The US The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has unveiled new guidelines to US States for self-driving cars.
The new guidelines urge that such cars be used only for testing and also that safeguards ensure they can be taken over by a driver in the case of malfunction.
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“Whether we’re talking about automated features in cars today or fully automated vehicles of the future, our top priority is to ensure these vehicles – and their occupants – are safe,” said Secretary Ray LaHood. “Our research covers all levels of automation, including advances like automatic braking that may save lives in the near term, while the recommendations to states help them better oversee self-driving vehicle development, which holds promising long-term safety benefits.”
“We’re encouraged by the new automated vehicle technologies being developed and implemented today, but want to ensure that motor vehicle safety is considered in the development of these advances,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “As additional states consider similar legislation, our recommendations provide lawmakers with the tools they need to encourage the safe development and implementation of automated vehicle technology.”
While the technology remains in early stages, NHTSA says it is conducting research on self-driving vehicles so that the agency has the tools to establish standards for these vehicles, should the vehicles become commercially available.
The first phase of this research is expected to be completed within the next four years.
