NHTSA and SAE launch ASCEND consortium for AV safety standards

NHTSA has agreed with SAE to launch the ASCEND initiative, a government-industry consortium to accelerate development of safety evaluation standards for automated driving systems (ADS). No timeline for the standards has been announced.

• NHTSA and SAE created ASCEND consortium for ADS safety standards
• Goal is a single federal standard instead of fragmented state requirements
• Current FMVSS do not account for vehicles without pedals or steering wheel, like Cybercab and Zoox
• No timeline announced for ADS standards