MEMA’s Ana Meuwissen, senior vice president, government affairs, participated in a panel at the recent TRB Roadway Safety Conference in Orlando, FL. The panel took place on the morning of June 25th, featuring industry leaders discussing advancements in roadway safety.
Meuwissen was joined by Nat Beuse, head of safety, Aurora; Brian Latouf, president and global chief safety and quality officer, Hyundai; and Derwood Sheppard from the Florida Department of Transportation. Together, they shared insights and strategies aimed at enhancing road safety through innovative technologies and policies.
Meuwissen focused her remarks on the role suppliers play in creating, designing, and manufacturing advanced safety technologies. She emphasized the importance of driver assistance systems and the impact of recent legislative measures, including mandates issued by Congress as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act of 2021.
Key points in Meuwissen’s presentation included:
- The significance of the newly released NHTSA standard on Automatic Emergency Braking systems for all new vehicles in the U.S.
- The critical role of states in facilitating the rollout of these technologies by ensuring standardized street signs, clear lane markings, and collaborating with the industry to understand the functionality and implementation of these systems.
- The emergence of newer technologies such as Driver and Occupant Monitoring Systems.
- The importance of incorporating driver assistance techologies and updating the New Car Assesment Program (NCAP).
“We are at a transformative moment in automotive safety,” said Meuwissen. “Suppliers are at the forefront of developing technologies that not only enhance driver assistance but also save lives. It is crucial that we work together—industry, government, and states—to ensure these advancements are effectively integrated into our roadways.”
