U.S. Regulators Back Efforts to Develop Cars That Drive Themselves

The Wall Street Journal (online registration required): LOS ANGELES—Top officials of the federal agency that regulates vehicle safety said Tuesday they support efforts by auto makers and digital technology companies to develop cars that can drive themselves, but cautioned it will be years before regulators are comfortable allowing fully autonomous vehicles on the road.

David Strickland, the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, told a congressional subcommittee Tuesday that right now, fully autonomous vehicles aren't ready to operate on public highways except for testing purposes.

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