The counterargument you propose is invalid because it would be DECADES until >90% of the entire current automotive market is converted to fully autonomous. MEANING cars currently on the road either being retrofitted or completely removed from road and replaced by an AV.
So we are all in a lose-lose. I'm anticipating severe backlash from Congress this week, if not today.
because it does not require handing over control to the car to get a good test. the cars can simply record their decision making process and immediately flag all exceptions, which includes hitting anything. It would be very interesting to see all exceptions because it is to be expected all these systems must fail.
we don't need active testing on our streets. automakers would have dared to test ABS or "safety" systems in such a manner for the simple reason of liability.
So we are all in a lose-lose. I'm anticipating severe backlash from Congress this week, if not today.