Voluntary Oversights for Self-Driving Cars Proposed by NHTSA

Federal regulators aim to improve safety, transparency and responsibility for automated vehicle manufacturers with new voluntary safety proposal.

With automated driving systems (ADS) rapidly evolving, federal highway safety officials have announced a series of proposals aimed at providing a framework for reviewing and overseeing self-driving cars.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed the new voluntary national framework on December 20, which would strengthen its oversight, rulemaking, research, support and transparency efforts of vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) and self-driving technologies.

The current framework under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) does not include specific performance standards for Automated Driving Systems (ADS). As a result, vehicles that meet general FMVSS requirements can incorporate ADS technology without prior approval from NHTSA, potentially creating risks for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

The NHTSA recognizes that as automated vehicle technology evolves, establishing minimum safety performance standards may become necessary. To address these concerns, the agency has introduced a national initiative called the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP).

AV STEP would be open to vehicle manufacturers, ADS developers, fleet operators, and system integrators of ADS-equipped vehicles aiming to operate on public roadways. It would also accommodate those seeking NHTSA exemptions to deploy non-compliant vehicles, including those testing innovative technologies.

Under the proposed program, applicants would provide NHTSA with information and data related to the safety of the design, development and operation of ADS-equipped vehicles. NHTSA would then review the information and establish terms and conditions for participation in the program. Once admitted, participants would be required to submit periodic and event-triggered data to NHTSA.

To enhance public transparency and foster trust in the development of automated driving systems, NHTSA has proposed making key information from AV STEP participants publicly accessible. This includes publishing applications submitted by participants, along with detailed reporting data on the safety performance and operational metrics of ADS-equipped vehicles.

By sharing this information, NHTSA aims to provide the public with greater insight into how these vehicles are tested, evaluated, and integrated into public roadways, ensuring accountability and promoting informed public dialogue about the evolving technology.

“AV STEP would provide a valuable national framework at a pivotal time in the development of ADS technology. Safe, transparent, and responsible development is critical for this technology to be trusted by the public and reach its full potential. This proposal lays the foundation for those goals and supports NHTSA’s safety mission,” said Adam Raviv, NHTSA Chief Counsel.

Dangers of Self-Driving Cars

Recent incidents highlight the critical need for the NHTSA proposal, which seeks to establish oversight and reduce risks associated with developing autonomous vehicle technology.

Earlier this year, Amazon’s Zoox ADS vehicles came under investigation following reports of at least two crashes caused by sudden, unexpected braking.

In October, NHTSA launched an inquiry into Tesla’s “self-driving” technology after four pedestrian-related accidents, one of which was fatal. Tesla’s self-driving systems are installed in over 2 million vehicles currently on the road, raising concerns about widespread safety risks.

That same month, Cruise, a General Motors subsidiary, faced a $1.5 million fine after one of its ADS vehicles struck a pedestrian. The company further compounded safety concerns by failing to report the incident, prompting regulatory scrutiny.