Sponsors (3)
The bill seeks to reduce distracted-driving harms by commissioning a National Academies study, clarifying which in-vehicle systems are regulated, and enabling agencies to act — trading off faster, more certain long-term, evidence-based safety guidance for near-term delays, additional federal and compliance costs, and greater executive deference over regulatory interpretation.
Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists could see fewer severe injuries and fatalities if the independent study’s recommendations are adopted and lead to safer in-vehicle interface standards and distracted-driving policies.
Congress, DOT, and the public gain a transparent, timebound, evidence-based report and actionable policy options from the National Academies study to guide rulemaking and enforcement on touchscreen and smartphone use while driving.
Federal safety data systems (NHTSA and national crash/occupant surveys) would collect practicable, targeted data on touchscreen and smartphone use, improving policymaking, enforcement, and the evidence base for future safety actions.
Safety action on known touchscreen distraction risks could be delayed while DOT commissions the study and the Academies complete their work, postponing potential near-term crash reductions.
Study preparation and new regulatory recommendations could increase costs for vehicle manufacturers and consumers (design, manufacturing, and repair), potentially raising vehicle prices or repair bills.
Narrow statutory exclusions (e.g., for certain default safety features) or other definitional gaps could create loopholes that leave distracting touch interfaces unregulated, undermining road safety improvements.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Directs DOT to contract with the National Academies to study how driver‑controlled technology (especially touchscreens) affects severe crash injuries/fatalities and to report recommendations within 24 months.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the effect of driver-controlled technology in motor vehicles with respect to severe traffic injuries and traffic fatalities, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 13, 2025 by Kevin Mullin · Last progress May 13, 2025
Requires the Department of Transportation to commission the National Academies to study how driver-controlled technologies—especially in-vehicle touch‑screen systems and related interfaces—affect severe traffic injuries and fatalities, including impacts on pedestrians and bicyclists. The DOT must begin the agreement within 3 months of enactment (subject to appropriations), direct the Academy to study up to 10 years of data and specified factors, publish findings within 24 months of the agreement, and send Congress categorized recommendations to reduce severe injuries and to improve federal crash/occupant surveys to capture touchscreen and smartphone use while driving.