H.R. 4376: AV Safety Data Act

This bill, known as the AV Safety Data Act, aims to enhance the reporting and transparency of data relating to incidents involving certain types of autonomous vehicles, specifically those with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) or Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Here are the key provisions of the bill:

Incident Reporting Requirements

Under this bill, manufacturers or operators of covered vehicles will be required to report specific data related to vehicle operation and incidents:

• Entities must submit information within 90 days of the bill's enactment.
• Each covered entity will need to provide a monthly report that includes:
  • The number of miles traveled on public roads, broken down by vehicle make, model, year, software version, road type, location, and occupancy.
  • Details of any collision involving a vulnerable road user or occupants of other vehicles.
  • Information regarding any unplanned stoppages, including environmental conditions, law enforcement involvement, and how the situation was resolved.

Scope of Reporting for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The reporting requirements for vehicles equipped with Level 2 ADAS specify that data can only be collected when the system is engaged or during the 30 seconds prior to an unplanned stoppage. Additionally, any reported data must not include personal information about the vehicle's driver.

Public Disclosure of Data

Starting 120 days after the enactment of the bill, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be required to make all the submitted information publicly available. This will be accessible in a machine-readable format on the NHTSA's website.

Amendments to Regulations

The bill includes provisions that allow the NHTSA to revise the reporting regulations after 10 years from the enactment date. This may involve changes to reduce the frequency and scope of the information mandated for submission.

Definitions

The bill clarifies key terms:

• Covered entity: A manufacturer or operator that must comply with the reporting requirements.
• Covered vehicle: Any vehicle equipped with an Automated Driving System or a Level 2 ADAS.
• Unplanned stoppage event: An event where an automated vehicle stops in a way that disrupts traffic, which includes various scenarios affecting public safety.
• Vulnerable road user: Defined as per specific regulations targeting individuals more at risk in road incidents.

Relevant Companies

• TSLA - Tesla, Inc.: As a major manufacturer of vehicles with advanced driver assistance technologies, Tesla would be significantly impacted by the reporting and data collection requirements, as it operates several models with ADS capabilities.
• GM - General Motors Company: GM has been actively developing autonomous driving technologies and would need to comply with the increased reporting regulations outlined in this bill.
• F - Ford Motor Company: Ford, which is advancing its own electric and autonomous vehicle initiatives, would also be affected by the new reporting requirements for their autonomous vehicle fleet.