New Coalition Urges Federal Action On Self-Driving Vehicles

Ford, Google, Lyft, Uber & Volvo Cars form Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, which will advocate for safe, self-driving technology in U.S.

Washington, D.C. - Five of the world’s most innovative technology, ridesharing and automotive companies announced on Tuesday the formation of the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets.

Founding members Ford, Google, Lyft, Uber, and Volvo Cars established the Coalition to work with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to realize the safety and societal benefits of self-driving vehicles. One of the first tasks of the Coalition will be to work with civic organizations, municipalities and businesses to bring the vision of self-driving vehicles to America’s roads and highways.

David Strickland, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from 2010-2014, will serve as the Coalition’s counsel and spokesperson. At NHTSA, Strickland issued the first-ever automated vehicle policy and served as a leader in the campaigns to fight impaired and distracted driving.

“Self-driving vehicle technology will make America’s roadways safer and less congested. The best path for this innovation is to have one clear set of federal standards, and the Coalition will work with policymakers to find the right solutions that will facilitate the deployment of self-driving vehicles,” said Strickland. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation has projected that self-driving vehicles could help to significantly reduce the severity and frequency of crashes. Last year, there were 33,000 fatalities on America’s roads. An estimated 94% of road accidents are caused by human error, and motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among young people, aged 15-29 years.

Self-driving technology will enhance public safety and mobility for the elderly and disabled, reduce traffic congestion, improve environmental quality, and advance transportation efficiency.