The US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have released new federal guidance for Automated Driving Systems (ADS): A Vision for Safety 2.0. This is the latest guidance for automated driving systems to industry and states. 

"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," said US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

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"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," said Chao.  

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A Vision for Safety: 2.0 builds on the previous policy and incorporates feedback received through public  comments and congressional hearings. It paves the way for the safe deployment of advanced driver assistance technologies by providing voluntary guidance that encourages best practices and prioritises safety. The document also provides technical assistance to states and best practices for policymakers.

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The new voluntary guidance: 

  • Focuses on SAE International Levels of Automation 3-5 – Automated Driving Systems (ADSs) – Conditional, High, and Full Automation)
  • Clarifies the guidance process and that entities do not need to wait to test or deploy their ADSs 
  • Revises unnecessary design elements  from the safety self-assessment
  • Aligns federal guidance with the latest developments and industry terminology
  • Clarifies federal and state roles for the future

As automated technologies advance, so will the department's guidance, DOT said.

"It is intended to be flexible and to evolve as technology does. In fact, 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."

See also: Lobby group criticises new federal autonomous car guidelines