The initiative aims to accelerate the legislative process, but raises questions about the quality of regulation and potential risks to road safety.
How AI Entered the Government Regulation System
The use of artificial intelligence algorithms in the American administration is no longer a secret. According to official statements, such technologies are applied in various agencies, including in preparing drafts of federal rules. This approach is most actively promoted by the US Department of Transportation.
According to agency advisor Gregory Zerzan, AI is used to create drafts of regulatory documents. These texts then undergo review and refinement by ministry staff. The core principle of the approach is straightforward: the draft should be "good enough" for further work, rather than perfect from the start.
Focus on Speed and Efficiency
One of the key reasons for implementing AI is the desire to reduce the time required to prepare new rules. Traditionally, developing a single regulatory act can take months or even years. According to ministry representatives, modern language models can generate an initial text in just a few minutes.
It is expected that this will allow drafts of rules to be submitted for review to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within 30 days. In the future, AI may participate in creating up to 80–90% of drafts for new norms in road traffic.
The Role of Humans in the New Process
Despite the active implementation of technologies, the final decision remains with humans. Federal employees review the texts, correct inaccuracies, and eliminate errors related to so-called "hallucinations" of artificial intelligence — situations where the algorithm generates incorrect or fabricated data.
Former transportation agency employees compare this model of work to using an inexperienced assistant who can quickly prepare a draft but requires constant oversight and edits.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The active penetration of AI into government management elicits mixed public reactions. Tensions are heightened by the fact that it involves rules directly affecting road safety. Critics fear that an excessive emphasis on speed may lead to a decline in the quality of regulation.
Authorities, in turn, emphasize that artificial intelligence does not replace experts but only helps accelerate routine stages of work, leaving key decisions to specialists.
Conclusion
The use of artificial intelligence in preparing road traffic rules in the US reflects a broader trend toward digitization in government management. This approach can significantly speed up the process of developing regulatory acts but requires strict oversight and transparent review procedures. The effectiveness of balancing automation with expert evaluation will largely determine the quality of future regulation and the level of safety on American roads.
