HSRC Co-Director Dr. Laura Sandt testifies about road safety crisis before U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee

On May 21, 2024, HSRC Co-Director Dr. Laura Sandt testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports in a hearing titled “Examining the Roadway Safety Crisis and Highlighting Community Solutions.”

The hearing was intended to examine the causes of the roadway safety crisis, including unique risks to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and how Congress can support a holistic approach to roadway safety.

Dr. Laura Sandt shakes hands with U.S. Senator Gary Peters.
Dr. Laura Sandt shakes hands with U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports.

In her oral testimony, Dr. Sandt stated, “It is tragic to see that the roadway fatality rate in the U.S. has been steadily increasing since 2010, moving in the opposite direction of other high-income nations. Traffic injuries require more than 2.1 million emergency department visits each year, and create significant burdens for families, health care providers, employers, and the broader community. Our economy and our public health depend on people and families arriving safely at their jobs and schools and returning safely to their homes and communities each day.

Laura Sandt testifies before Senate committee.
Dr. Laura Sandt testified before the U.S. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports.

“We need a safer system in the US, one in which people can make mistakes, and be human, and still make it home on our roads. A focus on addressing kinetic energy as the root cause of roadway fatalities offers tremendous promise for creating a transportation system that is safe for people of all ages and abilities. University researchers are well-positioned to support this work in collaboration with the many partners dedicated to community safety and wellbeing.”

Dr. Sandt was joined by on the expert witness panel:

  • Sam Krassenstein, Chief of Infrastructure, City of Detroit
  • Laura Chace, President and CEO, Intelligent Transportation Society of America
  • Jake Nelson, Director, Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research, American Automobile Association
  • Jeff Farrah, CEO, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association

A recording of the full subcommittee hearing can be viewed here. Additionally, a copy of Dr. Sandt’s formal written testimony can be found here.