AUVSI Statement in Response to NHTSA SGO Data Release

June 15, 2022 | AUVSI Advocacy

Arlington, Va. – Earlier today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released data collected under its Standing General Order (SGO), and the information underscores the strong safety record of the autonomous goods movement industry.  

Increasing safety is the core mission of every AUVSI member company. 42,915 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021, a 10% increase over 2020. Vehicle automation technologies, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS), have the potential to meaningfully increase roadway safety. 

Like all commercial trucking fleets, many of AUVSI’s members are already subject to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) crash reporting requirements. Given our dedication to safety, we look forward to working with the U.S. DOT to increase transparency and educate the public about the potential for freight automation technologies. Most importantly, it is critical that industry and USDOT work hand-in-hand to explain the key differences between ADAS and ADS technologies, in the interest of increasing public safety for all road users. 

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