Abstract
State and Federally mandated vehicle inspection programmes have failed to prevent fatal accidents due to worn parts of failed vehicle systems. Intelligent Vehicle/Highway Systems (IVHS) are being implemented and taking many forms - from traffic information systems to sophisticated automated control of vehicles in motion. With IVHS, detecting lack of safe vehicle components and systems in use becomes an important issue. This paper looks at On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and examines how they may be applied, along with supplementary systems, to improve safety in automobiles, especially in an automated control environment.