The US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released new federal guidance for Automated Driving Systems: A Vision for Safety 2.0.
This is the latest guidance for automated driving systems to industry and States.
US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, says: “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.
“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.”
A Vision for Safety 2.0 calls for industry, state and local governments, safety and mobility advocates and the public to lay the path for the deployment of automated vehicles and technologies.
“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,” says Chao.
A Vision for Safety 2.0 builds on the previous policy and incorporates feedback received through public comments and Congressional hearings.
The new guidance paves the way for the safe deployment of advanced driver assistance technologies by providing voluntary guidance that encourages best practices and prioritizes safety.
The document also provides technical assistance to States and best practices for policymakers.
Specifically, the new voluntary guidance:
- focuses on SAE International Levels of Automation 3-5 – conditional, high, and full automation;
- clarifies the guidance process and that entities do not need to wait to test or deploy their automated driving systems;
- revises unnecessary design elements from the safety self-assessment;
- aligns federal guidance with the latest developments and industry terminology; and
- clarifies federal and state roles going forward.
As automated technologies advance, so will the Department’s guidance. It is intended to be flexible and to evolve as technology does.
In fact, the DoT and NHTSA are already planning for 3.0.
A Vision for Safety is the newest version replacing previous guidance and offers a more flexible approach to advancing the innovation of automated vehicle safety technologies.
