Policymakers need to prioritize the policy initiatives that will have the greatest impact in advancing self-driving technology and speed up what has been a very slow and arduous process if we are not to fall behind other countries.

Today, cars and cities are inextricably linked, and this will continue as the future is dominated by self-driving vehicles. But the tie-up means both will have to evolve in unison, say experts steeped in autonomous vehicles, smart city technologies and urban studies. To wit: self-driving vehicles must learn to navigate complex environments filled with pedestrians and other obstacles while cities become modified to accommodate them.

To enable future self-driving cars and today’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), automakers have been outfitting vehicles with a growing set of sensors as well as embedded cloud connectivity. 

Not only will self-driving vehicles save lives, they’ll also provide new mobility opportunities to seniors and people with disabilities. Many CTA members are developing self-driving technologies and components, in addition to aftermarket solutions to increase auto safety.

"The growing patchwork of legislation and rules across the country is a significant barrier to testing the full potential of self-driving vehicles. We appreciate the leadership of the House, especially Chairmen Greg Walden (R-OR) and Bob Latta (R-OH), Ranking Members Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), in establishing a clear direction about the proper roles of state and federal governments in regulating self-driving cars.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is encouraging uniformity – the new state legislative recommendations specify a ‘technology-neutral’ environment, proof that NHTSA wants self-driving vehicles treated like regular vehicles by states.