Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness, and Safety Expansion Act of 2025; PHASE Act of 2025
Summary
The Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness, and Safety Expansion Act of 2025, or PHASE Act of 2025, aims to improve pedestrian and vulnerable road user safety. It directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to identify innovative technologies for enhancing traffic control devices. The Act also mandates a study by the Secretary of Transportation on physical alternatives to protect pedestrians and establishes a grant program for cities, Indian Tribes, and municipalities to implement pedestrian safety infrastructure.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased investment in pedestrian safety infrastructure across the country. The study and grant program could result in safer streets and reduced pedestrian fatalities. It will also spur innovation in traffic control devices and pedestrian safety technologies.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced pedestrian safety through infrastructure improvements.
- Reduced pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
- Promotion of innovative technologies for traffic control.
- Increased accessibility for pedestrians with disabilities.
- Support for local communities in implementing safety measures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with implementing new infrastructure.
- Possible delays in project implementation due to regulatory compliance.
- Risk of ineffective solutions if the study's recommendations are not practical.
- Limited funding may result in competitive grant applications and unmet needs.
- Potential for increased traffic congestion during infrastructure upgrades.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the safety and well-being of the population. Specifically, Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The grant program established in the Act falls under this power, as it allocates funds for infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing public safety.
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).