Self-driving cars may still be several years away, but federal officials are already looking to restrict the ability of drivers to operate their cars to improve road safety. They're pushing for the adoption of new technologies to reduce human error.
"Auto safety regulators are pushing for new equipment to protect motorists from their biggest threat: themselves," writes Jerry Hirsch. "They're aiming to keep drunk drivers off the road with the help of onboard technology that immobilizes their cars. New vehicles may soon come with systems to help prevent collisions. And engines may not start unless occupants buckle their seat belts."
But a similar initiative - a seat-belt monitoring system mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mid 1970s - was rolled back in response to public backlash. And Jeremy Anwyl, an automotive industry consultant and former chief executive of Edmunds.com, "suspects renewed efforts by government to keep tabs on driving behavior will elicit a similar outcry."
"People won't like the idea that all of a sudden they are no longer completely in control," he said. "They might not buy a new vehicle and instead just keep the car they have."
FULL STORY: Auto safety initiative seeks to reduce driver errors

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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