On September 2, 2020, Automotive News featured comments from the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) online tracking tool that allows the public to view certain information submitted by states and companies that are testing vehicles equipped with automated driving systems on U.S. roadways. Ariel Wolf, counsel in Venable’s Washington, DC office and leader of the firm’s Mobility and Transportation Technology team, serves as counsel to the Self-Driving Coalition.
According to the article, the interactive tool shows information on automated vehicle testing locations, vehicle and AV technology manufacturers, vehicle type and activity, operational speed, and how the vehicle is monitored for safe operation, among other data elements. Participating companies can choose what information they submit to NHTSA.
The effort is part of the agency's Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing (or AV Test) Initiative, a voluntary pilot program developed to publicly display information on the testing and development of automated driving systems nationwide.
"By encouraging companies and localities to voluntarily submit information about AV testing—data that will be made available through an online, public-facing platform—the AV Test Initiative helps build public awareness of and confidence in the safety of AVs and the potential benefits that their deployment will bring," the Self-Driving Coalition said in its comments.