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NHTSA launches Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing Initiative

NHTSA launches Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing Initiative

29 September 2020

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launches AV TEST Initiative

To facilitate the safe testing, development, and deployment automated driving through enhanced transparency and information sharing, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal platform for Federal, State, and local government to coordinate and share information in a standard way.

The AV TEST Initiative launched in June 2020 has the goal to inform the public and provide an easy access to information about testing of ADS-equipped vehicles, legislation, regulations, information from states regarding activity, local involvement in automation on roads, and information provided by companies developing and testing ADS. This initiative is also a way of NHTSA to work with governmental and private stakeholders and facilitate the safe testing, development, integration, and education of driving automation technology in the United States.

Here is the interactive tool the agency developed to give the public access to data about the on-road testing of automated driving systems. This tool is intended to be updated frequently as participants add or modify their information, or even when participants and data fields are added or modified. Visitors can sign up to get email alerts when new information is released.

Next steps for the AV TEST Initiative

The NHTSA will continue to gather information from states, local jurisdictions, and companies and share it with the public. NHTSA has also begun the process to expand the web pilot to include more participants. The interactive site is a direct way to view the information provided by AV TEST Initiative participants and reported through Voluntary Safety Self-Assessments. Moreover, NHTSA hosts public meetings and panel discussions to educate the public and stakeholders as automation moves forward.