U.S. regulators are soon to decide on General Motors’ self-driving cars. GM’s Cruise unit has filed a petition seeking approval to deploy up to 2,500 self-driving vehicles annually without human controls. The decision is expected in the coming weeks. The central question at hand is whether computer-driven vehicles should adhere to safety standards designed for human drivers.
Cruise currently operates a limited self-driving service in San Francisco using Chevrolet Bolt vehicles. However, they aim to deploy their Origin vehicle, which features subway-like doors and lacks traditional driving controls such as steering wheels. Previously, GM had petitioned for autonomous cars without steering wheels but later withdrew the request after no action was taken by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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In response to growing concerns and developments in autonomous vehicle technology, the NHTSA is considering establishing a new program. This program would provide greater transparency and oversight of autonomous vehicle safety and deployment. It aims to assure the public that the NHTSA is actively monitoring the deployment of self-driving cars on public streets.
Meanwhile, discussions on legislation regarding self-driving cars have been ongoing in Congress for years. A U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee plans to hold a hearing later this month. In 2017, the House passed a bill to expedite the adoption of self-driving cars, restrict states from setting their own performance standards, and increase the number of vehicles eligible for deployment with exemptions. However, the bill did not progress through the Senate.
Source: Reuters
