The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has authorized the operation of unmanned vehicles without manual control. This approval is included in the updated federal motor vehicle safety standards. While fully autonomous cars are likely to go on sale in a few years, the new rule allows automakers to ditch the steering wheel and pedals.
“In the 2020s, an important part of the security mission [министерства транспорта] there will be ensuring that safety standards keep up with developments in automated driving and driver assistance systems,” said Transport Minister Pete Buttigieg. “This new regulation is an important step in setting strong safety standards for vehicles equipped with [автоматизированными системами вождения]”.
The new rule says that cars with automated driving systems must provide the same level of protection for drivers and passengers as other cars, regardless of whether they have a steering wheel and pedals.
Fully autonomous cars of the fifth level are not yet on the market. Tesla electric cars are at the second level, meaning they have the ability to drive on their own, but the driver must be ready to take control at a moment’s notice. Volkswagen is planning to give its ID.Buzz electric car a Level 4 autopilot. Other technology companies and automakers are racing to develop similar projects.
Source: ixbt
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