Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation is unveiling new guidelines aimed at shaping the future of automated vehicles, introducing notable changes to crash reporting protocols for vehicles equipped with advanced driving systems. The updated framework, which includes a standing general order (SGO) for crash reporting, has sparked debate among stakeholders regarding its implications for safety and regulation.
Under the new SGO, companies will now have five days to report incidents involving vehicles equipped with Level 2 automated driving systems, a shift from the previous 24-hour mandate. This alteration means significant operational changes for manufacturers, including major players like Tesla, General Motors, and Ford, which utilize advanced driver-assistance technologies.
Previously, any collision involving a Level 2 system, unless it resulted in a fatality or the involvement of a vulnerable road user, required immediate reporting. The new rules, however, now limit the reporting requirement to vehicles that include full automated driving systems, thereby reducing the volume of vehicles that need to be reported in non-fatal incidents. For example, a Tesla operating under Autopilot that experiences a crash will not need to submit a report unless it involves severe outcomes like hospitalization or airbag deployment.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed these revisions at a recent event, indicating that the aim is to streamline data collection without burdening companies with excessive reporting. “We want to gather accurate data, but the previous regulations made reporting minor incidents cumbersome,” Duffy said.
In other industry news, the Long Beach, California, event unveiled significant developments from Slate, a new electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Company representatives described the Slate EV as a “transformer,” enhancing its market pitch by emphasizing transformative capabilities that appeal to modern consumers.
Meanwhile, several companies are navigating notable financial developments. Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy has reduced its initial public offering by 18% to approximately $308 million. DoorDash also made headlines with intentions to acquire Deliveroo for $3.6 billion, highlighting increasing consolidation within the delivery sector.
In the aviation sector, Electra, a startup focused on hybrid electric aircraft, secured $115 million in funding, while Fora, a travel tech company from New York, raised $60 million in its latest funding rounds, indicating continued investor interest in innovative transportation solutions.
In the realm of autonomous driving, Alphabet’s CEO Sundar Pichai recently discussed the future of Waymo, hinting at possibilities for personal ownership despite the company’s existing framework, which focuses largely on partnerships with automakers. Additionally, Tesla is reportedly ramping up tests for its upcoming robotaxi service, further positioning itself in the competitive autonomous vehicle market.
As collaborations between companies like Volkswagen and Uber surface, plans for a commercial robotaxi service using autonomous electric vehicles are expected to begin in Los Angeles by late 2026. However, significant regulatory hurdles remain, as Volkswagen seeks to secure necessary permits for testing and deployment.
While ongoing developments in the automotive and transportation industries signal a dynamic landscape, the balance between innovation and regulation continues to challenge stakeholders, requiring careful navigation of safety protocols and market strategies.