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At an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPAC) hearing yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) discussed how self-driving technology can address deaths from alcohol and drug related accidents. Latta highlighted legislation he authored last Congress, the SELF DRIVE Act, which passed the Energy and Commerce Committee by a 54-0 vote and was approved on the House floor by a voice vote. The legislation did not pass the Senate before the end of the 115 Congress.

Latta said, “Over 10,000 people lost their lives in 2017 in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. We have also seen a significant increase in the number of American drivers killed in vehicle crashes in which drugs were detected. Ninety-four percent of overall vehicle accidents are attributable to human errors or decisions, and we have seen a significant increase in the number of Americans killed in vehicle crashes in which drugs were detected. The statistics are staggering and show that it is imperative that the public and private sectors work together on solutions to prevent more tragedies. 

“Amid the devastating opioid crisis, and as more states legalize the use of marijuana, tackling this problem is now more important than ever. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, in 2016 the number of drivers who were fatally injured in accidents with drugs in their system surpassed the number of those with alcohol in their system for the first time.”

Latta continued, “That is why last Congress I recognized the importance of promoting and fostering innovation in self-driving vehicle technology. As Chair of this Subcommittee, I introduced the bipartisan SELF-DRIVE Act, which would have clarified the Federal and State roles in regulating self-driving vehicles, ensured consumer safety, reduced traffic-related fatalities and injuries, and improved mobility for individuals with disabilities. U.S. companies are investing major resources in the research and development of this technology and the SELF-DRIVE Act would have removed outdated regulations that were created when self-driving vehicles were considered science fiction.  

“Since this legislation passed unanimously both in Committee and on the floor, it is my hope that we can make this a priority again this Congress.”

Video of his opening statement is available here.

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