Contact: Shane Austin
[email protected]
202.425.2776
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement by Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates), on New Automated Vehicle Framework Announced Today by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
(Washington, D.C. – April 24, 2025) Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released an Automated Vehicle Framework aimed at accelerating commercial deployments of autonomous vehicles (AVs). The revisions announced today focus on the reporting requirements as well as procedures to deem certain data submitted by automakers under the Standing General Order (SGO) 2021-01 on crash reporting as confidential. Originally issued in 2021, the SGO requires the reporting of certain crashes involving vehicles equipped with automated driving systems or SAE Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems. Advocates has been urging NHTSA to enhance information collected under the SGO as transparency and accountability about the performance of these vehicles on public roadways is essential. We are disappointed that DOT chose to dilute, instead of enhance, the reporting requirements of the SGO.
DOT also announced that automakers may apply for an exemption from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for domestically built AVs under a provision in current law (49 USC § 30114(a)). Additionally, they indicated in an open letter to AV manufacturers the intention to revise the current law for exemptions from FMVSS and bumper standards for AVs which can be sold to the public.
Advocates continues to oppose the issuance of mass exemptions for AVs from FMVSS and to urge implementation of the recommendations in the AV Tenets which offers a path forward for vehicles with ADS that puts people and safety first. The AV Tenets are supported by over 65 organizations.
The AV industry has been offering a myriad of promises, such as a reduction in crashes, more accessibility, less congestion and lower carbon emissions. However, troubling incidents have already occurred in the small number of cities in which they are currently deployed. For instance, in Austin, Texas, a “robotaxi” recently stopped and blocked a local roadway, halting traffic flow. While no crash was reported, a similar scenario during an emergency could cause delays with serious consequences. San Francisco has experienced numerous incidents where robotaxis have impeded police and fire response including running through emergency tape and blocking firehouse driveways. And tragically, a robotaxi ran over and dragged a pedestrian, causing serious injuries.
Furthermore, numerous opinion polls, including one commissioned and released by Advocates late last year, show the public continues to express their trepidation with still developing driverless car technology on public roads. Nearly 90% responded with concern, including 65% who noted their concern is “very” or “extremely” high.
Competition with China and other countries has long been touted as a reason for going full steam ahead with AVs in the U.S. However,
- Just last week, according to Reuters, the Chinese government banned automakers from using the terms “smart driving” and “autonomous driving” when they advertise driving assistance features. This is to prevent automakers from misleading consumers by exaggerating the limits of the technology. Violations would increase to criminal charges if the false advertising led to crash fatalities.
- Germany continues to require permits, approvals, and limits areas of operation for AVs.
- In Japan, the introduction of Level 4 vehicles will be controlled and limited to specific, lightly populated areas.
- The latest United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations will limit operations to restrict risks and oversee approval through testing and other requirements.
In addition, automakers have taken legal action against DOT over the Final Rule issued on April 29, 2024, requiring all new vehicles be equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB) by 2029. The argument intently made by the auto industry that meeting certain aspects of the rule is unrealistic within five years is at odds with claims that even more advanced technologies required by AVs to take all driving responsibilities, including braking at high speeds, are ready now.
Without safeguards, safety regulations, transparency and accountability, the success of AV deployment is imperiled at best and could result in deadly consequences at worst.
###
About Advocates
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, medical, public health, law enforcement and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to make America’s roads safer. Advocates’ mission is the adoption of federal and state laws, policies and programs that prevent motor vehicle crashes, save lives, reduce injuries, and contain costs.