Bridges not Bumpers Act of 2025
Summary
The Bridges not Bumpers Act of 2025 aims to reduce bridge strikes by commercial motor vehicles. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring bridge clearance information in GPS navigation devices. The Act also establishes a working group to improve data sharing and a national clearinghouse for bridge strike data.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to improved safety for commercial motor vehicle drivers and the general public. It should also reduce infrastructure damage caused by bridge strikes. The regulations and data sharing initiatives will increase awareness and prevention efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Improved safety for drivers and the public.
- Reduction in infrastructure damage and repair costs.
- Enhanced data sharing between public and private entities.
- Increased awareness of bridge clearance issues among commercial drivers.
- Development of best practices for bridge strike prevention.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs for GPS navigation system producers to update their devices.
- Possible liability issues related to inaccurate bridge clearance data.
- Administrative burden on the Department of Transportation to establish and manage the working group and clearinghouse.
- Potential for increased regulation on the trucking industry.
- The effectiveness of the national education campaign is uncertain.
Constitutional Alignment
The Bridges not Bumpers Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By addressing bridge strikes involving commercial vehicles, which often travel across state lines, the Act falls under this constitutional authority. The Act also promotes the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble, by enhancing public safety and reducing infrastructure damage.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).