Autonomous vehicles will save lives

Each year, nearly 40,000 Americans die in motor vehicle crashes. This health crisis cries out for a solution.

Autonomous vehicles, or “AVs,” offer a real solution. Ninety-four percent of traffic crashes in the U.S. are caused by human error. AVs can reduce that human error and potentially save tens of thousands of lives.

AVs also have tremendous potential improve mobility for those who cannot drive due to age, disability or otherwise.

The pending federal AV START Act would facilitate the safe introduction of AVs on our roads. Because opponents have spread misinformation about the bill, I’d like to clarify what it provides:

❚ The act would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue both new and revised safety regulations governing AVs, on an expedited basis. Revised regulations would remove legal roadblocks to AV deployment. And new regulations would provide safety standards for new equipment introduced by AVs.

❚ The act would allow deployment of limited numbers of AVs that meet the safety purpose of federal standards through different means. The NHTSA would retain its investigation, recall and enforcement authorities.

❚ The act divides AV regulatory responsibilities between federal and state governments. This would help to avoid conflicting state and federal regulations regarding the same vehicle or equipment and help to prevent a patchwork of conflicting state laws.

The AV START Act is a moderate regulatory bill that will pave the way for the deployment of safe AVs that don’t drink, don’t get tired, and don’t get distracted.

Safety advocates should get behind the bill and the moral imperative to foster a lifesaving revolution.

Paul Hemmersbaugh, policy director General Motors

Washington, D.C.