Ann Carlson, the acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be stepping down from her position on Wednesday after a 15-month tenure. Carlson, who previously served as the agency's chief counsel, will be returning to her teaching position at UCLA School of Law in Los Angeles.
During her time at NHTSA, Carlson played a pivotal role in ensuring road safety across the nation. One of her notable achievements was the creation of a database requiring autonomous vehicle companies and automakers to report crashes involving automated systems. This initiative aimed to enhance transparency and improve the understanding of safety issues in the rapidly advancing field of autonomous vehicles.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Carlson discussed various safety concerns, including the recall of Tesla vehicles due to problems with the Autopilot system. NHTSA pushed for the recall after several crashes were linked to drivers relying too heavily on the partially automated driving system. Two motorcyclists lost their lives in 2022 in accidents involving Teslas on Autopilot. The agency will closely examine Tesla's software update to ensure that it adequately addresses the issue and emphasizes the importance of driver attentiveness.
Consumer Reports and other critics have raised concerns about whether Tesla's proposed remedy goes far enough to prevent drivers from overrelying on the vehicle's capabilities. However, Carlson refrained from commenting on the sufficiency of the recall, stating that NHTSA has the authority to evaluate the remedy and would require a second recall if deemed necessary.
Another significant issue Carlson addressed was the potential recall of 52 million air bag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive Inc. that have been found to explode and pose a risk of shrapnel injuries. Despite the company's resistance and opposition from some automakers, NHTSA conducted a public hearing to gather evidence and evaluate the initial finding. The agency is currently evaluating the comments received during the public comment period.
Regarding the agency's expertise in evaluating automobile software, Carlson expressed confidence in the NHTSA team. She highlighted the agency's efforts to bolster resources and expertise, with an increase in hiring and the establishment of the Office of Automation Safety. Carlson emphasized the need for interdisciplinary teams that encompass software expertise, engineering skills, and legal knowledge to effectively oversee the complex technology integrated into modern vehicles.
As self-driving technology continues to evolve, the necessity for federal standards to ensure safety has been a topic of discussion. NHTSA is empowered to issue vehicle safety standards, but Carlson emphasized the importance of adapting to the rapidity of technological advancements. The agency has implemented measures such as the AV step program, which combines manufacturer deployment of automated vehicles with increased access to information on redundancy and safety systems for NHTSA.
In terms of overall road safety, Carlson acknowledged that reducing roadway deaths requires a multifaceted approach. She underscored the importance of promoting safer driving behaviors, improving vehicle safety features, enforcing appropriate speed limits, enhancing road infrastructure, and advancing post-crash care. NHTSA is committed to utilizing all available tools and resources to decrease traffic fatalities and enhance the safety of the nation's roadways.
With Carlson's departure, NHTSA will seek a new leader to continue the agency's vital mission of ensuring road safety and addressing emerging challenges in the automotive industry. Carlson's contributions and dedication during her tenure have played a crucial role in promoting safety on our nation's roads, and her expertise will be missed.
