As more and more modern automakers have been turning their focus on autopilot function, the German transport ministry has been insisting on a black box being installed in autonomous cars. To introduce new laws, the transport ministry has proposed new legislation which awaits approval from other concerned ministries. The measures come in view of a recent fatal crash of a Tesla Model S car in autopilot mode.
Reports indicate that the new law will emphasise on the need for drivers to remain seated while at the wheel so that they can pay attention to traffic and concentrate when required. The use of black box will also help in determining responsibility in the event of an accident. The recorder will have the details as to when the vehicle was in autopilot mode or under driver control or time when the system requested the driver to take control.
Black box systems have been successful with airplanes where complete flight data is saved for future reference. Introducing a similar system in autonomous cars will be helpful especially in times when numerous questions regarding its safety is being raised across the world. It is to be seen if Germany will be the first country to have mandatory black box in self-drive cars.
