Members of 116th Congress launch bipartisan Road Safety Caucus

ATSSA lauds latest launch of Caucus as progress in advancing roadway safety on Capitol Hill

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (October 28, 2019) – The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) commends the formation of the bipartisan Road Safety Caucus in the 116th Congress, and applauds the leadership and commitment of its co-chairs, Reps. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.).

The caucus was first established in 2017 by U.S. Reps. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.) and Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.). Both Barletta and Esty have served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“The creation of this caucus is a testament to the commitment by members of Congress to ensure that roadway safety is a top priority of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Congress as a whole,” said Nate Smith, ATSSA vice president of government relations.

Now being steered by Pappas and Westerman, who both serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the caucus will work to advocate for the roadway safety infrastructure and transportation industries by bringing key issues to Congress and by supporting legislation that would impact those same issues.

"Safe, reliable roadways are the backbone of American infrastructure. While we rarely notice a road's design or construction unless it's the cause of traffic delays, updating roadway safety and efficiency is one of my top priorities. I thank Congressman Pappas for his leadership on this bipartisan effort and look forward to working together to ensure the safety of our roads,” Westerman said.

"Whether it's moving American made goods across the country or just getting your kids across town, millions of Americans depend on our roads to safely get where they need to go," Pappas said. "I thank Congressman Westerman for joining me in launching the bipartisan Road Safety Caucus to ensure we are striving to improve the safety of our roads each and every day."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 36,750 people were killed in the U.S. in traffic crashes in 2018.

“Through investments in roadway safety infrastructure projects such as guardrail and cable barrier, traffic signs, pavement markings, rumble strips, work zone safety devices, and emerging innovative technologies for connected and automated vehicles, Congress has the opportunity to ensure that these men, women, and children are able to arrive home safely each and every night,” said Smith.

“ATSSA members are looking forward to working alongside strong leaders like Reps. Pappas and Westerman in making roadways safer, reducing fatalities and serious injuries, and keeping our families and communities safe,” added Smith.

For more information on the Association's work to educate decision-makers on the federal and state level, and advocacy for roadway safety infrastructure policies and funding, visit ATSSA.com/Advocacy.