S.1474 - Vehicle Safety Research Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Vehicle Safety Research Act of 2025 (S.1474) aims to codify the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) program within the Department of Transportation. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to contract with an external organization to conduct traffic safety research using data submitted by PARTS program participants. It also establishes guidelines for data handling, confidentiality, and the use of research results.
Expected Effects
This act will formalize and continue the PARTS program, ensuring ongoing research into traffic safety. It will also provide a framework for data sharing and analysis while protecting participant data. The act allocates specific funding for the program over five years, starting in 2026.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced traffic safety through data-driven research and analysis.
- Improved development and deployment of safety technologies.
- Development of effective safety countermeasures.
- Protection of data privacy for program participants.
- Continued operation of an existing, valuable safety program.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse of data if safeguards are not strictly enforced.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the requirement to develop a program charter.
- Limited scope of research focus, potentially neglecting other areas of vehicle safety.
- Dependence on external organizations, which may introduce bias or inefficiencies.
- The program's effectiveness hinges on voluntary participation, which may limit data availability.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including transportation. The establishment of a research program to improve vehicle safety falls under this power. The bill also includes provisions to protect data privacy, which indirectly relates to the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
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).