GTLA President Darren Penn Applauds Introduction of Safe Roads Act of 2015

ATLANTA – Today, H.R. 3536, the “Safe Roads Act of 2015,” was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposal, which calls for the Secretary of Transportation to require all commercial motor vehicles to be equipped with forward collision avoidance and mitigation braking systems, is the culmination of months of collaboration between congressional leaders, highway safety advocates and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. It is estimated that it would cost a mere $500 per truck to retrofit all existing commercial motor vehicles to meet this standard.

“In light of the tragedies that have taken place on Georgia highways this year involving tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles, we are proud to work alongside Georgia’s congressional delegation to come forward with a common-sense, life-saving solution to this troubling epidemic,” remarked GTLA President Darren Penn. “We are confident that this measure would be counted among the most significant safety improvements to our highways in U.S. history, and we urge Congress to take a stand for the safety of our citizens and support the Safe Roads Act of 2015.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, annually there are nearly 100,000 injuries and 4,000 deaths on U.S. highways as a result of tractor-trailer crashes. In 2013, 97% of those killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a large truck and a passenger vehicle were occupants of the smaller automobile. Currently, Georgia is among the top five states in the country in truck-related fatalities.

“Tragically, the simple installation of automatic braking systems on all commercial motor vehicles – a $500 safety feature – might have prevented these deaths and countless others across the country,” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “America’s roads and highways should be safe for all drivers. Taking full advantage of technologies that are available and proven to anticipate and prevent crashes will save lives.”

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