WASHINGTON — Safety on America’s roads has become a pressing issue, prompting calls for tougher legislation and improvements in vehicle safety technology. During a recent roundtable hosted by Nationwide, experts, including Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, emphasized the urgent need for legislative action to enhance roadway safety. Chase highlighted the alarming statistic of approximately 40,000 fatalities annually on U.S. roads as a clear indication of the necessity for reform at both the national and state levels.
Chase advocated for the U.S. Congress to direct the Department of Transportation to implement measures ensuring vehicles are equipped with the latest safety technologies. Furthermore, she called upon state governments to tighten their own traffic laws to include mandatory seatbelt use and stricter measures against impaired and distracted driving.
Likewise, Steve English, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Nationwide, shared insights into the positive outcomes of stringent laws using Ohio’s 2023 Hands Free legislation as an example. This law has led to a notable decrease in road accidents, including a 25% drop in fatal crashes during the holiday season last year and a 20% reduction in the first quarter of this year alone.
Moreover, technological innovations such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking have been shown to significantly reduce accidents. Casey Kempton, President of Personal Lines Insurance at Nationwide, referenced an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study which found that vehicles equipped with forward collision warning and autobrake systems reported lower crash rates, by up to 50%.
However, there is a growing concern that drivers may become overly reliant on these advanced features, potentially compromising road safety. Chase expressed worries that over-dependence on autonomous systems could lead drivers to pay less attention on the road.
The group concurred that improving road safety is a collective responsibility that extends beyond lawmakers and automakers to include drivers, business owners, and insurance carriers. This holistic approach is imperative as driving behaviors have reportedly become more dangerous and aggressive, with an increase in drivers being distracted by their phones.
Kempton further advocated for a comprehensive strategy encompassing public awareness campaigns, technological advancements like telematics, and continued research into effective safety measures. Nationwide, in collaboration with entities such as Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and the IIHS, remains committed to ongoing research and development aimed at making roads safer.
Improving roadway safety is an urgent national priority, requiring the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Enhanced legislation, cutting-edge technology, and increased public awareness are the keys to making American roads safer for everyone.
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