The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released their new policy concerning vehicle automation.
While many cars today already come equipped with rear-view cameras, electronic stability control and other new technologies to make driving easier, companies in the U.S. and abroad are already developing cars that can park, steer and even drive themselves.
The policy statement, released Thursday, describes NHTSA’s research efforts on the safety issues associated with autonomous (self-driving) vehicles as well as offers details on future research plans. As new technologies continuem to emerge, the agency wants to be prepared to establish standards should this technology become commercially available. NHTSA expected to complet the first phase of research within the next four years.
“Whether we’re talking about automated features in cars today or fully automated vehicles of the future, our top priority is to ensure these vehicles – and their occupants – are safe,” said Secretary Ray LaHood. “Our research covers all levels of automation, including advances like automatic braking that may save lives in the near term, while the recommendations to states help them better oversee self-driving vehicle development, which holds promising long-term safety benefits.”
To read more about NHTSA's new policy click here, or visit www.nhtsa.gov.