AVIA Statement on U.S. DOT Decision to Deny Cab-Mounted Warning Beacons for AVs

WASHINGTON -- Today, AVIA released the following statement from CEO Jeff Farrah in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation's decision to deny the use of cab-mounted warning beacons for commercial motor vehicles operated by a Level 4 Automated Driving System:

“The AV industry is disappointed by the Department of Transportation’s decision to deny a petition for safety-enhancing cab-mounted warning beacons. 

"Stakeholders widely agree that technology will make American roads safer. Yet DOT took nearly two years to decline an opportunity to embrace technology at a critical juncture. DOT’s action follows broad stakeholder support for the petition, including from law enforcement and safety advocates. 

"This short-sighted decision is not supported by the evidence and data in the record. The AV industry will be looking at all available options to ensure that this technology can be deployed to save lives."