Preliminary Statement of Policy Concerning Automated Vehicles (edit)
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* Recommendations to states that have authorized operation of self-driving vehicles, for [[test]] purposes, on how best to ensure safe operation as these new concepts are being tested on highways.
The [[policy]] statement also describes [[NHTSA]]'s research efforts related to [[autonomous vehicle]]s. While the [[technology]] remains in early stages, [[NHTSA]] is conducting research on self-driving vehicles so that the agency has the tools to establish [[standard]s for these vehicles, should the vehicles become commercially available. The first phase of this research is expected to be completed within the next four years.
NHTSA defines vehicle automation as having five levels:
* '''No-Automation (Level 0):''' The driver is in complete and sole control of the primary vehicle controls
* '''Function-specific Automation (Level 1):''' [[Automation]] at this level involves one or more specific control functions. Examples include [[electronic stability control]] or pre-charged brakes, where the vehicle
* '''Combined Function Automation (Level 2):''' This level involves [[automation]] of at least two primary control functions designed to work in unison to relieve the driver of control of those functions. An example of combined functions enabling a Level 2 system is adaptive cruise control in combination with lane centering.
* '''Limited Self-Driving Automation (Level 3):''' Vehicles at this level of [[automation]] enable the driver to cede full control of all safety-critical functions under certain traffic or environmental conditions and in those conditions to rely heavily on the vehicle to monitor for changes in those conditions requiring transition back to driver control. The driver is expected to be available for occasional control, but with sufficiently comfortable transition time. The Google car is an example of limited self-driving [[automation]].
* '''Full Self-Driving Automation (Level 4):''' The vehicle is designed to perform all safety-critical driving functions and monitor roadway conditions for an entire trip. Such a design anticipates that the driver will provide destination or [[navigation]] [[input]], but is not expected to be available for control at any time during the trip. This includes both occupied and unoccupied vehicles.
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[[Category:Transportation]]
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