The US Department of Transportation has introduced updated regulations for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. Despite concerns that the Trump administration might weaken safety standards, similar to its actions with air and water regulations, incidents involving autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles must still be reported to authorities. Furthermore, domestic developers of autonomous vehicles can now take advantage of exemptions that were previously available only to foreign entities.
“This administration recognizes the critical importance of staying ahead of China in the innovation race, and the stakes are incredibly high,” stated US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Our new framework, part of the DOT’s innovation agenda, will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and move towards a unified national standard that encourages innovation while prioritizing safety,” Duffy added.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to enforce its Standing General Order, mandating that manufacturers of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles report any crashes that occur on public roads. Incidents involving autonomous systems or partial automation, such as GM’s Super Cruise or Tesla’s Autopilot, must be reported within 10 days if there were fatalities, hospitalizations, collisions with vulnerable road users, airbag deployments, or if a vehicle needed to be towed from the scene.
(Source: Ars Technica)
