A study by the National Academy of Sciences recently found that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not have the expertise to properly examine and monitor vehicles with advanced electronics.
Car manufacturers are installing increasingly sophisticated hardware and computer software in cars. Just like other systems, these electronics can malfunction and potentially cause serious car accidents. If an accident occurs, the NHTSA can investigate to determine what went wrong, whether the issue is widespread and how to prevent similar accidents.
The NTHSA stated that it would continue to improve in order to keep the “driving public safe [and] assess potential safety concerns and help ensure the reliability of electronic control systems.” These systems include everything from high-tech music systems to electronic braking systems.
The NHTSA requested the Academy’s study after the NHTSA investigated Toyota’s electronic throttle systems and did not find evidence of defects. NASA conducted its own study of the Toyota cars in question and came to the same conclusion as the NHTSA. Toyota’s unintended acceleration problem, which led to the recall of millions of vehicles, has been attributed to accelerator pads and floor mats and not the electronic control systems installed in the cars.
Still, the National Academy of Sciences recommended that the NHTSA:
- Hire people with technical expertise in car systems
- Refine the way it investigates car safety
- Develop an advisory panel to help with vehicle investigations and reviews
- Continue to advocate for the installation of black boxes in all new vehicles
- Develop a long-term strategy for meeting challenges involving electronic systems
Source: The New York Times, “Road Safety Agency Is Urged to Add Expertise in Electronics Systems,” Bill Vlasic, Jan. 18, 2012.