1、CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i Automated Vehicles: Safety Implications of Computers on Wheels September 14, 2021 On August 13, 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced an investigation of crashes involving “Autopilot” s
2、ystems in Tesla electric vehicles. The investigation shows that technologies that seek to automate tasks traditionally performed by drivers are becoming an increasing part of NHTSAs safety oversight. Traditional vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel engines with human drivers have been regulated b
3、y NHTSA for over 50 years. During that time, many types of vehicle defects have been addressed and millions of vehicles have been recalled for safety-related modifications at the manufacturers expense. In 2020 alone, nearly 900 recalls of vehicles and parts were issued, affecting nearly 55 million v
4、ehicles. Because of the widespread use of computers, sensors, and other automated technologies in vehicles, cars are increasingly referred to as “computers on wheels.” The current shortage of semiconductors highlights the dependence of motor vehicles on electronics, which are used in a wide variety