Human error is the main factor in fatalities and injuries related to car accidents. The introduction of automated vehicles (AV) is expected to lead to a significant improvement of safety on American roads. However just like actual cars, new automated vehicles must pass safety standards. The US Department of Transportation’s role is to ensure public safety on the roads. With the arrival on the market of self driving vehicles, the agency is confronted with to new challenges. How to keep road users safe with automated vehicles? How to keep up to date with safety as technology related to AVs is developing very quickly?
The DOT consulted with experts, safety advocates, industry leaders and State governments among others before to publish a “Federal Automated Vehicles Policy”. This document was released with the purpose of seeking public comments. The DOT will consider all received feedback and release an updated policy in one year.
The document can be downloaded here