U.S. DOT Releases New Automated Driving Systems Guidance

On September 12, 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 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. 

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

Specifically, the new Voluntary Guidance: 

1. Focuses on SAE International Levels of Automation 3-5 – Automated Driving Systems (ADSs) – Conditional, High, and Full Automation);

2. Clarifies the  guidance  process and that entities do not need to wait to test or deploy their ADSs; 

3. Revises unnecessary design elements  from the safety self-assessment;

4. Aligns Federal Guidance with the latest developments and industry terminology; and

5. Clarifies Federal and State roles going forward. 

As automated technologies advance, so will the Department’s guidance. 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.  

The Guidance and more information on automated vehicles can be found at https://www.nhtsa.gov/technology-innovation/automated-vehicles-safety.