Sponsors (2)
The bill aims to produce evidence, clearer rules, and data to reduce distracted driving and enable timely agency action, but it does so at the cost of short-term federal spending, possible delays in protections while studies are completed, potential new compliance burdens for drivers and businesses, and some expansion of agency authority.
Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists could see fewer severe injuries and fatalities if the mandated National Academies study and resulting agency recommendations lead to safer in-vehicle interface standards and reduced distracted driving.
Taxpayers, Congress, and state/local governments gain transparent, timebound, evidence-based options from an independent study to guide DOT rulemaking and public policy on touchscreen and smartphone use while driving.
NHTSA and state/local authorities would get improved crash and occupant data collection on touchscreen and smartphone use, helping policymakers and enforcers target interventions and measure outcomes.
Drivers and communities could face delays in safety improvements because commissioning and completing the study — and slow adoption of Category B (statutory) changes — may postpone mitigation of known touchscreen distraction risks.
Ride-hailing drivers, small businesses, vehicle manufacturers, and consumers may face higher compliance, manufacturing, or repair costs if the study leads to new design requirements or if expanded definitions (e.g., including TNC vehicles as commercial) trigger commercial regulations.
Taxpayers and state budgets will need to cover federal appropriations for the study and the additional costs of updating national crash/occupant surveys and safety data systems.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Requires DOT to commission a National Academies study on driver-controlled tech (esp. touchscreens) and to publish findings and recommendations to reduce severe crash injuries and improve crash data.
Requires the Department of Transportation to contract with the National Academies to study how driver-controlled technologies — especially in-vehicle touch‑screen systems and related smartphone interactions — affect severe traffic injuries and fatalities for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users. The DOT must begin the study within 3 months of enactment (subject to appropriations), select a study period of up to 10 years before the agreement, publish a report within 24 months after the agreement, and send Congress implementation recommendations within 2 months after publishing the report.
Introduced May 13, 2025 by Kevin Mullin · Last progress May 13, 2025