Atlanta, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working to keep Georgia motorcyclists safe.
After hearing concerns from constituents, Sen. Ossoff is launching an inquiry with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure proper safety testing of proposed automatic braking requirements on motorcycles.
NHTSA recently mandated new Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) technology in all light vehicles by 2029; however, NHTSA acknowledged they do not have data on how these systems interact with motorcycles.
As of June 2023, NHTSA was researching the effect of AEB systems on motorcycles, and Sen. Ossoff is requesting an update on the study and efforts to protect motorcyclists on the road.
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, in 2019, motorcycles represented just 2% of registered vehicles in Georgia, yet motorcyclists represented 11% of total traffic fatalities and 21% of total driver fatalities.
“NHTSA must ensure new technologies are regulated in a way that protects all drivers, especially those at higher risk of serious injury or death,” Sen. Ossoff wrote. “As drivers become more reliant on automated technology, it is crucial that NHTSA researches the technologies’ effect on motorcyclists and incorporates this research into future rulemakings.”
Sen. Ossoff continues working to protect drivers and strengthen safety on the road.
Earlier this year, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry with NHTSA urging them to provide updates on a study required by the bipartisan infrastructure law to increase the accessibility of safe and effective car seats and booster seats in low-income and underserved areas.
Click here to read Sen. Ossoff’s inquiry.
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