“There are still vestiges in a vehicle code that harken back to the horse and buggy,” said Sharp.
PennDOT officials will try to encourage a more controlled HAV development, primarily for the safety improvements it may bring. The task force’s proposed recommendations will guide HAV testing within commonwealth – something that has begun already. Ride-sharing service Uber Technologies has started testing its own HAV prototypes in Pittsburgh, said PennDOT Deputy Secretary Kurt Myers. Task force members also referred to vehicle automation technology developed at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). PennDOT formed the task force in June with state, federal and private industry partners. Members include representatives from the Federal Highway Administration, AAA, CMU and Uber.