FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2021
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930
202-365-8971 (after hours)
Statement by Jonathan Adkins, Executive Director, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – GHSA commends and congratulates the U.S. Congress for enacting the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This bipartisan infrastructure initiative will not only provide a massive infusion of funding into highway safety, but also make improvements to federal programs to streamline the implementation of life-saving efforts in the states.
With the number of traffic fatalities going up, not down, this legislation gives states access to substantially more federal grant funds to stop dangerous driving and improve safety infrastructure. Congress has eased requirements to allow more states to qualify for federal safety grants and authorized the use of federal funds for a wider array of safety activities. The Act also cuts federal red tape and removes bureaucratic hurdles that continue to hinder safety initiatives.
GHSA urges the U.S. Department of Transportation to quickly begin implementing the safety provisions in the Act, including initiating new rulemakings on federal grant programs, passive alcohol detection technology and other vehicle safety measures.
GHSA thanks the Biden administration, members of Congress and congressional staff for their commitment to reversing traffic crash trends. We look forward to working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Administrator nominee Steven Cliff and Congress to advance our goal of zero fatalities, so every road user arrives at their destination safely.
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About GHSA
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. Visit ghsa.org for more information or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.