U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Gary Peters (D-MI) recently introduced a bill that would require self-driving vehicle manufacturers to submit safety evaluation reports to the Secretary of Transportation.
The reports required under the bill, entitled the American Vision for Safer Transportation Through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies (AV START) Act, would include information on crashworthiness, cybersecurity, and safety.
The legislation would extend the secretary’s authority during the three years after enactment to implement an enhanced review and approval process for safety standards.
Other highlights include directing the secretary to work with automakers to adopt policies related to potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities and promoting consumer education.
“This legislation proposes common-sense changes in law to keep pace with advances in self-driving technology,” Thune said. “By playing a constructive role in the development of self-driving transportation systems, our government can help save lives, improve mobility for all Americans – including those with disabilities, and create new jobs by making us leaders in this important technology. I’m proud of this bipartisan legislation but recognize there are still opportunities to make it even better, and I look forward to working with colleagues as we head toward a committee vote next week.”
The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.