New Guidelines for Self-Driving Vehicles

The autonomous, or self-driving, vehicle technology is growing by leaps and bounds. Companies like Uber are currently conducting road tests to see how passengers and other drivers respond to the vehicles. The United States government recently issued safety guidelines that will encourage consistent rules without imposing too many regulations on an industry that is still developing the technology.

The federal guidelines focus on four main areas, including:

• Fifteen point safety checklist
• How current regulations can apply to self-driving cars
• Development of consistent rules for self-driving cars based on input from each state
• Allow for further regulation if current regulations to not meet safety standards

The goal of the guidelines is to regulate the self-driving technology while still allowing for innovation and technological advances. According to Bryan Thomas, spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Administration, some areas were left intentionally vague in order to address the important issues, but leave room for the innovators to continue to advance and perfect the technology.

In an article published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, President Barack Obama addressed the number of fatalities that occur on our roads and highways due to car accidents. More than 35,000 people lost their lives in car crashes last year alone, and approximately 94 percent of those wrecks were due to human error or choice. While regulations are necessary, too many can get in the way of progress. Self-driving vehicles have the potential to save thousands of lives, as well as provide senior citizens and those with disabilities with transportation options they would otherwise not have. In addition, according to Obama, self-driving cars can be less polluting to the environment, and lead to less congested roads and highways.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims Injured in Self-Driving Vehicle Accidents

 If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will hold the negligent parties responsible and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will not stop until justice has been served. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

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