The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently advanced the SELF DRIVE Act, a bill designed to support the development and deployment of automated vehicles.
Language from five bills were included in the act, which clarifies the role government has for regulating autonomous vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is given more authority to evaluate and approve safety exceptions. NHTSA also was given authority to create a Federal Advisory Committee to consider cybersecurity and examine mobility access.
Autonomous-vehicle manufacturers would be required to apply for safety assessment certifications and to write cybersecurity plans.
“The next chapter of American innovation is here with the development of self-driving cars,” Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). “The challenge is for the United States to figure out how we can remain at the forefront of innovation and technology in the world and build a regulatory framework that first and foremost protects consumers, but is also flexible and can keep up with the pace of rapidly changing technology. It is imperative that we get this right. Today is another step toward accomplishing that goal.”
This year, the number of Americans killed in traffic accidents is expected to reach more than 40,000. As many as 94 percent of these will be caused by human error, the NHTSA said.