The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is looking for feedback on plans to bring automated vehicles (AVs) to highways across the country.
What’s new: USDOT’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology put out a request for public comment in mid-August. They want to hear about any problems or challenges that could slow down the spread of AV technology.
- They’re asking folks—especially in trucking—what research is needed to handle things like inspections, fueling, breakdowns, and real-time data when trucks run cross-country by themselves.
- The agency also wants advice on how to make sure AVs from different companies can work smoothly together and share the same types of data.
Why it matters: Truck drivers know our roads better than anyone, and their input could shape how new AV rules are made for everything from fleet operations to emergency roadside needs.
The feedback will help USDOT set up a research agenda and answer technical questions before any wide rollout, according to a Federal Register posting.
Comments are open now, but there's no official date yet for when the AV deployment plan could move forward.