GHSA is proposing three key safety tenets that should guide development of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill and maximize the impact of lifesaving roadway safety programs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Adam Snider (GHSA), 202-365-8971
Unleashing states to drive roadway safety innovation will save lives
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Governors Highway Safety Association’s (GHSA) Executive Board voted unanimously this week to approve a set of three core traffic safety principles that should guide development of the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill, which Congressional lawmakers are beginning to draft ahead of the September 2026 expiration of current highway programs.
Traffic deaths fell in 2023 and 2024 after a pandemic-fueled surge. The three tenets are centered on giving State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) the resources they need to continue to drive down roadway fatalities through data-based and outcome-focused innovation.
SHSOs are driving this safety momentum by using a comprehensive approach rooted in addressing dangerous driving behaviors like speeding, impaired driving and not buckling up. However, in some cases, overly prescriptive process requirements, grant structures and reporting rules have forced SHSOs to divert resources and staff time away from lifesaving programs to fulfill administrative obligations unrelated to the core safety mission.
To help SHSOs maximize their safety impact and save more lives, GHSA’s reauthorization tenets are:
“We’re at an important moment in America’s roadway safety journey,” said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins. “We’re seeing the benefits of investing in traffic enforcement and addressing dangerous driving. Cutting-edge technology, new lifesaving approaches and novel data offer tremendous potential to save even more lives. GHSA is committed to working with the administration and Congress to advance policies that remove barriers for innovation, provide states with the flexibility they need to tackle their unique challenges and save lives on our nation’s roads.”
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The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans.