The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is soliciting public feedback regarding the automated driving systems (ADS) framework.
The NHTSA said the guidance governs the safe behavior ADS in the future, noting the advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) was submitted to the Federal Register on Nov. 19.
“This rulemaking will help address legitimate public concerns about safety, security, and privacy without hampering innovation in the development of automated driving systems,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The ANPRM seeks public comment on how the elements can most appropriately form a framework for motor vehicle safety while also delivering flexibility to develop more effective safety innovations.
“ADS technologies are different from more conventional automotive equipment, and it is necessary and appropriate to consider how ADS standards can and should be articulated,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens said. “The framework of principles would objectively define, assess, and manage the safety of ADS while ensuring the flexibility to enable further innovation. NHTSA seeks feedback on the approaches described in the ANPRM.”
Officials acknowledge widescale deployment of ADS-equipped vehicles is likely years away, but NHTSA and others have identified elements of a framework necessary for objectively defining and assessing ADS competence.