BlankNHTSA to release self-driving vehicle guidelines by end of summer Brent
Snavely , Detroit Free Press
NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind on Wednesday said early versions of
autonomous
vehicles have arrived, creating the need for the government to work as fast as
possible to develop guidelines for the new technology. The guidelines, which
will be drafted in a matter of months,'are intended to help set standards for
automakers that are rapidly developing and deploying new technology.
NHTSA wants to craft the guidelines now -- rather than adopting regulations
that
could take years for approval. Rosekind argues it's better to work with the
auto
industry now through guidelines rather than going through the lengthy process
of
crafting regulations.
"When the safety act was written, (Congress)'just had no idea of the kind of
technology we have today and how fast it is changing," he said.
He said the guidelines will cover several areas: Rosekind said the agency wants
to issue the guidelines by the end of the summer. The NHTSA administrator
believes that self-driving technology has tremendous potential to reduce
traffic
fatalities, which are largely caused by driver error.
"There is so much excitement about this area. This is the newest , greatest
potential we have for" reducing traffic fatalities, Rosekind said. "We are
watching it be created in front of us. Because the technology is evolving fast,
it's important to get guidelines in place now."
"Six months ago, the classic question, which is always asked, is "when are they
going to get here?" Rosekind said. "They are already here. The question is how
can it be deployed safely."
Contact Brent Snavely: 313-222-6512 or bsnavely@xxxxxxxxxxxxx