DOT unveils Obama vision, budget plan to develop automated vehicles

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently released a fiscal 2017 budget proposal that contains President Obama's vision for new initiatives on automated vehicles.

The budget, which amounts to approximately $4 billion, will be spread over the next 10 years to speed the development and public acceptance of safe-vehicle automation through real-world pilot projects.

Automated vehicles need to undergo real-world pilot testing before they can be offered to consumers. This is important to maintain the safety of the general public, as the automated vehicles must be tested for safety.

“We are on the cusp of a new era in automotive technology, with enormous potential to save lives, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and transform mobility for the American people,” Foxx said. “Today’s actions and those we will pursue in the coming months will provide the foundation and the path forward for manufacturers, state officials and consumers to use new technologies and achieve their full safety potential.”

In addition, USDOT intends to eliminate any obstacles that keep newly updated and automated technology from being implemented in practical situations. The technology is meant to improve the mobility, safety and sustainability of transportation infrastructure in the U.S.