WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced the Roadway Safety Modernization Act, new legislation to better address safety concerns and increase efficiency on roads, highways and in our communities. The bill would help state departments of transportation adopt the use of certain technologies such as artificial intelligence and telematics to identify faulty or inadequate infrastructure that negatively impacts driver behavior and leads to fatalities.

“Far too often, transportation professionals realize the need to address a safety issue only after tragedy strikes,” said Boozman. “This bipartisan bill helps states move from a ‘crash first, fix later’ approach to a proactive, data-driven strategy that identifies risks before serious incidents occur. By clarifying the use of federal safety funds for proven predictive technologies, we can empower states to prevent accidents, make smart investments and save lives.”

“As California works to make our roads safer, it is important that state and local transportation departments have the ability to use federal funds for these critical upgrades,” said Padilla. “Our bipartisan bill would clarify federal guidance to give states the flexibility and certainty they need to procure safety technology in a timely manner.”  

The Roadway Safety Modernization Act would:

• Modernize federal-aid highway safety programs by incorporating new tools and systems, including predictive analysis platforms and other proven methods to address safety risks proactively; 
• Promote increased accountability and transparency through measurable performance and intervention; and
• Utilize anonymized data to identify and inform infrastructure safety decisions while protecting consumers’ privacy.  

The measure is supported by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), numerous other state transportation agencies and highway safety groups. Here’s what some of these organizations are saying about the bill.

“Vehicle telematic data will empower engineers and safety practitioners to be more proactive as we seek to improve safety for all roadway users,” said ARDOT Director Jared Wiley. “Our agency is piloting this technology through our Highway Safety Improvement Program and are optimistic about its ability to change the way we identify, diagnose, and treat safety concerns along our highways.” 

“The Roadway Safety Modernization Act represents the paradigm shift we’ve been waiting for – turning our reactive transportation system into a proactive one,” said Modern Analytics for Roadway Safety (MARS) Coalition Executive Director Andrew Rogers. “By using data analytics and AI to see risk before it becomes loss, this legislation gives communities the tools to make their roads smarter and safer for everyone.”

“Safe Routes Partnership applauds Senators Boozman and Padilla and Representatives Mann and Davids for introducing the bipartisan Roadway Safety Modernization Act,” said Safe Routes Partnership Managing Director Marisa Jones. “Safe Routes to School is an evidence-based strategy proven to reduce roadway injuries and fatalities, and this legislation brings that same data-driven approach into the next generation. By enabling communities to use AI-powered predictive risk technology to identify and prevent crashes before they occur, Congress can help ensure every child can walk, bike, and roll to school safely. We’re proud to support forward-thinking solutions that will make school zones and neighborhoods safer nationwide.”

“The National Safety Council commends the efforts of Senators Boozman and Padilla and Reps. Mann and Davids to address the daily tragedy of death and serious injury on our roadways,” said National Safety Council CEO Lorraine Martin. “By harnessing the power of technology, including lifesaving telematics, the Roadway Safety Modernization Act will enable states to prevent devastating traffic crashes through data-driven driver intervention programs and improved infrastructure design.”

“The Governors Highway Safety Association strongly supports the Roadway Safety Modernization Act, which will help states harness the power of advanced data analytics to save lives. By modernizing how we collect, share, and analyze crash and roadway data, this legislation would empower state highway safety offices to better identify risk factors, target resources, and implement evidence-based strategies that prevent crashes and reduce serious injuries on our nation’s roads,” said Governors Highway Safety Association Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Association of Transportation Safety Information Professionals, Kiefer Foundation, StopDistractions.org, The Ray Highway, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, ITS America and Safe Routes Partnership also back the bill.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03).

Text of the legislation can be found here.