Regulatory Agencies Partnering To Assist With Self-Driving Technologies

Regulatory Agencies Partnering To Assist With Self-Driving Technologies

The dream of autonomous vehicles may be a step closer to reality thanks to the US Department Of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.) Considering that the NHTSA is the governing body that has the ability to approve or deny the use of autonomous vehicles, this can be a major step forward in creating standards and regulations that can get them on the road faster. 

Levels one through three of automotive automation are various levels of driver assistance.  Level 4 will require driver input under some circumstances. Levels 4 and 5 are the real goal, in which the vehicle will require little to no driver input to operate normally. The cars in Demolition Man would be a good example of level 5.

The collaboration between the automation industry and government regulatory bodies is indicative of a shift in the attitude toward autonomous vehicles.

It shows that the potential for reducing the occurrence of accidents has been acknowledged and that the inevitability that these technologies will be incorporated into commuter vehicles has gained general acceptance. 

Hopefully as more information regarding the exact nature of the partnership emerges, we'll begin to see adjustments in the existing regulations and a standardization of manufacturing guidelines.

We and our partners at Service King Round Rock here in Austin, TX will be watching this closely, as any implementation of new technologies will inevitably affect their industry as well.

Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: autobodynews.com