NSC Responds to Sean Duffy’s Confirmation as U.S. Transportation Secretary
The National Safety Council welcomes Sean Duffy as U.S. transportation secretary and urges action on key traffic safety initiatives.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 29, 2025
The National Safety Council (NSC) has expressed its support for newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. The Senate confirmed Duffy in a bipartisan 77-22 vote, placing him at the head of the Department of Transportation (USDOT) as the agency aims to address roadway fatalities amid the ongoing traffic safety crisis.
“Strong leadership is needed atop the United States Department of Transportation in order to continue progress toward eliminating roadway deaths by 2050,” NSC President/CEO Lorraine Martin said in the statement. “We look forward to working with Secretary Duffy and his team to accomplish this shared goal. Tackling the current traffic safety crisis depends on us working together to accelerate advanced technology, prioritize safe road design programs and train motorists on safe driving behaviors.”
Traffic crashes remain a major public safety issue, with 46,027 fatalities recorded in 2022. This resulted in an estimated $481.2 billion in losses, including wages, medical expenses, property damage and employer costs. Speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and failure to use seat belts are all leading contributors to fatal crashes.
NSC and other safety advocates are urging USDOT to take action on several key initiatives, including finalizing a rule requiring automatic emergency braking in heavy vehicles, reauthorizing the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, and helping local governments move away from outdated speed-setting practices.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.