A group of companies including Alphabet Inc.'s Google, Ford Motor Co. and Uber Technologies Inc., are forming a coalition to advocate for safety regulations for self-driving cars and to bring them to American roads. The group, which also includes Volvo Cars and Lyft Inc., aims to work with lawmakers, regulators and the public to "realize the safety and societal benefits of self-driving vehicles," according to a statement Tuesday.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - FEBRUARY 02: U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx (R) and Google Chairman Eric Schmidt (L) walk around a Google self-driving car at the Google headquarters on February 2, 2015 in Mountain View, California. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx joined Google Chairman Eric Schmidt for a fireside chat where he unveiled Beyond Traffic, a new analysis from the U.S. Department of Transportation that anticipates the trends and choices facing our transportation system over the next three decades. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Self-driving cars will make roads in the U.S. safer and less congested, according to the group, but "one clear set of federal standards" is needed to help facilitate bringing the cars to market. One of the group's first tasks will be to work with civic organizations, municipalities and businesses to accomplish that goal, according to the statement. "Fully autonomous vehicles will help people travel more safely and efficiently, as well as facilitate mobility for those currently unable to drive," Ford said in a separate statement.
David Strickland, a former administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will serve as the coalition's counsel and spokesman.