Automated Driving Systems 2.0: A Vision for Safety

• September 15th, 2017

Since the Department of Transportation was established in 1966, there have been more than 2.2 million motor vehicle-related fatalities in the United States. In addition, after decades of decline, motor vehicle fatalities spiked by more than 7.2 percent in 2015, the largest single-year increase since 1966. The major factor in 94 percent of all fatal crashes is human error. So ADSs have the potential to significantly reduce highway fatalities by addressing the root cause of these tragic crashes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has a role to play in building and shaping this future by developing a regulatory framework that encourages, rather than hampers, the safe development, testing and deployment of automated vehicle technology. Accordingly, the Department is releasing A Vision for Safety to promote improvements in safety, mobility, and efficiency through ADSs.

A Vision for Safety replaces the Federal Automated Vehicle Policy released in 2016. This updated policy framework offers a path forward for the safe deployment of automated vehicles by:
• Encouraging new entrants and ideas that deliver safer vehicles;
• Making Department regulatory processes more nimble to help match the pace of private sector innovation; and
• Supporting industry innovation and encouraging open communication with the public and with stakeholders