     The federal government is interested. The National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration plans a research initiative to
determine the safety and reliability of automated driving
technologies. NHTSA head David Strickland said the cars hold
"great promise" for reduced crashes.   "I just love this kind of
technology and want to make sure we encourage this kind of
innovation," said the bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Greg
Brophy, of Wray.  Google actively backed a driverless car bill
passed in California last year but isn't taking a position on
Colorado's measure, said company spokesman Jay Nancarrow. He
wouldn't say why.  Brophy, one of the most tech-savvy members if
the state Legislature, said he envisions a day when people
aren't required to be in autonomous cars at all.  "Wouldn't it
be cool if you could send your car to school to pick up your kid
when he's sick and you can't get out?" Brophy asked.  Then he
smiled and added, "I would think that was cool. I don't know
that everybody else the state is com