver performance. Driverless technology has arrived, and Illinois is coordinating across agencies to be in the best position to ensure the safety of all those who use our highways and byways.”

The exhibition is the largest forum of its kind with attendees from around the world. Executives from technology companies, auto companies and other related industries actively listened during the vivid panel discussion. Speakers delved into the future of driverless cars and what types of changes and advancements the technology will bring to the insurance sector, roads and other infrastructure.

“As the country is embarking on exciting new changes in transportation, Illinois is poised to be at the forefront of a mobility revolution,” Blankenhorn said. “At the Illinois Department of Transportation, we are dedicated to working with our industry partners to make this a reality and ensure Illinois is a leader in technology, innovation and safety.”