U.S. Government Announces Self-Driving Program, Will Create Decade Long Program To Support New Technology

The U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx was a keynote speaker at the Detroit Auto Show on Thursday.

According to Engadget, Foxx announced that beginning in 2017, $4 billion will be allocated to create a decade-long program towards advancing the new technology.

In an official policy statement, the Department of Transportation is looking to "facilitate and encourage wherever possible the development and deployment of technologies with the potential to save lives."

The statement added that a "best-practice" guidance will be established within six months and includes "principles of safe operation for fully autonomous vehicles."

"NHTSA will continue its efforts, in concert with other entities within and outside DOT, to incentivize the development and adoption of technologies using vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, so that Americans enjoy the full benefits of connected-vehicle safety technology," the statement also noted.