The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is looking to the public for input on how best to implement autonomous trucks into our transportation infrastructure. The agency has released a call-to-action, asking stakeholders and citizens alike to provide their opinions as they craft regulatory standards in this emerging realm of technology.
The agency recently began an initiative to gather input on the potential benefits and effects of introducing automated driving systems into commercial trucking operations in America. They are looking for comments on how current FMCSRs may need to be changed, revised or removed entirely in order to promote a safer integration process.
On Wednesday, February 1, the Department of Transportation released a new supplemental advance notice of proposed rulemaking (SANPRM) to garner additional information on how autonomous trucks will be regulated. This furthers an initial advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) published in May of 2019 that sought answers regarding CDL requirements; hours of service; medical qualifications for drivers; and vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance – all in light of the impending development of self-driving trucking capabilities.
The FMCSA is considering the implementation of new safety requirements for Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous trucks. Such regulations may include mandatory notification when such vehicles are operated, oversight on remote operating assistants associated with those vehicles, as well as inspection and maintenance protocols to ensure maximum operational standards. These measures would help promote safety as these automated vehicles hit our nation’s roads.
To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, put the docket number, FMCSA-2018-0037, in the keyword box, and click “Search.” When the new screen appears, click on the “Comment Now!” button and type your comment into the text box on the following screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a third party and then submit.
Sources: FMCSA, ccjdigital
