Google’s self-driving car system could soon be given the same legal definition as a human driver, paving the way for vehicles without steering wheels or pedals.<\/p>\n
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – which sets rules and regulations on America’s roads – shared its thoughts in a letter to Google made public this week.<\/p>\n
Until now, any car without a human driver would not be considered roadworthy.<\/p>\n
However, in light of technological advancements, the NHTSA has changed its perspective.<\/p>\n
“If no human occupant of the vehicle can actually drive the vehicle, it is more reasonable to identify the driver as whatever (as opposed to whoever) is doing the driving,” it said.<\/p>\n
“In this instance, an item of motor vehicle equipment, the Self-Driving System, is actually driving the vehicle.”<\/p>\n
Google boost<\/p>\n
It means Google’s self-driving pod, which has no typical in-car controls, is one crucial step closer to being allowed on public roads.<\/p>\n
With the NHTSA’s blessing, the car now fits the key criteria required to pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards test.<\/p>\n
It’s the latest regulatory boost for Google after the US government announced in January a $4bn plan to create nationwide regulations for self-driving cars.<\/p>\n
Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said the initiative would provide consistency between states.<\/p>\n
“We are taking great care to embrace innovations that can boost safety and improve efficiency on our roadways,” he added.<\/p>\n
“Our interpretation that the self-driving computer system of a car could, in fact, be a driver is significant.<\/p>\n
“But the burden remains on self-driving car manufacturers to prove that their vehicles meet rigorous federal safety standards.”
\n–
\nBy: BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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