FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2021
CONTACT: Pete Daniels / pdaniels@saferoads.org / 301-442-2249 (C)
Statement of Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates), On Protecting Roadside First Responders Act
Legislation advances urgently needed safety technology requirements to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities on our roadways
First responders regularly risk their own lives to save others’ lives on our roads. We can and must do more to minimize the dangers they face. Proven vehicle safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind spot detection, is a game changer to overcome the incidence of roadside crashes and fatalities.
The Protecting Roadside First Responders Act directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop safety standards for these crash avoidance technologies and require them in new vehicles. Currently, these technologies are predominantly available on luxury models or as part of expensive upgrade packages. The bill addresses this inequity by requiring them across the board.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) commends Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) for their bold safety leadership in introducing this lifesaving legislation. To date, a diverse group of 20 organizations and companies have come out in support of the bill. We urge Congress to swiftly advance this legislation to make our roads safer for all.
Protecting Roadside First Responders Supporter List:
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
American Property Casualty Insurance Association
American Public Health Association
Amica Mutual Insurance Company
Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways
Consumer Federation of America
Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety
Families for Safe Streets
FIA Foundation
Kids and Car Safety
National Coalition for Safer Roads
National Consumers League
National Safety Council
Parents Against Tired Truckers
Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research
State Farm Insurance Companies
Trauma Foundation
Truck Safety Coalition
Vision Zero Network
.05 Saves Lives Coalition
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.
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