State Farm: Automated Vehicles Will Change Life On The Road

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois, Aug. 6 -- State Farm Companies, an auto, home and individual life insurance provider, issued the following news release:

* * *

- Officials Are Working to Prepare the Public And Law Enforcement for Their Lifesaving Potential.

* * *

What do drivers need to know about sharing the road with AVs? What issues will AVs pose for law enforcement? How do safety officials help win the public's trust so the technology is not delayed?

Experts addressed these topics at a May 8, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)/State Farm(R) meeting. They represented government, the auto and tech industries, law enforcement, safety, and insurance.

The leaders agreed to use a common language when talking about AV features. Also, focus on driver responsibilities and attitudes is key to preparing motorists to safely share roads with AVs. Moving forward the group will:

* Develop consistent public safety messages about all forms of vehicle automation.

* Maintain focus on current traffic safety challenges. These include impaired driving, speeding, failure to buckle up, distracted driving and sharing the road with pedestrians.

* Create uniform policies and training for responding to and investigating AV crashes. This will be key for police, first responders and court officials.

"While AVs will change our lives in many ways, they raise important highway safety issues," said Ryan Gammelgard, Counsel at State Farm. "This report is a key piece to helping make sure we all work together to ensure the technology works as advertised."