Steeringless and Pedalless Vehicles Become Legal in the US

Advancing technology without slowing down paves the way for developments in many different branches that we could previously describe as ‘dreams’. The automotive industry is also one of the areas affected by these developments. The fact that companies increase their investments in self-driving vehicles shows us that technological developments can reach the level of science fiction movies.

As we always share with you, autonomous driving technologies have started to spread around the world. As it is known, Tesla, the electric vehicle company of Elon Musk, is in the middle of the leading companies in this regard. In previous news, we announced that Mercedes-Benz’s third-level autonomous technology was approved internationally. In addition, it was reported that Volkswagen, Kia and many other companies’ investments on the subject increased. Now, a very valuable decision has been taken regarding these technologies.

Pedalless and steering-less vehicles are paving the way

According to the news, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has broken new ground by updating the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FVMSS). made an opening rule change. According to the statements, this change will pave the way for vehicles without steering wheels, drivers and pedals with advanced autonomous driving technologies.

Let’s point out that FVMSS has rules that determine many obligations in vehicles from wiper placement to the engine. Until now, in these rules, it was mandatory to have a driver’s seat, steering wheel and pedals in vehicles. This made it difficult for companies to test fully autonomous driverless prototype cars. But the new decision has changed this situation.

It is a well-known fact that there are no driverless fully autonomous vehicles sold to consumers in the world today. The highest technology in vehicles currently sold; providing the vehicle’s environment control, braking and acceleration; however, it is the third level of autonomous driving technology that requires the driver to be present at the wheel. However, even if this is the case, many giant car companies are rapidly working to start selling vehicles that can move completely autonomously without the need for drivers in the future. In other words, we can say that NHTSA took such a decision to be prepared for this situation.

‘Safety equipment should not be removed from autonomous vehicles with or without passengers’

Additionally, let’s say that this rule change includes information about the safety standards to be applied in autonomous vehicles. Although it is seen that the probability of the autonomous vehicles expected to be released in the future will be lower than those used by human beings, NHTSA emphasizes that these vehicles should ‘provide the same level of defense as existing passenger vehicles’. Currently, people coming about autonomous vehicles and injuries; even the news of the accident that caused his death shows that these safety measures are critical.

NHTSA also warned car manufacturers that safety equipment should not be removed from vehicles to save load and cost. In the statements made, it was emphasized that all necessary safety equipment should be available in both passenger and non-passenger vehicles, and that there should be measures of great importance in saving lives, such as airbags, in vehicles with passengers. So what do you think about this? Do you support the presence of fully autonomous vehicles on the roads in the future? You can share your ideas in the comments.