Introduction
The policy proposal “Removing Regulatory Barriers for Vehicles with Automated Driving Systems” examines the future of automobiles with automated driving systems (ADSs) and why new considerations should be accepted to promote this modern technology. The benefits and drawbacks of innovation have attracted the attention of many policymakers, engineers, and politicians. This paper gives a detailed analysis of some of the issues revolving around the policy.
Public Comment on the Proposal
The emergence of modern technologies has led to the production of superior vehicles that support people’s transportation needs. The proposed policy seeks to promote new guidelines to accommodate the production, safety, and use of driverless vehicles. Firstly, this move will encourage more innovators and engineers to produce superior vehicles that can improve the way people move from point A to B. Secondly, the power of technology is something that cannot be ignored by any government (“Removing regulatory barriers,” n. d.). The acceptance of the new technology will create the best environment for producing superior automobiles that conform to every testing, compliance, certification, and verification process.
Moreover, the production and use of these cars will result in reduced accidents and traffic jams.
Experts have also acknowledged that fully automated vehicles have the potential to support various environmental conservation initiatives (“Removing regulatory barriers,” n. d.). That being the case, existing regulatory barriers such as the failure to recognize the effectiveness of driverless cars and the absence of evidence-based testing procedures should be removed in an attempt to support this new technology.
Environmental Implications: Positive and Negative
Many analysts believe strongly that self-driving vehicles will have numerous impacts on the environment. Current technologies in vehicle manufacturing have been associated with reduced fuel consumption. These autonomous cars will, therefore, minimize carbon emission and protect the environment. Heavy traffics and jams are associated with increased gasoline consumption. The proposed technology will minimize such jams, thereby reducing carbon emissions (Greenblatt, 2015). On top of that, the technology will maximize road usage and at the same time minimize the need to construct more highways. Chances are high that these gains will protect the natural environment. Eco-technology will also minimize most of the materials required to produce targeted cars. These aspects show that the proposed technology will not only increase safety but also protect the natural environment.
On the other hand, autonomous cars might result in the need for advanced features such as televisions and gaming tools. These attributes are likely to make such vehicles unsustainable and inefficient. Such resources might put much pressure on the natural environment. Greenblatt (2015) believes that driverless cars might encourage people to travel frequently. Physically impaired, elderly, and underage persons will need such services. Moreover, these needs will affect the sustainability and efficiency of such cars. Increased demand for self-driving cars might inflate the need for natural or fossil fuels. This means that the negative environmental implications of the technology are equally important and must be analyzed from a critical perspective.
Concluding Remarks: Personal Opinion
I believe that there is a need for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise every existing law and policy in an attempt to accommodate this innovative idea. The important thing is to develop appropriate standards for compliance, testing, and certification of these vehicles. The collaboration of different stakeholders will result in better standards and address every existing barrier. When the existing obstacles are removed, companies such as Uber Technologies and Google Incorporation will be empowered to produce advanced cars that fulfill every requirement. They will also be willing to minimize emerging negative environmental impacts.
References
Greenblatt, J. B. (2015). Automated vehicles, on-demand mobility, and environmental impacts. Current Sustainable/Renewable Energy Reports, 2(3), 74-81. Web.
Removing regulatory barriers for vehicles with automated driving systems. (n. d.). Web.