Safety standards for self-driving vehicles should be expanded and strengthened, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requested comments on proposed changes to the rules for occupant protection. The changes are intended to account for new designs and seating choices that may come with the introduction of fully automated vehicles.

IIHS Chief Research Officer, David Zuby, says it would be a “mistake to issue those standards without including enforceable regulations to govern the driving behavior of such automated systems.â€

IIHS research has shown that manufacturers will need to design self-driving vehicles specifically to prioritize safety over other rider preferences to eliminate the majority of today’s crashes.