FMCSA seeks comments on autonomous trucks

Updated Apr 18, 2017

Have an opinion about autonomous trucks? The feds are all ears.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Thursday, April 13, announced it will hold a public listening session to solicit information on issues relating to the “design, development, testing, and deployment of highly automated commercial vehicles.”

Last October, an autonomous truck made a delivery of beer in Colorado. (Photo by Otto)Last October, an autonomous truck made a delivery of beer in Colorado. (Photo by Otto)

The listening session is from 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday, April 24,  at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in the Regency Ballroom (265 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303). It’s being held as part of a Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Workshop.

In the notice posted to the Federal Register, FMCSA Deputy Administrator Daphne Y. Jefferson wrote, “Public discussions regarding HACVs (highly automated commercial vehicles) have become much more prominent in recent months as developers continue efforts to demonstrate and test the viability of advanced driver assistance systems on large commercial vehicles. FMCSA encourages the development of these advanced safety technologies for use on commercial vehicles, and at the same time, recognizes the need to ensure that testing and operation of these advanced safety systems is conducted in maimer that ensures the highest level of safety for everyone involved and most importantly, for the motoring public.”

Interested parties will have an opportunity to share their views and any data or analysis. In its official posting, the FMCSA said attendees may submit material to members of its staff at the session to include in the public docket. Those participating in the webcast will have the opportunity to submit comments online that will be read aloud at the session with comments made in the meeting room.

Participation in the listening session is free. FMCSA will post specific information on how to participate via the Internet on the FMCSA website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov in advance of the session.

Click here to read the Federal Register notice, learn more information about the listening session, and how to submit comments.