Driverless Vehicles Hit the Road in Texas

If you think your car will be driving you anytime in the near future, think again.

Known as driverless or self-driving vehicles, autonomous vehicles are in the spotlight. But while the auto, tech and ride-share industries are driving the effort, the fact that automation levels vary means it will be a while before you'll pass a truly driverless vehicle on your daily commute.

In Texas, the push toward autonomous vehicles is particularly strong, accelerated by circumstances that make it among the nation's leaders as automation advances:

Texas' population growth is the largest of any state, according to U.S. Census data released in January; four of the five fastest-growing cities in the country with populations of 50,000 or more are in Texas, Census estimates have found; and Texas Demographic Center projections through 2045 suggest the state's population will grow by 40 percent, with three-quarters of the population concentrated in urban areas and border counties.

"Our growth is a function of a good economy, affordable housing and a good transportation network. To sustain that, you've got to keep enhancing and improving all those areas," says Christopher Poe of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, who also serves as point person for the state's proving grounds. "We've got to keep it up."