USDOT, NHTSA release new guidance on autonomous driving systems

The guidelines, titled “A Vision for Safety 2.0,” provide evolving policies formed from Congressional and public feedback to regulate federal and state positions on autonomous technology.

   The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have released new federal guidance for automated driving systems (ADS), titled, “A Vision for Safety 2.0.”
   The guidelines builds on previous policy while adding feedback from Congressional hearings and public comments, the NHTSA said in a statement. Safety is prioritized as well as technical assistance to states and policymakers. Specifically, said the NHTSA, the guidelines focus on conditional, high- and full-automation ADSs, clarifies state and federal roles as well as the guidance process including testing or deployment of ADSs, and revises “unnecessary design elements” from the safety self-assessment.
   “The new guidance supports further development of this important new technology, which has the potential to change the way we travel and how we deliver goods and services,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “The safe deployment of  automated vehicle technologies means we can look forward to a future with fewer traffic fatalities and increased mobility for all Americans. 
   “In addition to safety, ADS technology offers important social benefits by improving access to transportation, independence and quality of life for those who cannot drive because of illness, advanced age or disability,” said Secretary Chao. 
   As automated technologies advance, the guidelines will as well, said NHTSA. “It is intended to be flexible and to evolve as technology does. In fact, DOT and NHTSA are already planning for 3.0.,” it said. 
   The full report can be viewed on the NHTSA’s website here.