Executive Order Fast Tracks Autonomous Vehicle Testing

As autonomous vehicles continue to change the way we view transportation, Governor John Kasich issued a timely executive order to ensure Ohio remains at the forefront of this growing industry.  On May 9,  Kasich issued Executive Order 2018-04K to permit the testing of autonomous vehicles on all roads and highways in Ohio.  The order also provides government and private industries with guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists on the road.

Autonomous vehicles are being touted nationwide as one of the most effective ways of reducing traffic, roadway congestion, and most importantly vehicle related accidents and fatalities.  Nearly 80% of all serious crashes as the result of driver error could be avoided with the use of autonomous transportation technology.  As major cities around the world begin rolling out plans to incorporate driverless technology into their transportation systems, Ohio hopes to better prepare for the autonomous vehicle revolution.

Through this executive order Kasich created DriveOhio in hopes it becomes the state’s center for smart mobility and autonomous vehicle testing.  All autonomous vehicles are required to register with DriveOhio and must maintain a designated operator while out on the road.  Additionally, the companies responsible for autonomous vehicle testing will be required to report all accidents or violations of Ohio traffic laws.  Kasich also created the Ohio Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Program, which links municipalities interested in testing with DriveOhio and manufactures.  Autonomous vehicles have proven to have their flaws in the past, so testing has become crucial to their success in the mainstream.

Ohio’s advantageous terrain allows autonomous vehicle manufactures to test in a variety of locations and environments. Urban, suburban, and rural locations allow for a range of roadway testing from the controlled streets of the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty to the Route 33 Smart Corridor connecting Columbus to Marysville.  Ohio’s everchanging climate also allows for autonomous vehicles to be put to the test in everything from harsh winter conditions to a crisp summer day.  The four-season climate and vast range of infrastructural settings is advantageous to technicians who strive to guarantee autonomous vehicle functionality in various terrains across the nation.

Since 2011, Ohio has invested nearly $14 billion in infrastructure projects, making its roads among the safest and most “autonomous ready” in the country.  Rapidly developing technology requires rapid testing and this executive order hopes to ensure Ohio fast-tracks the testing of autonomous vehicles, bringing them into the mainstream and securing the future jobs of Ohio.