GoKawiilNHTSA and SAE launch ASCEND to set data-driven safety standards for self-driving cars
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has partnered with SAE International on a new initiative called ASCEND, aimed at creating standardized, data-driven performance benchmarks for automated driving systems. The effort comes as regulators grapple with vehicles like the Tesla Cybercab and Zoox robotaxi, which lack pedals, steering wheels, and mirrors required under existing federal vehicle safety rules. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the goal is to build a framework that prioritizes safety without forcing the agency into reactive, case-by-case policymaking.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Right now there's no equivalent of a driver's test for autonomous vehicles, leaving safety assessments largely up to the companies building the technology. A joint government-industry standard could give regulators a consistent way to evaluate AV competency while still allowing rapid innovation in robotaxi and driverless truck deployment.
- NHTSA and SAE are launching ASCEND to develop data-driven AV performance standards.
- Existing federal vehicle safety rules don't account for driverless designs like the Cybercab or Zoox robotaxi.
- The initiative aims to avoid reactive, ad hoc regulation as autonomous vehicle technology evolves.
Source: techcrunch.com — Kirsten Korosec, 2026-09-20
Published there as: “TechCrunch Mobility: How do we know when an AV is safe enough?”
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