NHTSA may have to take the wheel on automation

New bills introduced in Congress in the past year would affect automakers by increasing agency oversight and enhancing regulations related to advanced driver-assistance systems, recalls and vehicle seat safety. The National Transportation Safety Board in the past has noted a "lack of federal safety standards" for automated driving systems. If enacted, the SAFE Act would compel NHTSA to magnify its regulatory oversight. The legislation would require the Department of Transportation to conduct research regarding the installation and use of driver monitoring systems to minimize or eliminate driver distraction, driver disengagement, automation complacency and the foreseeable misuse of driver-assistance systems. Thus, a looming challenge to AV systems makers will be the gap between the public's expectations of the performance of driver-assistance and automation technology and the reality of their current limitations.