Bilirakis Works to Encourage #Safety4Drivers
Yesterday, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing to examine proposals to keep families safe on the road. Members reviewed legislation to improve recall awareness, increase privacy and security protections for motorists, modernize the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and incentivize vehicle technologies that can improve roadway safety and fuel efficiency.
"Keeping drivers and their loved ones safe on the roads is extremely important," said Congressman Bilirakis. "As technology advances, we have the opportunity to increase our safety and efficiency on the road while creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and boosting our economy."
Members and witnesses discussed draft legislation and the various ways Congress can further improve vehicle and road safety for communities across the country. Witnesses from the administration and important stakeholder companies and organizations reviewed recent developments in the automobile industry and the committee's efforts to address such developments.
Mitch Bainwol | Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers : "This is an incredibly exciting time in our industry that promises enormous consumer, environmental and safety benefits that will require advanced policies and ways of thinking both for industry and government."
Joan Claybrook | Former NHTSA Administrator: "There are no acceptable excuses for delaying any longer the adoption of lifesaving laws, consumer protections, increased penalties for corporate misbehavior, strengthening NHTSA's authority and resources, and improved vehicle safety standards that can save lives and reduce injuries, especially when sensible solutions are at hand."
Dr. Mark Rosekind | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: "Whatever decisions this Committee or the Congress make, NHTSA will seek to do all we can for safety within available authorities and resources."
Read more witness testimony here.
"We are seeing exciting technological advances in the auto industry," added Bilirakis. "We must work to ensure our laws are encouraging further innovation and supporting efforts to keep those on the road safe."