#United States #Washington, D.C. #Traffic Safety #National Safety Council #Automated Enforcement

National Safety Council Advocates for Automated Enforcement Funding

On November 3, 2025, the National Safety Council (NSC) took a stand in Washington, D.C., urging the U.S. House Appropriations Committee to reconsider legislation proposed to eliminate federal funding for state automated enforcement programs. These programs, which include speed and red light cameras, have shown significant effectiveness in decreasing traffic-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities across the country.

The NSC's call to action was articulated in a letter directed at key leaders within the House Committee on Appropriations, as well as the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies. In this correspondence, NSC argued that the current language in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill should be modified to allow broader use of federal funds. Instead of limiting these funds to only school and work zones, NSC advocates expanding their application to other high-risk areas known for high traffic-related injuries.

NSC CEO Lorraine Martin emphasized the critical role that automated enforcement plays in improving road safety. She cautioned that the proposed restriction would stifle ongoing efforts to combat speeding, a leading factor in traffic fatalities. In her words, the measure is ill-advised and unsupported by leading traffic safety authorities, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The NSC highlights the need for more adaptable funding guidelines, indicating that the current limitations would undermine advancements made at both state and local levels. The NSC's plea is reinforced by grim statistics: in 2023, speeding accounted for nearly 29% of all traffic deaths in the U.S., leading to over 11,000 fatalities. This disturbing trend not only brings about immense personal tragedy but also bears a staggering economic cost, amounting to approximately $513.8 billion annually due to lost productivity and increased healthcare costs following traffic accidents.

Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, states are permitted to allocate federal funds via the Section 402 State and Community Highway Safety Grant program for automated enforcement initiatives, predominantly in school and work zones. Currently, half of the U.S. states and the District of Columbia are leveraging these funds to bolster traffic safety and have noted significant reductions in speed-related crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Martin also pointed out the constraints faced by states regarding traffic safety programming and enforcement. She argued that Congressional decisions should not eliminate a vital resource that contributes to a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding the public on the nation's roads.

In conclusion, the NSC continues to advocate for the importance of automated enforcement programs. This ongoing dialogue with the House Appropriations Committee underscores the complexities of traffic safety legislation and the urgent need for sustained support in combating dangerous driving behaviors. Through the collaboration of state agencies, federal funding, and advocacy groups like the NSC, a multi-faceted approach can be crafted to improve road safety and significantly reduce future traffic fatalities.