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21st Century Operations Using 21st Century Technologies

Federal Highway Administration National Dialogue on Highway Automation: June 7, 2018 Launch Workshop Summary

Breakout Session II: Developing New Models for Partnering

This section summarizes the discussion from breakout session II. During this session, participants were asked the following questions:

  • What should FHWA be doing to facilitate partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders interested in automated vehicle adoption?
  • What existing collaborative forums are you aware of that might be useful for FHWA to participate in to further the objectives of the National Dialogue?
  • In your opinion, what are pitfalls to watch out for in the development of these partnerships?
  • What should be the FHWA role in supporting “roadway readiness” for highway automation?

Taking Action

The outcome most participants wanted to see following the National Dialogue is an action plan with a clear set of priorities that are collaboratively identified with stakeholders. The discussion revealed a desire for FHWA and USDOT to be able to set clear, actionable goals and work with all partners and stakeholders to achieve them. Sustaining the conversation will be necessary to stay flexible as AV technology changes. Priorities that FHWA could consider for now include funding pilots and testing and creating a national description of "roadway readiness" through levels and standards.

Continuing the Conversation

Participants noted differing levels of interest and abilities among States in preparing for AVs. In addition, many participants believed that industry is moving rapidly and public agencies may find it challenging to keep up. Their suggested remedy was to continue communication among diverse stakeholders about what they can be doing to prepare for AVs. Participants suggested the use of collaborative forums for engaging participants from industry associations, interest groups, university and academic institutions, technology and data companies, telecommunications companies, State and local agencies, insurance and liability companies, rental car and rideshare companies, and international organizations.

Standardizing the Roadways

Participants believed that standardized signage, traffic control devices, and lane markings may support AV operations. Workshop participants explored how FHWA could work with other agencies to update the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to address infrastructure standardization. In addition, legislation, regulations, policies, and safety standards were also identified as areas where greater consistency could be helpful. Participants noted the importance of harmonizing policies to support multijurisdictional challenges as AVs will inevitably cross State lines and operate nationally.

Providing Local Guidance

Several participants remarked on the limited Federal engagement with State and local governments on automated vehicle issues. They felt that FHWA could enable and support collaboration among States to understand and clarify any uncertainties about jurisdictional roles that may exist at the State and local levels. Some participants discussed and supported flexibility for localities to adopt new technologies―including those pertaining to automated driving systems―at their own pace to accommodate varying levels of fiscal and organizational capacity. Participants suggested that FHWA could provide guidance on how to draft laws and regulations, implement new technologies, identify funding sources, train staff in best practices, and educate the public about AVs.

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