NHTSA backs radical autonomous vehicle design change

Jonathan Morrison, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has indicated support for redesigning autonomous vehicles (AVs) to operate without traditional controls such as brake pedals and steering wheels. Morrison articulated this stance during a recent interview, questioning the necessity of manual controls in vehicles engineered exclusively for autonomous operation.

This potential shift aligns with the direction some AV developers, particularly those focusing on ridesharing fleets, are already exploring. While removing these controls could streamline AV design, it raises safety questions, particularly regarding human intervention during critical situations or vehicle malfunctions. The NHTSA is balancing its role in regulating the industry with a desire to encourage technological advancement.

Beyond design, Morrison also addressed other NHTSA concerns, including incidents where autonomous vehicles have stalled or impeded emergency responders. Although rare, these events are taken seriously. The agency is also aware of broader government concerns regarding the prevalence of Chinese-manufactured lidar sensors used in most AVs.