Tie Auto Rules to High Tech, U.K. Safety Group Asks

The U.K.’s Institute of Advanced Motorists seeks a new legal framework to deal with the rapid advances in vehicle technology.

The institute is responding to a parliamentary Transport Committee report calling for the Department for Transport to develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize the benefits of new motoring technology, such as telematics and driverless cars, for people and businesses in the U.K.

The committee says the new automotive technologies could unblock congested highways, significantly improve road safety and provide the basis for rapid industrial growth.

But IAM, the U.K.’s largest independent road-safety charity, says a lot of planning is needed.

“The next few years could see a confusing combination of computer and human-controlled vehicles on our roads, so the legal framework must be clear on who is responsible in the event of a crash,” IAM policy director Neil Greig says in a statement. “The way we train drivers will have to change to reflect this.”

Grieg says the committee recognizes IAM’s concerns about data protection.

“Computerized vehicles will generate information on an epic scale,” he says. “In the not so distant future a hacker could do more damage than a drunk driver. Getting system security right must be a top priority.”

Committee Chairwoman Louise Ellman says the committee wants the Department for Transport to clarify how self-driving cars will affect the liabilities of drivers, manufacturers and insurers. It also wants the department to be front and center in setting European and international standards that will help U.K. manufacturers develop products suitable for export.

Other recommendations are for the Information Commissioner to update guidelines on the collection, access and use of vehicle data and for the use of data on driver behavior held by the insurance industry and others to assist in policymaking and improving road safety.

“The government must do more to prepare for a transition period where manual, semi-autonomous and driverless vehicles will share U.K. roads,” Ellman says. “Transport ministers must explain how different types of vehicles will be certified and tested, how drivers will be trained and how driving standards will be updated, monitored and enforced.”

Brake, another road safety group, believes driverless-vehicle technology will become commonplace in vehicles before 2040, and will play a key role in reducing casualties caused by human error as well as improving public transport and reducing emissions.