NHTSA Launches AV Information Initiative

In September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced online access to data on the on-road testing of automated driving systems in 17 cities across the country.

The effort is part of the Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing program announced in June and provides information to the public and to government agencies about the testing of automated vehicles and their safety performance.

The AMA believes that automated vehicles and driver-assist technology hold the potential to help prevent crashes and avoid motorcyclist injuries and fatalities. Testing those vehicles on public roadways, however, poses a threat to riders, as well as other vulnerable road users.

The NHTSA initiative provides online mapping tools that will show testing locations at the local, state and national levels, as well as testing activity data, which may include dates, frequency, vehicle counts and routes. Currently, the tool has data for on-road testing activities in 17 cities, including Austin, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Jacksonville, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Ten companies and nine states have signed on as participants in the voluntary web pilot program.

The NHTSA website is nhtsa.gov/automated-vehicles-safety/av-test-initiative-tracking-tool.