U.S. Eliminates Human Controls Requirement for Fully Automated Vehicles

 

U.S. regulators on Thursday finalized rules eliminating the requirement for fully automated vehicles to meet crash standards with manual controls. Because of safety standards written decades ago, automakers and tech companies have had difficulty deploying automated driving systems (ADS) for lack of human controls.

General Motors Co. petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last month for permission to deploy a self-driving electric car without human controls. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that it is updating the rules to allow self-driving vehicles to hit public roads without steering wheels, pedals, or other manual controls. This will provide further clarity regarding the agency's position on autonomous vehicles.

The new vehicle safety rules, proposed in March of 2020, require fully autonomous vehicles to provide the same level of occupant protection as human-driven vehicles.   

"As the driver changes from a person to a machine in ADS-equipped vehicles, the need to keep the humans safe remains the same and must be integrated from the beginning," said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Steven Cliff.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's rule says children should not occupy what is traditionally known as the "driver's" position, but the car will not be required to stop if a child is in that position.  

NHTSA said it will continue to study developing new standards and will require manufacturers of automated vehicles to petition NHTSA for an exemption for as long as it does not revise current regulations, which mandate that all new cars have manual driving controls. 

When we think about safety, it's important to remember that it's not just human safety that needs to be considered. A vehicle is a very large financial investment, and that investment can be at risk if the vehicle itself is not protected from the elements. 

The best way to protect your vehicle is with Coverking because when it comes to your car, you deserve the best protection. Coverking’s car covers will protect your vehicle from all manner of threats, including UV rays. They are custom-designed specifically for your vehicle, to fit perfectly every time. They're also made with a tough, durable fabric that won't scratch the surface of your car or overheat it on a sunny day. You'll be amazed at how well Coverking covers keep your car looking brand new!

Inside your car, Coverking has got you covered with their line of floor mats and seat covers. These products are made from heavy-duty material that will stand up to even the most wear-and-tear-prone areas of your vehicle without losing their shape or color. Plus, these products are custom-made so they will fit in any make and model of a car.

Coverking’s dash cover serves several purposes. First, it protects the dashboard from UV exposure. Second, it helps absorb heat from sunlight that could damage the dashboard. Third, it reduces glare and makes the interior of your car more comfortable in hot weather. 

There's a reason we have the word "king" in our name. We're the best of the best.

 

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