Legislation to combat roadside deaths due to disabled vehicles introduced

On Monday, U.S. Reps. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Troy Carter, Sr., (D-LA) introduced legislation to combat deaths due to disabled vehicles on roadways.

The legislation, Preventing Roadside Deaths Act, would require the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to collect, analyze, compile and publish data on disabled roadside vehicle accidents and develop a strategic plan to stop them.

“Injuries and deaths resulting from crashes involving disabled roadside vehicles are a tragic and largely preventable problem in our country,” Yakym said. “I am proud to partner with Congressman Carter on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation so we can help solve a very real issue that affects tens of thousands of people each year and advance a goal we both share: keeping our constituents and all Americans safe on the sides of our roads.”

The Congressmen said studies indicate that accidents involving disabled roadside vehicles are often underreported and likely kill or injure more than 15,000 drivers on American roads annually.

“I’m proud to introduce this bill which addresses an urgent and preventable traffic safety crisis,” Carter said. “The tragic loss of three Southern University students in December 2022 is a stark reminder of the lethal dangers faced by anyone stranded along America’s roadways. No one should lose their life while performing something as routine as changing a tire or refueling their car. This legislation protects everyday road users and the professionals and first responders who risk their lives to keep our roads safe. It’s past time for comprehensive action to prevent these avoidable roadside deaths.”

The legislation is supported by the National Safety Council, the Urban League of Louisiana, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and AAA, among others.

“The sharp increase in traffic fatalities in the last few years is a public health threat that must be met head-on. AAA believes the Preventing Roadside Deaths Act is a good first step in that direction and looks forward to working with Congressman Carter, Congressman Yakym, and safety stakeholders to improve safety for anyone stranded or working at the roadside,” AAA president and CEO Gene Boehm said.

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