Foxx — Cut Regs, Get Driverless Tech to Market
Burney Simpson
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today said driverless technology represents a new step in the evolution of transportation, and the federal government should review regulations slowing its development.
“We need to reach out to those innovating in (the driverless) space, and find those regulations that are preventing this technology from getting to the marketplace,” said Foxx in his comments to the Transportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Foxx said that autonomous and connected vehicle technology represents a new stage in transportation development.
Man moved by foot, then created vehicles he controlled, he noted. “Now the technology can make more decisions” and take over some of the vehicle control.
Those decisions are very complex, and the Department of Transportation and the research community must test the technology and ensure it is safe, he said.
Still, much progress has been made, said Foxx, who noted that both truck platooning and increasing mobility for people with disabilities are just two driverless areas that show great promise and are developing rapidly.