WASHINGTON, DC - The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, chaired by Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), today continued its focus on improving auto safety by examining the status of vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Members of the subcommittee heard testimony from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other experts in the automobile industry about how enhancing communications between automobiles on the road will keep American drivers safe. The committee is also actively engaged in exploring the spectrum needs of vehicle-to-vehicle communications as well as the many cybersecurity issues that are presented by these technologies.
Subcommittee Chairman Burgess
“We must make sure the technology is ready and the implementation is done right. We must ensure that the appropriate level of expertise is available to oversee the entirety of the V2V system so that it functions and operates properly, and can speedily remedy any system failures without disruption. As we all know, lives will depend on it."
“Drivers will need to understand what the technology is, how it works, and why they should adopt it. Congress needs to know that NHTSA is in a position to do its job - by ensuring that this safety technology is safely and properly deployed," added full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “The deployment of vehicle-to-vehicle communications is right around the corner. This is a welcome endeavor that marks a revolutionary phase in the nation’s transportation system. It represents the first ripple in what will be a torrent of new technologies."
Nathaniel Beuse, Administrator for Vehicle Safety Research at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
“NHTSA’s research is focused on emerging crash avoidance technologies that help the driver operate his or her vehicle in a safe manner, warn the driver of an impending collision, and can even take control of the vehicle’s brakes or steering if such warnings are not heeded."
Dr. Peter Sweatman, Director of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
“V2X technology will unleash innovation, from advanced traffic management systems and on-demand services to real-time traffic, transit and parking information, vital mobility solutions for freight vehicles and countless new transportation applications."
David St. Amant, President of Econolite Group, Inc.
“Traffic crashes claim nearly 33,000 lives each year, and over 2 million Americans are injured on our nation’s roads. This technology has the potential to prevent or reduce the impact of up to 80 percent of unimpaired vehicle crashes, saving thousands of lives each year."
Barry Einsig, Global Transportation Exec. For Cisco System, Inc.
“Most importantly, data will have a dramatic impact on safety. Cars connected to each other will be able to help drivers avoid everything from a fender bender to a deadly crash. Cars will have the capability to warn motorists to brake immediately or even take evasive action when accidents are imminent."
Harry Lightsey, Executive Director, Global Connected Customer Experience for General Motors
“The sooner we begin to get V2V in vehicles, the sooner our customers will begin to realize the lifesaving safety benefits of its promise."
