Date: January 19, 2021
On Jan. 11, NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens made an announcement via a webcast about expanding the AV START Initiative (view copy of his speech). The webcast featured guest speakers, including officials from U.S. DOT Office of the Secretary, FMCSA, and the State of Wyoming as well as a representative from the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets.
In addition to the AV START announcement, U.S. DOT Deputy Assistant Secretary Finch Fulton gave a presentation about the latest department document related to AVs called the “Automated Vehicles Comprehensive Plan.” This plan outlines steps U.S. DOT is taking towards integration of AVs into the nation’s transportation system.
U.S. DOT is seeking comments on this plan and released a preview notice, which will have a 60-day comment period when it is officially published in the Federal Register.
Fulton noted a couple other noteworthy items. First, an appendix titled “Overview of Automation Activities,” which is an overview of activities. Second, the U.S. DOT Automation Hub, which highlights examples of recent AV events, funding opportunities, reports, articles, and other resources from U.S. DOT’s partner agencies across the federal government.
For more details about the AVCP, visit U.S. DOT’s website here.
MEMA will review the AVCP and work with members to see if there is an industry response. For more information, please contact Leigh Merino.
