Summary
– Ford plans to run an augmented F-150 Lightning in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
– The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety calls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to increase regulations for autonomous vehicles
– The annual hill climb event at Pikes Peak is a 19.87-kilometer race to the summit
– Ford’s F-150 Lightning “Super Truck” will be driven by Romain Dumas in the event
– Concerns raised about the misuse of automation technologies and lack of data on crashes involving automation technologies.
Article
Ford is gearing up to participate in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with an augmented F-150 Lightning electric vehicle. This annual hill climb event, known as The Race to the Clouds, covers a distance of nearly 20 kilometers to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado. Ford will be entering an F-150 Lightning “Super Truck” for the event, with the vehicle being driven by Romain Dumas, who currently holds the event’s record from 2018. The specifics of how the electric vehicle will be augmented have not been revealed, but Ford’s participation in the event showcases their commitment to electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.
In light of the increasing use of semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to implement stricter regulations surrounding these technologies. Senior Research Scientist David Kidd expressed concerns about the potential misuse of automation and the introduction of new risks. This call for increased regulations comes after six Senators raised similar concerns about the NHTSA’s inaction in regulating automated driver assistance technologies. Currently, the NHTSA does not require automakers and companies to provide data on crashes involving automation technologies, leading to gaps in safety measures for these vehicles.
The IIHS and other experts are highlighting the need for more stringent oversight and data collection when it comes to autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. Kidd pointed out that automated test fleets, such as those operated by Cruise and Waymo, are operating without being held accountable for providing crash and safety data. This lack of transparency poses potential risks to road safety and underscores the importance of implementing regulations that ensure the responsible development and deployment of autonomous technologies. The concerns raised by the IIHS and lawmakers serve as a reminder of the evolving landscape of vehicle technology and the need for corresponding regulatory measures to keep pace with these advancements.
As Ford prepares to showcase its electric and autonomous vehicle capabilities at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the automotive industry faces a growing demand for enhanced safety standards and oversight. The participation of the F-150 Lightning in the event reflects Ford’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance. With the IIHS and NHTSA highlighting the need for increased regulations surrounding autonomous technologies, the industry is at a pivotal moment in defining the future of transportation. As automakers continue to develop and test autonomous vehicles, ensuring transparency and accountability in crash data and safety measures will be essential in building public trust and ensuring the safe integration of these technologies on the road.
Read the full article here
