NHTSA Works on Standardized Testing for Autonomous Vehicle Safety

The article discusses the ongoing challenges in determining when autonomous vehicles (AVs) are safe enough for public roads. Currently, there is no standardized test for evaluating automated driving systems in real-world conditions, unlike the driver’s license test required for humans. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working on a federal automated vehicle framework to establish safety standards without stifling innovation. A key step in this process is the agreement with SAE to launch ASCEND, a government-industry initiative aimed at developing data-driven AV performance standards. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison emphasized the importance of ADS (Automated Driving System) competency standards to address inconsistent state and local regulations. The article also mentions May Mobility’s planned IPO as a potential test for the ‘asset-light’ approach to autonomous ride-hailing, and other industry developments including partnerships and new vehicle deployments. The NHTSA’s efforts aim to provide federal leadership in AV safety while encouraging American innovation and safe deployment of autonomous vehicles on roads.