Peters introduces bipartisan bill to accelerate testing and deployment of automotive safety technologies WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-MI, introduced bipartisan legislation to accelerate the testing and safe deployment of innovative vehicle technologies on our roadways. The Vehicle Safety Equipment Testing Act, which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), would update existing law to give vehicle suppliers the same testing authorities currently held by automakers, allowing them to independently test their technologies in controlled environments. “Vehicle suppliers in Michigan are working to develop some of the most advanced vehicle components and technologies available today. Unfortunately, existing law is delaying the testing needed to get these innovative systems in our cars and on the road,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense bill would allow suppliers to conduct testing on the products they make, helping to speed up the deployment of new technologies that have the potential to drastically improve roadway safety.” Automotive suppliers manufacture key components that are integrated into automobiles, such as braking systems, emissions controls, and powertrain components. Legislation passed in 2015 requires these suppliers to partner with domestic automakers to test new vehicle systems, which often leads to delays in the verification process. To expedite the deployment of technologies that can improve vehicle and roadway safety, Peters’ Vehicle Safety Equipment Testing Act would expand this federal testing authority to vehicle suppliers, providing them the same independent testing and validation process currently used by automakers. This legislation is supported by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the National Consumers League. “Suppliers drive much of the innovation that makes vehicles safer, more efficient, and more reliable. Yet under current federal law, many suppliers are unable to independently test the technologies they develop in real-world environments, slowing innovation and delaying the deployment of safety-enhancing advancements. We