This bill creates a National Roadway Safety Advocate position at the Department of Transportation to work with crash victims, survivors, and their families. The advocate would communicate stakeholder recommendations to DOT and submit annual reports on systemic roadway safety issues.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill creates a National Roadway Safety Advocate position at the Department of Transportation to work with crash victims, survivors, and their families. The advocate would communicate stakeholder recommendations to DOT and submit annual reports on systemic roadway safety issues.
Last updated: 1/6/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act</strong></p><p>This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate to work directly with victims and survivors of road crashes and their families (i.e., stakeholders).</p><p>Specifically, the purposes of the advocate are to (1) document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to DOT on the needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and accomplishments of DOT's roadway safety programs and activities; and (2) serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders on relevant roadway safety issues.</p><p>The bill specifies that the advocate position must be filled by a career appointment.</p><p>The bill prohibits the advocate from taking certain actions, such as</p><ul><li>creating or authorizing DOT policies, priorities, or activities; or</li><li>disclosing or discussing any enforcement matters that are under investigation or in litigation.</li></ul><p>The advocate must submit an annual report to DOT highlighting systemic issues relating to roadway safety based on information provided by stakeholders. The report must include recommendations on how to remedy the issues.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Creates National Roadway Safety Advocate position at DOT
Serves as contact for crash victims and families
Communicates stakeholder concerns to DOT leadership
Submits annual reports on systemic safety issues
Career appointment independent of political changes
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Families affected by road crashes would have a dedicated federal advocate. Crash survivors could provide direct input on roadway safety programs. DOT would receive annual reports highlighting systemic problems identified by those most affected.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Transportation and Public Works
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
851, 119th Congress (2025). "DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-851
