Self-driving vehicles have been approved for testing on congested New York City streets, but a human safety operator will need to be behind the wheel, according to new guidelines and permitting requirements for companies who want to test autonomous vehicles (AVs) on public roads. The permitting guidelines come with a number of key criteria, including a requirement that the operator have testing experience elsewhere and provide detailed information on where and how that was carried out, as well as any accidents that occurred. Operators will also have to demonstrate they have a comprehensive safety plan in place and specify protocols in the event their automated technology fails.
Only appropriately trained human operators will be allowed, and they will be subject to background checks and must follow best practices, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Frequent breaks to avoid distraction or fatigue will be mandatory. AV companies will also have to engage regularly with New York City’s Police and Fire Departments.
All applicants must obtain approval from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and a permit from the New York City Department of Transport, who said its focus was to ensure AV testing “does not unduly impede traffic flow, pedestrian and cyclist movement, transit service or emergency response.”
Self-driving taxi operations have been under intense scrutiny across the United States, following an incident where a pedestrian was dragged 20 feet along a road by a Cruise AV in San Francisco last year.
Source: IOT World Today
