Why We're Building a Coalition for America's Autonomous Future

By Jeff Farrah

CEO, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association

America invented autonomous vehicles. Members of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) have logged over 145 million autonomous miles on public roads over the last few years, and they are operating commercial robotaxi and trucking services across the country. But without federal leadership, we risk squandering that advantage.

That's why earlier this week, AVIA was proud to announce the formation of United for Autonomy, a coalition of nearly 30 organizations—from the American Trucking Association to the National Federation of the Blind to the National Retail Federation—that share a common goal: securing a federal policy framework that allows autonomous vehicles to deliver their full promise to the American people and deliver safer roads, greater accessibility, economic growth, and supply-chain resilience.

The case for federal leadership is straightforward. Twenty-six states have already authorized autonomous vehicles on their roads, which is encouraging. But only the federal government can establish uniform standards for vehicle design and performance. That clarity is what unlocks investment, accelerates deployment, and ensures Americans in every state can benefit from this technology.

The stakes extend beyond transportation policy. China is aggressively pursuing autonomous vehicle leadership, deploying the technology at scale domestically and positioning to export it globally. The United States cannot afford regulatory paralysis while competitors advance. We need a framework that matches our technological capabilities with policy that supports American companies, American workers, and American competitiveness.

Consider what autonomous vehicles can achieve:

• Safer roads. Human error is responsible for the vast majority of crashes. Distracted driving, impairment, and fatigue kill more than 40,000 Americans every year. Autonomous vehicles don't get tired, don't drive impaired, and don't check their phones. They follow traffic laws consistently and respond to hazards faster than human reflexes allow.
• Independence for millions. Twenty-five million Americans cannot drive due to disability, age, or medical conditions. For them, autonomous vehicles aren't a convenience—they're access to jobs, healthcare, social connection, and daily life. United for Autonomy includes leading disability advocacy organizations because they recognize what this technology means for their communities.
• Economic resilience. America must move 50% more freight by 2050 to meet economic demand, even as we face a persistent truck driver shortage. Autonomous trucking strengthens supply chains, supports farmers and manufacturers in getting goods to market, and creates new career opportunities in fleet operations, maintenance, and technology development.

What makes United for Autonomy powerful is its breadth. Our coalition includes safety advocates, accessibility champions, economic development groups, and technology leaders speaking with one voice. That matters when engaging Congress, working with regulators, and building public understanding.

United for Autonomy will focus its efforts where federal action is most needed: supporting legislation that establishes clear safety standards, working with agencies like the Department of Transportation to modernize regulations for autonomous systems, and ensuring policymakers have accurate information about the technology and its benefits.

America stands at a decision point. We can lead on autonomous vehicles, or we can watch other nations seize the initiative. We can expand mobility and save lives, or we can maintain a status quo that fails too many people. We can create economic opportunity, or we can let it develop elsewhere.

Our view is that America must lead. The technology is ready. The benefits are real. What's needed now is federal policy that matches the moment.

The future of mobility is not something that happens to us. It's something we build together.

Learn more about United for Autonomy at www.unitedforautonomy.org