The autopilot function is steadily gaining popularity in the automotive world. The German transport ministry has proposed a new legislation to introduce new laws that will require self-drive cars to have a black box system. The measures come in view of a recent fatal crash of a Tesla Model S car in autopilot mode.
Currently, the proposal awaits approval from other concerned ministries 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 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. The use of black box will help in determining responsibility in the event of an accident.
Commonly used in airplanes, the black box system saves complete flight data records which can be used 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. If the law is implemented, Germany will be the first country to have mandatory black box in self-drive cars.
