Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 10, 2026
Bottom line
The "Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act of 2025" mandates a federal study and subsequent recommendations to address the safety implications of in-vehicle driver-controlled technologies, especially touchscreens, on road safety.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to commission a comprehensive study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the impact of driver-controlled technology, particularly touch screen-based systems, on severe traffic injuries and fatalities, including those involving vulnerable road users. Following the study, the Secretary must report findings to Congress and issue recommendations for reducing traffic incidents and improving federal data collection on technology use while driving.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that as vehicle technology evolves, it's crucial to understand its impact on driver distraction and road safety. They contend that touch screen-based systems, while offering advanced features, may inadvertently increase driver distraction, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. A comprehensive study is necessary to inform evidence-based policy decisions and potentially lead to safer vehicle designs and driving practices.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that mandating a study could be an unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer money, as existing research or ongoing industry efforts might already address these concerns. They might also suggest that the focus should be on enforcing existing distracted driving laws rather than adding new layers of regulation or study, or that the impact of touchscreens is minor compared to other factors like impaired driving.
The bill is short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Mandate for a Driver-Controlled Technology Safety Study
This provision requires the Secretary of Transportation to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study. The study will examine how driver-controlled technologies, particularly touch screen-based systems, affect severe traffic injuries and fatalities, including those involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users. The study period must cover at least the 10 years prior to the agreement date.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this study is a critical first step to gather objective, scientific data on a growing concern: the potential safety risks posed by increasingly complex in-vehicle technologies. They believe it will provide an evidence base for future policy.
Critics contend
Some might argue that while the intent is good, the study could be redundant or slow to produce actionable results, given the rapid pace of technological change in vehicles. They might prefer more immediate regulatory action or public awareness campaigns.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the need for thorough, scientific understanding and the urgency of addressing potential safety issues. A study takes time and resources, but provides a robust foundation for policy.
Section 2(c)
Detailed Information Requirements for the Safety Study
This section specifies the detailed information the study must address. This includes the prevalence and characteristics of touch screen systems, their impact on driver distraction and accidents (compared to tactile controls), the effect of user interface designs on driver behavior, and a comparison of distraction caused by in-vehicle touchscreens versus personal smartphones. It also requires examining how time of day and road conditions affect accident incidence related to these technologies.
Section 3
Report and Policy Recommendations to Congress
Within 24 months of the study agreement, the Secretary of Transportation must submit a report of the study's findings to Congress and publish it online. Two months later, the Secretary must provide recommendations based on these findings. These recommendations must aim to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities and suggest changes to federal data collection systems (like FARS, NOPS, MMUCC) to better track technology use in crashes. Recommendations are categorized by whether they can be implemented under existing authority or require new federal law.