It's Down To Researchers And Auto Companies As US Pledges £2.8 Billion To Speed Self-Driving Cars

by Industry Week | Technology

* Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, center, flanked by executives
from Ford, GM, FCA, Google, Honda, and Volvo.
(Credit: via Industry Week)

The United States has stepped in with a pledge to help clear the way for the roll out of self-driving vehicles, effectively challenging researchers and auto companies currently testing various models to overcome real road challenges, the Industry Week reportedly Thursday.

US Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx made the announcement in Detroit, flanked by executives from Google, GM, Ford, Volvo, Fiat Chrysler and Honda.

He also announced governments investment of $4bn (£2.8bn) to help fund research and testing projects, saying the government recognizes that "Much needs to be done to create the transportation system of the 21st century."

He made the comments at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit where he said the Obama administration plans to ask for funding to speed up the introduction and use of autonomous vehicles, saying it would help reduce the congestion and improve road safety.

The initiative also aims to improve the U.S .transportation system and vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology, which helps cars avoid obstacles and accidents through better awareness of the surrounding environment.

"We are on course for a future where congestion will only get worse," said Foxx, adding that in the future 75% of the U.S. population will be concentrated in 11 "mega regions."

Foxx said that because most accidents are caused by human error, autonomous vehicles can eliminate many road fatalities.

"By my simple math, that means that autonomous cars could have saved 25,000 lives last year," he said.

Read the full Industry Week report here.