Daimler 15c466 035 Klein W1366xh683 Cutout 600ad2c43bd44

NHTSA seeks to modernize driverless vehicle safety standards

Jan. 22, 2021
Administration says ‘historic’ step removes barriers to motor vehicles equipped with automated driving systems

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a final rule to modernize Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and clarify ambiguities in current occupant protection standards for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems that are designed without traditional manual driver controls.

The rule amends several crashworthiness regulations to clarify safety standards for automated vehicles equipped without manual driver controls, NHTSA said. The rule also exempts automated vehicles designed never to carry any human occupants, including human drivers, from crashworthiness standards.

NHTSA’s final rule is one of a series of regulatory actions that NHTSA has taken to further modernize vehicle standards for new technologies. The rule will not change existing occupant protection requirements for traditional vehicles with manual driver controls. 

“With more than 90% of serious crashes caused by driver error, it’s vital that we remove unnecessary barriers to technology that could help save lives,” said James Owens, NHTSA’s deputy administrator. “We do not want regulations enacted long before the development of automated technologies to present an unintended and unnecessary barrier to innovation and improved vehicle safety.” 

About the Author

Commercial Vehicle Staff

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

The Ultimate Trailer Tracking Technology Checklist for Enterprise Fleets

We understand the challenges you face in consolidating inventory, reducing theft, and tracking revenue. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate checklist to help you evaluate your...

Discover 4 Easy Ways to Level-Up Efficiency with Trailer Telematics

In today's competitive landscape, gaining an edge is vital. That's why top fleets are utilizing trailer telematics to boost efficiency and we've captured their secrets. Introducing...

The Future of Mirrors is Closer Than it Appears

Why Mirror Camera Systems are the next step for fleet safety and exoneration While many commercial trucking cameras are similarly marketed, they are not all created equally. The...

The 20:1 Solution: Unlocking the ROI of a Modern Asset Maintenance Solution

Discover how modern fleet maintenance software can drive step-change improvements in shop efficiency, cost control and vehicle productivity, along with how to calculate the ROI...