Pennsylvania Department of Transport (PennDOT) has set up a task force to enable the testing of completely autonomous vehicles on its roads.

The Autonomous Vehicles Testing Policy Task Force will develop guidance, which will help the department to draft policies on driverless vehicles.

The taskforce, which is chaired by the agency, consists of state, federal and private-industry officials.

"I believe SB 1268 will foster innovation while at the same time ensure the safety of motorists on our public roads."

The institutions that are part of this taskforce include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), University of Pennsylvania, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), American Trucking Associations (ATA), the State Police, and Uber.

The task force meeting was hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, which demonstrated its autonomous technologies.

The university has been working for over three decades on self-driving cars and so far, has created 14 generations of autonomous vehicles.

Lawmakers such as Senator Randy Vulakovich who are sponsoring legislation in the state Senate and House also took part in the event.

"By working with all of the stake holder groups, I believe SB 1268 will foster innovation while at the same time ensure the safety of motorists on our public roads." Vulakovich added.

This legislation intends to offer flexibility to adapt to changing technology.

According to US Census, by 2050 there will be an estimated 48 million people over the age of 75 in the US and autonomous vehicles can offer opportunity for independence to older and disabled citizens.