DOT Investing $4 Billion to Accelerate Vehicle Safety Innovations
The agency has cleared administrative hurdles for new safety technologies.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced a $4 billion proposal to invest in safe vehicle automation through pilot projects over the course of 10 years.He also announced that DOT is removing potential roadblocks to the integration of innovative, transformational automotive technology that can significantly improve safety, mobility, and sustainability. Foxx made the announcement at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
"We are on the cusp of a new era in automotive technology with enormous potential to save lives, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transform mobility for the American people," he said. "Today's actions and those we will pursue in the coming months will provide the foundation and the path forward for manufacturers, state officials, and consumers to use new technologies and achieve their full safety potential."
The FY17 budget proposal would include programs that will test connected vehicle systems in designated corridors throughout the country, as well as work with industry leaders to create a framework for connected and autonomous vehicles.
The NHTSA policy on autonomous vehicles has been updated to reflect the possibility of widespread autonomous vehicle usage. "NHTSA is using all of its available tools to accelerate the deployment of technologies that can eliminate 94 percent of fatal crashes involving human error," NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind, PH.D., said. "We will work with state partners toward creating a consistent national policy on these innovations, provide options now and into the future for manufacturers seeking to deploy autonomous vehicles, and keep our safety mission paramount at every stage."