TechCrunch Mobility: How do we know when an AV is safe enough?
News Source
β’Sun, 20 Sep 2026 16:02:00 +0000
π° What Happened
There is still no standard test to judge whether a self-driving car is safe enough for the road. Companies mostly answer that question themselves.
People must pass a driving test to get a licence, but there is no equal test for automated driving systems.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is working on a federal framework for self-driving vehicles.
π The Backstory
Today's safety rules were written for cars with steering wheels, pedals, side mirrors and rear-view mirrors. Vehicles like the Tesla Cybercab and the Zoox robotaxi do not have some of that equipment.
Regulators say they want safety at the base of the new rules without slowing down new ideas. The agency's head said he does not want to play "whack-a-mole" with policy decisions.
Robotaxis already carry paying passengers in several US cities.
π― Why It Matters
Self-driving cars may soon share the road with you. Clear safety tests decide how much proof companies must show before that happens.
There is still no standard test to judge whether a self-driving car is safe enough for the road. Companies mostly answer that question themselves.
People must pass a driving test to get a licence, but there is no equal test for automated driving systems.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is working on a federal framework for self-driving vehicles.
Today's safety rules were written for cars with steering wheels, pedals, side mirrors and rear-view mirrors. Vehicles like the Tesla Cybercab and the Zoox robotaxi do not have some of that equipment.
Regulators say they want safety at the base of the new rules without slowing down new ideas. The agency's head said he does not want to play "whack-a-mole" with policy decisions.
Robotaxis already carry paying passengers in several US cities.
Self-driving cars may soon share the road with you. Clear safety tests decide how much proof companies must show before that happens.