Dr. Darrin Grondel, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (“WTSC”), has been elected to chair the Governors Highway Safety Association (“GHSA”).

Dr. Grondel will serve a one-year term for the GHSA, the national non-profit association of the state and territorial agencies that address behavioral traffic safety issues.

In this role, Dr. Grondel will work to advocate for and achieve the GHSA's policies and priorities, which the GHSA recently enhanced to reflect evolving traffic safety issues. Chief among these changes were provisions addressing substance-impaired driving, preparing for autonomous vehicle technologies, and ensuring the safety of all road users.

According to Dr. Grondel, the updates will guide the GHSA as it works toward zero deaths on America's roadways. “With so many emerging threats, states need to focus on the basics of saving lives by ministering strong programs rather than administering bureaucracy.”

Having participated in the process of Washington's implementation of legalized recreational marijuana sales, Dr. Grondel is dedicated to elevating the issue of drug-impaired driving. The GHSA's updated policy statements reflect the latest science and expert consensus to address drugged driving, including zero tolerance laws for illicit drugs, use of electronic warrants, and marijuana open container laws. The GHSA policy also recognizes that the best available research has not identified a scientifically sound illegal per se limit for marijuana.

“Impairment is impairment, regardless of the substance,” Dr. Grondel said. “Combating this growing problem means having the research, funding, and tools to effectively educate the public and equip and energize law enforcement.”

Also included in the GHSA's new policies and priorities is a renewed encouragement for research, testing, and the deployment of connected, autonomous, and advanced driver assistance technologies. The GHSA also adopted additional support for infrastructure-based countermeasures to promote the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and all other road users.

During his term as chair, Dr. Grondel will advance the GHSA's policies by developing new and reinforcing existing partnerships, expanding member services and member involvement, and collaborating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to carry out the national highway safety grant program.

Prior to his election, Dr. Grondel was a member of the GHSA's executive board for multiple terms and served as secretary for the past three years. He has led the WTSC since 2012, following a 25-year career with the Washington State Patrol.

Joining Dr. Grondel as executive officers of the GHSA for the upcoming year are the vice chair, Harris Blackwood, director of the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety; the secretary, Lauren Stewart, director of the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety; and the treasurer, Lee Axdahl, director of the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety.