As we’ve discussed before, there are pros and cons to autonomous vehicles (AVs). In some ways, self-driving technology reduces risks on the road, but at present they are at best a mixed bag. Some autonomous cars and trucks are safer than others, depending in part on the technology they use.
Data is key to evolving the safety of any vehicle, and that’s all the more true when the technology is new and changing rapidly. Unfortunately, changes to reporting regulations that took effect on June 16, 2025 mean less information will be available–to the government and to consumers considering purchasing these vehicles.
2025 Changes to AV Crash Reporting
The messaging coming out of the Department of Transportation (DOT) is a bit mixed. While Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy emphasized that the DOT was prioritizing safety, he was quick to follow up with how expensive the then-current reporting requirements were for manufacturers. And, he emphasized the importance of remaining competitive with China in the autonomous vehicle industry. So, moving forward, AV manufacturers will have longer to report on many crashes and get to skip reporting for many crashes. When they do report, they’ll have the opportunity to “protect” certain critical information about those collisions.
Which Crashes Will Go Unreported?
Under the updated regulations, crashes involving only minor property damage won’t have to be reported at all. That may seem harmless, since the crashes are minor. But, with AV technology developing rapidly, it’s the cause of the accident that matters. Eliminating data from all of the minor crashes gives researchers and regulars far less information to work with in determining what improved safety features are necessary.
Manufacturers can also skip reporting any accidents that involved vulnerable road users like pedestrians, people in wheelchairs and bicyclists, as long as the vehicle itself didn’t make contact with them.
“Confidential Business Information” Can Be Protected
Manufacturers can now request “shielding” of certain critical information–information about how and why autonomous vehicle crashes happened. This includes:
- Information about whether or not the vehicle was operating in conditions under which it was designed to operate when the crash occurred
- Details about the circumstances of the crash
- Information about the version of the AV software that was in use at the time of the crash
In other words, manufacturers can “shield” information about whether the vehicle is crashing in circumstances they’re advertising it can navigate safely, under what circumstances owners of autonomous vehicles may need to exercise particular caution, and whether or not they are currently running the version of software involved in particular types of crashes.
Limitations on State Protections Could Increase the Risks
At present, dozens of states around the country have laws in place that regulate the use of AVs, and others are considered legislation. Each state takes a somewhat different approach to regulating self-driving vehicles.
If the administration has its way, that won’t be true for long. A provision in the “big beautiful bill” currently under consideration would prohibit states from regulating AI models and systems, as well as automated decision systems, for 10 years. That’s a very long time in the development of autonomous vehicles and the other types of technology listed.
Injured by a Self-Driving Car?
If you’ve been injured in a collision with a self-driving car, or you were hit by an autonomous vehicle while you were walking or biking, you may be entitled to compensation. While many aspects of a self-driving car accident claim are the same as any other car accident, there are also special considerations.
Your best next step after any motor vehicle crash is to talk to an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Attorney Frank Hartman has been representing accident victims for decades, and knows how important it is for you to have accurate information before you take any action. That’s why he offers free consultations to injury victims in and around Charleston, South Carolina.
To learn more or schedule your consultation, call 843-300-7600 right now.