国会研究服务部-自动驾驶车辆测试和部署中的问题（英文）-2021.4-29页_1mb

Summary of Issues in Autonomous Vehicle Testing and Deployment

Core Content

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to significantly improve highway safety by reducing human error, which is responsible for 94% of motor vehicle crashes. However, the development and deployment of these vehicles face numerous challenges, including regulatory, technological, and societal issues. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have been actively involved in shaping federal policies, while Congress has not yet passed comprehensive legislation on AVs.

Main Issues and Key Points

1. Regulatory Challenges

• Federal vs. State Regulation: The traditional division of responsibilities between the federal government (vehicle safety) and states (driver licensing, registration, and traffic laws) is being challenged as AVs reduce the need for human drivers.
• Exemptions from Federal Standards: NHTSA has proposed modifying the system for granting exemptions from federal safety standards to allow more testing of AVs. This includes relaxing requirements for steering wheels and brake pedals.
• Legislative Delays: No comprehensive AV legislation has been introduced in the 117th Congress, and previous bills (e.g., H.R. 3388 and S. 1885) failed to pass due to disagreements on key issues.
• Surface Transportation Reauthorization: The expiration of federal highway authorization at the end of FY2021 may create an opportunity to include AV provisions in reauthorization legislation.

2. Technological Development

• Levels of Automation: SAE has classified AVs into six levels of automation, from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (fully autonomous). Most vehicles on the market are at Level 1 or 2, with some Level 3 vehicles becoming available.
• Testing and Deployment: Testing of AVs is ongoing in many states and cities, with companies like Waymo, Argo AI, and Cruise Automation leading the way.
• Technological Components: AVs rely on a range of technologies, including sensors, GPS, cameras, and communication systems, to detect and respond to their environment.

3. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

• Vulnerabilities: AVs are susceptible to hacking through various entry points, such as airbags, lighting systems, and tire pressure monitoring systems.
• Data Collection: AVs generate large amounts of data, including vehicle location, driver behavior, and performance metrics. This raises concerns about data ownership and privacy.
• Industry Response: The Auto-ISAC was established to share cybersecurity information among manufacturers. NHTSA also encourages voluntary safety self-assessments by automakers to demonstrate transparency.

4. Consumer Acceptance and Market Readiness

• Consumer Trust: Public trust in AVs is still developing, and widespread acceptance may depend on factors such as exposure to AVs, technological maturity, and availability of ride-hailing services.
• International Comparisons: The KPMG Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index highlights the varying levels of preparedness among countries. Singapore and the Netherlands are leading in policy and infrastructure, while the U.S. ranks higher in technology and innovation than in consumer acceptance.

5. Infrastructure and Spectrum Allocation

• Infrastructure Needs: AVs require advanced infrastructure, including reliable telecommunications and well-maintained roads and signage.
• Spectrum Use: The FCC's reconfiguration of the electromagnetic spectrum for vehicle communications may influence the development and integration of AV technologies.

6. Policy and Safety Frameworks

• Obama Administration: Introduced the first federal AV policy in 2016, focusing on voluntary guidelines, state policy models, and regulatory streamlining.
• Trump Administration: Emphasized a limited federal role and promoted voluntary standards and technology-neutral approaches.
• Biden Administration: Continued efforts to revise safety regulations and promote AV integration, with a focus on safety and consumer protection.

Key Information

• Fatal Accidents: The 2018 Uber crash and the 2021 Tesla crashes have raised questions about the safety and regulation of AVs.
• NHTSA Exemptions: Nuro was the first company to receive an exemption from three federal motor vehicle standards in 2020.
• Voluntary Self-Assessments: Over 27 companies have submitted voluntary safety assessments to NHTSA, while California has issued permits to 63 companies for AV testing.
• State Actions: Some states have taken proactive steps in regulating AVs, including establishing policies and testing frameworks.

Conclusion

The development and deployment of autonomous vehicles involve complex interactions between technology, regulation, and consumer trust. While the U.S. has made progress in AV testing and policy, the lack of comprehensive federal legislation and the need for robust cybersecurity and data privacy measures remain significant hurdles. International comparisons suggest that the U.S. is competitive in innovation but needs to improve in consumer acceptance and infrastructure readiness. The future of AVs may depend on the resolution of these issues and the reauthorization of surface transportation programs.