The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) launched this week the first in a series of scheduled national dialogue meetings meant to educate the public on the issue.
This first dialogue was held in Detroit, Michigan, centered in a state that has embraced automated vehicle testing and possibility perhaps more than any other. Many are scheduled throughout the country, however, in an effort to discuss the ramifications of automated vehicles on U.S. roadways, which the agency notes could have dramatic effects on transportation.
“Cutting-edge technologies, like automated vehicles, have the potential to dramatically change the nation’s use of highways,” Acting Federal Highway Administrator Brandye L. Hendrickson said. “Without hampering innovation in our federal role, we need to fully understand such advances so we can inform our state and local transportation partners and anticipate their needs…collaboration and information-sharing will be key to preparing for an infrastructure of the future, which is why these dialogues are so important.”
National research, policy decisions, programs, and development could all be potentially impacted by the insights received from these information gathering sessions. A big point of focus for the administration will be the readiness of existing highway infrastructure, information and institutional systems to receive these technologies. Stakeholders involved in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of U.S. roads, as well as automakers and technology producers, will be involved.