Inside AAA Mid-Atlantic’s headquarters in Wilmington, Gov. John Carney yesterday signed an executive order establishing an advisory council to evaluate the impact of autonomous vehicles on the state.

The 19-member council will look at both opportunities and potential obstacles to adapting the technology, including public safety, cybersecurity, and road design. The council will feature city and state officials as well as industry and academic representatives.

Gov. Carney has tasked the council with exploring economic development opportunities that may come with the technology.

The council will report back to the governor in September 2018.

“We must remain forward-looking to ensure that Delawareans can capitalize on the economic benefits of new technology, and to position our state as a leader in the 21st century economy,” said Gov. Carney. “Delaware can and should be a proving ground for this new technology."

Carney signed the order days after signing the Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Investment Act. The bill drives investment in mobile broadband infrastructure, a necessary factor in becoming an early adopter of autonomous vehicles, according to Carney's Action Plan For Delaware.