Senator Markey Introduces Legislation to Mandate AV Companies Report Traffic Safety Data

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Washington (January 29, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced the AV Safety Data Act, legislation that would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to mandate the reporting of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), unplanned stoppages, and injuries involving human drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists by autonomous vehicles (AVs). Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced the AV Safety Data Act in the House of Representatives in July 2025.

"With the development of new autonomous driving systems, road safety cannot be sacrificed as vehicle technology advances," said Senator Markey. "We need a safeguard to mandate that companies report vehicle miles traveled and other data that will ensure consumers are actually safe. My AV Safety Data Act would codify federal standards for AV companies to report safety and crash data and hold them accountable. If companies want to earn the public's trust, then safety data is how they can pay for it."

"Autonomous vehicles are the greatest threat to safety on our public roads," said John Samuelsen, International President of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). "Policymakers need the right data to enforce existing safety rules and gain the knowledge necessary to come up with new safety rules. The TWU strongly supports The AV Safety Data Act because it would deliver this data to regulators and the public so we can all hold AV operators accountable."

"As autonomous vehicles (AVs) continue to populate cities across the country, dangers and problems continue to pop up. Illegal passings of stopped school buses, entering live crime scenes and blocking traffic on major roadways are just a few hazards confirmed by media reports. While this is alarming, it is unsurprising considering the lack of minimum federal safety performance standards and the insufficient data collection for this technology. The AV Safety Data Act will enhance reporting requirements to ensure the public is aware of where the capabilities of automated driving systems (ADS) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) fall short. Advocates appreciates Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) for introducing this bill in the Senate and Rep. Kevin Mullin in the House and for their commitment to safety. We urge the Senate to advance this commonsense bill for the common good of all road users," said Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

Senator Markey is a longtime advocate of comprehensive vehicle safety measures. In December 2025, Senators Markey and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Stay in Your Lane Act, legislation that would prohibit self-driving technology in cars from operating outside the road conditions and environment in which they were designed. In September 2025, Senators Markey and Blumenthal wrote to NHTSA urging the agency to investigate concerning reports of Tesla Full-Self Drive driving dangerously around railroad crossings. NHTSA later opened an investigation into the issue. In April 2024, Senators Markey and Blumenthal led their colleagues in a letter urging NHTSA to be highly cautious about letting autonomous vehicles onto public roads. Shortly after the letter, NHTSA opened an investigation into Tesla's dangerous autopilot system. The senators issued a statement praising the Biden administration's investigation.

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