Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act of 2025

This bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a comprehensive study on the impact of driver-controlled technology on severe traffic injuries and fatalities. Within three months of enactment, the Secretary must seek an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct this study, which will also cover injuries and fatalities among pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users. The study is designed to delve into various aspects of modern vehicle interfaces, including the prevalence and characteristics of touch screen-based systems and their effect on driver distraction, property damage, and traffic incidents. It will compare the risks associated with manipulating touch screens versus smartphones while driving, examine how user interface designs influence driver behavior, and consider the role of factors like time of day and road conditions in incident rates and potential mitigation strategies. Upon completion, the Secretary must submit a detailed report of the findings to Congress and publish it publicly within 24 months of the study agreement. Subsequently, within two months, the Secretary must provide Congress with recommendations aimed at reducing severe traffic injuries and fatalities. These recommendations will also propose changes to federal data collection systems, such as the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, to better capture data related to the use of touch screen-based systems and smartphones while driving, categorized by whether they require new legislation or can be implemented under existing authority.