May 21, 2024
Media Contact: Shane Austin
saustin@saferoads.org or 202.425.2776
MEDIA ADVISORY
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) and Survivor of a Crash Involving a Partial Driving Automation System Available for Comment Regarding Senate Subcommittee Hearing on Roadway Safety
WHAT: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports is holding a hearing titled: Examining the Roadway Safety Crisis and Highlighting Community Solutions. Advocates has submitted a letter to the hearing record highlighting safety solutions needing to be implemented to address the high number of fatalities and injuries from motor vehicle crashes. The topic of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is also expected to be discussed. Advocates has consistently voiced concerns with the deployment of AVs on public roadways prior to the issuance of and compliance with minimum federal safety standards, among other needed protections, transparency, and oversight. Multiple documented safety incidents involving AVs and partial driving automation systems have prompted recent investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Advocates has also submitted a letter to the record on behalf of nearly 150 survivors and those who have lost loved ones to a crash that expresses serious concerns with the safety of these technologies. In addition, it highlights the need for comprehensive action to improve roadway safety as outlined in the Safe Systems Approach (SSA) and progress on rules mandated in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
WHO:
- Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
- Dillon Angulo, Victim of crash involving a Tesla operating a partial driving automation system
- On April 25, 2019, Dillon and his girlfriend, Naibel Benavides Leon, were standing on the side of the road in Key Largo, Florida next to their parked Chevrolet Tahoe when a Tesla Model S operating on Autopilot collided into them at nearly 70 miles per hour. Tragically, Naibel died at the scene while Dillon suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, multiple lacerated organs, and internal bleeding that continue to impact him today.
- Dillon hopes to raise awareness about the potential dangers of relying on untested autonomous systems and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
WHEN: The hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 2:30PM ET. Cathy Chase and Dillon Angulo will be available to speak to the media prior to or following the conclusion of the hearing. Ms. Chase will be attending the hearing in person. Mr. Angulo will not be attending the hearing, but a phone conversation can be arranged.
WHERE: U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Hearing Room 253, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC
HOW: To schedule an interview, please contact Shane Austin at 202.425.2776 or saustin@saferoads.org
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About Advocates
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, medical, public health, law enforcement and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to make America’s roads safer. Advocates’ mission is the adoption of federal and state laws, policies and programs that prevent motor vehicle crashes, save lives, reduce injuries, and contain costs.