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April 2026
Summaries of timely road safety news, events, and alerts
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Message from NETS' Chief Strategy Officer, Art Kinsman
I’m excited to write my first newsletter message as NETS’ Chief Strategy Officer.
When I interviewed years ago for my role as NHTSA Region 1 Administrator, I was asked a question that has stayed with me: What matters more — the people or the mission?
I answered quickly: the people.
The safety mission is always there. It is urgent, important, and never finished. But it is people who make the mission real; the people who lead, organize, partner, mentor, and keep pushing even when the work is hard.
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After my first month with NETS, I’m even more convinced that was the right answer. I’m grateful for the welcome, energy, and spirit of helpfulness I’ve received from our Board members, sponsors, Director of Operations Lynda Morrissey, and, most importantly, our NETS members.
My focus going forward is straightforward: help grow NETS membership, strengthen and build valuable partnerships, make our annual benchmark report even more useful and executive-ready, and find practical ways to create more value for every member.
That’s where you come in.
One lesson I carried from my years at AAA is simple: never be too busy to listen to a member. The best ideas often come from the people closest to the work. So if you have thoughts on how NETS can better support you, your organization, or the broader fleet safety community, I hope you’ll reach out. I’d also welcome suggestions for prospective member companies, partners, or sponsors who should be part of this network.
Safety is not just a job. It is a calling. It is about the lives we can save, the injuries we can prevent, and the families and workplaces we can keep whole. And when strong safety practices also support business continuity and reduce risk, that is a true win-win. Safety is not just a cost. It is an investment.
Finally, I want to say how humbled I am to follow in the footsteps of Susan Hipp, a tremendous leader and safety advocate. It is clear that even while bravely facing a serious health battle, Susan continued to give her heart and soul to NETS. Her commitment was inspiring, and her example is a powerful reminder of the same point: people make the mission happen.
I’m honored to serve the NETS membership and look forward to working with all of you.
Please Connect! Art on LinkedIn NETS on LinkedIn
Art Kinsman
Chief Strategy Officer
akinsman@trafficsafety.org
https://trafficsafety.org
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“Art brings a unique combination of strategic vision, policy expertise, and a deep understanding of the road safety landscape. His ability to connect public and private sector efforts, coupled with a proven track record of driving meaningful change, makes him the right leader to help guide NETS into its next chapter.”
Tom Karnowski, Vice President of Health and Safety, USIC and NETS Board Chair
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NETS Appoints Art Kinsman as Chief Strategy Officer
The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety appointed Art Kinsman as its new Chief Strategy Officer, a newly created role focused on guiding the organization’s strategic growth, strengthening programs, and expanding partnerships. He brings extensive experience in traffic safety and public policy, including leadership roles at AAA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and state government, to help advance NETS’ mission of preventing crashes.
Read More
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NETS Strength IN Numbers®
Fleet Safety Conference | Sept. 15-17
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Held adjacent to the NSC Safety Congress & Expo!
Hyatt Regency | Indianapolis, IN
| | Full Agenda to Launch in May With Registration | |
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NETS will host its 2026 Strength IN Numbers® Fleet Safety Benchmark Conference September 15–17 in Indianapolis. The conference is scheduled the same week and adjacent to the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo, creating a convenient opportunity to engage with both employer-focused fleet safety peers and the broader safety community in a single trip.
At the same time, the NETS conference will retain the focused, intimate setting our attendees rely on, complemented by expanded access to the broader NSC community, with additional registration options available.
As the longest-running conference dedicated entirely to fleet safety, NETS offers a uniquely immersive experience where fleet safety is not just a track, but the focus of every session, discussion, and connection. Paired with NSC’s national emphasis on roadway and workplace safety, the week offers a strong mix of strategy, data, innovation, and actionable ideas. Registration will launch in May- We're looking forward to seeing you there!
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The NETS conference will have it's own dedicated exhibit space
To explore sponsor opportunities, benefits, and available packages, please review the 2026 Sponsor Prospectus.
| | NETS is proud to partner with the following PLATINUM Fleet Safety Sponsors: | |
NHTSA Launches Pathways to Safer Streets Initiative to Curb U.S. Traffic Fatalities
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a new national “Pathways to Safer Streets” initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities by targeting the leading causes of crashes, including impairment, speeding, distraction, and lack of seat belt use. The effort combines enforcement, technology, and public education to address risky driving behaviors at a national scale.
Read More
| | WORKPLACE / HOME ROAD SAFETY | |
Is it Better to Pull in or Back Into a Parking Spot? What Experts Say | Nearly one in five vehicle crashes occurs in parking lots. While most drivers pull forward into parking spaces, NETS and other safety organizations emphasize that backing in improves visibility when exiting and can reduce the risk of crashes involving pedestrians or other vehicles. | | | | TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION | |
Systems That Let Drivers Go Hands-Free Don't Improve Safety, NTSB Says | The National Transportation Safety Board says hands-free driving systems don’t actually improve safety, as drivers tend to become over-reliant and pay less attention to the road. Investigations into fatal crashes found that this overconfidence—combined with weak driver monitoring—can lead to distraction and serious collisions, prompting calls for stronger safety standards. | | | | GOVERNMENT AND NON-PROFIT NEWS | |
Drivers use their cellphones more when speeding, telematics data show | Drivers are more likely to use their phones as speeds increase, with telematics data showing a clear rise in device use the faster drivers go over the speed limit. The findings suggest that speeding and distraction frequently occur together, reinforcing the need to address both behaviors simultaneously. | | | Federal Regulators Tell Congress: Advanced In-Car Tech to Detect Impaired Driving Isn't Ready Yet | A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report to Congress found that technology intended to detect and prevent impaired driving in vehicles is not yet accurate or reliable enough for widespread deployment, despite a federal mandate targeting implementation by 2027. Current systems struggle with accuracy and could produce significant false positives or negatives, raising safety and feasibility concerns. | | | | INTERNATIONAL ROAD SAFETY | |
ETSC New Report: Improving the safety of cycling in Europe | Cyclist safety across Europe continues to lag behind other road users, with reductions in cyclist fatalities progressing more slowly than overall road deaths. Safety experts are calling for stronger action—including improved infrastructure, lower speed limits, and better data—to better protect cyclists and support the growth of active transportation. | | | |
UPCOMING TRANSPORTATION SAFETY EVENTS
AND CAMPAIGNS
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May 6-8: NSC Safety Summit, Baltimore, MD
The future of EHS, HOP Summit and NSC Spring Safety Conference all in on place.
NSC.org
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May 1-30: National Bicycle Safety Month
Communication is a key part of bicycle safety programs. Help spread awareness and educate employees about bicycle safety. Be sure your bicycle safety communication plan includes messaging on driver behavior and the importance of bicyclists wearing a helmet.
trafficsafetymarketing.gov
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May 1-30: Motorcycle Awareness Safety Month
Millions of people across the United States ride motorcycles – some as a primary or secondary form of transportation, and others as a leisure ride. You can use this material as part of your communication plan to promote motorcycle safety – for motorcyclists and drivers.
trafficsafetymarketing.gov
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June 15-17: ASSP Safety26 Conference + Expo | Anaheim, CA
Workplace safety and health continue to evolve. The ASSE will connect you with industry expertise, a network of like-minded peers, and the latest innovations.
safety.assp.org
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Do you have a particularly successful road safety example to share? NETS Members are encouraged to share best practices, ask questions or contribute their expertise to the NETS Road Safety Leaders Forum, an online discussion forum exclusively for NETS Members and Sponsors. Not yet a member? Check out the benefits at https://trafficsafety.org/membership-info/.
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Note from the editor:
All links to stories have been tested and are active 24 hours prior to distribution; however, links may become inactive over time at the discretion of the publication source.
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About NETSWork®
NETSWork is published electronically each month by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety.
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© 2026 Network of Employers for Traffic Safety
NETS is registered by the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization
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