State Highway Safety Group Congratulates DOT Secretary Elaine Chao

Urges Regulatory Relief for States as Highway Deaths Surge

Statement for attribution to
Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Executive Director Jonathan Adkins

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) congratulates Elaine Chao on her confirmation as Secretary of Transportation. As former Labor Secretary and deputy Transportation Secretary, Chao is an inspired and experienced choice for this office, and GHSA looks forward to working closely with her to drive down the recent sharp increases in motor vehicle fatalities - an alarming 8 percent surge in 2015, with estimates projecting an even deadlier 2016.

GHSA and our State Highway Safety Office members are on the front lines fighting back against this troubling trend. We hope to closely collaborate with the new Administration to secure a stable flow of federal funding, remove administrative burdens, and achieve greater flexibility to help states implement critical safety programs based on local needs.  We are particularly encouraged that the new Administration wants to remove federal overreach and burdensome regulation.

GHSA stands with the Administration, Congress and our partners to prioritize highway safety at the national level and, ultimately, safeguard all road users. 

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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. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GHSAhq or follow us on Twitter @GHSAHQ.