Driver Assistance Technology: An Analysis by the U.S. GAO

As new vehicles are being produced, they are becoming more equipped with driver assistance technologies that have the potential to decrease the number of accidents and fatalities on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which aims to inform consumers about vehicle safety features, including driver assistance technologies, to help guide their purchasing decisions.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has put forth five recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the NCAP program. One of the recommendations is for NHTSA to finalize its NCAP roadmap, setting a clear direction for future initiatives. Additionally, the GAO suggests that NHTSA should communicate its progress on meeting deadlines for updating NCAP and provide consumers with information on the limitations of partially automated driving systems on its website.

By implementing these recommendations, NHTSA can better educate consumers about the safety features of new vehicles, ultimately leading to a safer driving experience for all.