Bipartisan Bill Improves Trucking Safety to Ensure Supply Chain Continuity

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) and Garret Graves (R-LA-6) introduced the Highway Accident Fairness Act of 2021 to improve the safety of truckers and civilians on US highways. The legislation also protects trucking companies from the financial burdens of defending against or settling fraudulent insurance claims resulting from staged collisions.

Currently, truckers are often the target of staged collisions which puts both civilian and truckers in serious danger. The trucking companies and local law enforcement are then subject to significant financial burdens from the emergency response and litigation fallout. This bill closes these loopholes and ensures that highways remain safe economic and civilian transit corridors.

"Highways are a significant component of our economic supply chain. Every single day, goods flow across states to get food on shelves and products in homes. We must commit ourselves to keeping these transit corridors open and safe all year round," said Congressman Cuellar. "That is why we must pass this important legislation protecting our truckers from staged collisions that cause dangers for civilians on the road and economic problems for trucking companies provided an essential service. Thank you to Rep. Graves and the American Trucking Association for their support."

"Louisiana drivers pay some of the highest insurance rates in America. This is unacceptable and the solutions don't require rocket science. Our bill will prevent criminal rings from further increasing the cost to drive and do business in Louisiana. That one $4.7 million settlement caused all of our insurance rates to go up. Our legislation cracks down on fraudulent claims, increases safety on the roads, and will help to lower insurance rates for drivers. Thanks to Rep. Cuellar for joining the effort, the American Trucking Association, and all those supporting," Congressman Garret Graves said.

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