Different messages from automakers on driverless car rules

Different messages from automakers on driverless car rules

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers president Mitch Bainwol told a Congressional committee recently that President-elect Trump will likely approve the autonomous car guidelines proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Congress, he added, ought to do the same.

But the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets wants to see the guidelines amended to allow autonomous vehicles to be operated without a driver. The Coalitionês founding members are Ford, Google, Volvo, Uber and Lyft. The group wants to prevent a patchwork of state laws, as some states have already enacted their own laws.

NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind has pushed for speedy, safe development of autonomous vehicles, emphasizing their potential ability to save lives. He told the House Energy and Commerce Committee that for that reason, NHTSA took the unusual step of issuing proposed guidelines rather than going through the longer, more bureaucratic rulemaking process. Rosekind spoke in the same hearing where Bainwol testified.

The issue will undoubtedly be discussed at the Washington Auto Showês MobilityTalks International, January 24-25, 2017. Stay tuned!