NHTSA publishes initial self-driving findings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is part of the US Department of Transport, has published data from a series of collisions involving vehicles with various levels of autonomy.

The data was provided by vehicle manufacturers after the NHTSA issued a standing order last summer to submit such data in an effort to understand how best to progress with the continued introduction of self-driving cars to public roads.

Dr Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s Administrator, said, “The data released are part of our commitment to transparency, accountability and public safety. New vehicle technologies have the potential to help prevent crashes, reduce crash severity and save lives, and the Department is interested in fostering technologies that are proven to do so; collecting this data is an important step in that effort. As we gather more data, NHTSA will be able to better identify any emerging risks or trends and learn more about how these technologies are performing in the real world.”

The data found that of the 130 crashes, 108 involved collisions with another vehicle and 11 involved a vulnerable road user. However, only one incident resulted in serious injury, with 108 causing no injuries at all.