FMCSA Holds Listening Session on Autonomous Vehicles
Federal trucking regulators held a listening session on autonomous commercial vehicles at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance workshop in Atlanta April 24.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration intends to gather ideas and review concerns the public and industry may have regarding autonomous trucks.
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Lawmakers and stakeholders anticipate the agency will unveil guidelines this year regarding driverless technology. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao has noted potential safety benefits associated with autonomous vehicles.
“The private sector is driving this innovation. They're working with cities and states to demonstrate improvements in the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles,” Chao told a Senate panel this year. “We want to work with Congress to position the federal government as a catalyst for safe, efficient technologies, not as an impediment.”
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At a hearing this month, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) argued regulation that would govern autonomous trucks along highways would be necessary to improve the safety of truckers and motorists.
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued guidelines on autonomous cars outlining state and federal roles managing the technology.
FMCSA’s listening session at CVSA’s event is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
