A hearing that will be convened by U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) on Nov. 15 will explore the potential for autonomous vehicles and technology to improve safety, mobility and efficiency of transportation systems.
Burgess, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, called the hearing to explore the impact self-driving cars will have on transportation safety and economic growth.
“The 21st century has spurred a new wave of innovation that is disrupting the marketplace as we know it, and the automotive industry is no exception,” Burgess said.
“Next week’s hearing provides us the opportunity to review the potential impact this innovative technology will have on safety and economic growth, while allowing us to examine any regulatory roadblocks hindering its development,” he said.
The hearing will also look at how autonomous vehicles can improve the mobility of communities that are currently underserved.
In addition, members will examine the Federal Automated Vehicles Policy guidance issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in September.
Automated vehicles have some type of safety controls such as braking, steering or acceleration that do not require direct input from a driver. Officials have praised autonomous vehicle technology for its potential to save lives, given that the majority of car accidents are due to human error.
“Given the safety and recent rise in traffic-related fatalities, it’s important we get this life-saving technology right,” Burgess said. “I look forward to hearing from industry experts next week about how we bring self-driving vehicles to consumers and businesses alike and what protections should be considered as best practices and guidelines continue to be developed.”
The hearing is part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Disrupter Series, which aims to provide opportunities to understand how federal policies promote and inhibit emerging technologies.