The U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration recently issued a set of guidelines for autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars. This is a productive first step by the U.S. government to regulate this emerging technology. But more is needed. The excitement around this innovative technology needs to be balanced with the safety considerations.
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Autonomous vehicles will make the future a more efficient, safer and fun existence for all of us, and expand mobility to millions of elderly and disabled individuals. Vehicles will be better utilized and entire industries — from the auto industry itself to insurance, legal, software development and many others — will undergo seismic change.