Feds create advisory panel for self-driving cars

The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Wednesday that it is establishing an advisory committee for automated vehicles that will serve as a critical resource for the agency as it continues its push to put self-driving cars on U.S. roads.

{mosads}The panel will be responsible for assessing the DOT’s research and policies related to the safe development and deployment of autonomous vehicles.

Committee members will gather information, develop technical advice and present recommendations to the department. Other areas of discussion may include connected vehicles, automated railroad and aviation technologies and drones.

The announcement comes after the agency released the first-ever federal guidelines for driverless cars last month.

“This committee will help determine how, when, and where automated technology will transform the way we move,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “The Department has advanced some of the life-saving benefits of automated technologies, including automated vehicle policy, but we are looking outside the government for innovative and thoughtful leaders to uncover its full potential across all modes.”

The DOT is looking for 15 individuals with “cross-modal perspectives” on issues including intelligent transportation systems, robotics, enhanced freight movement, air traffic control, next-generation technology and advanced transportation technology deployment. 

Committee members will serve two-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive term reappointments, the DOT said.