S. 415 — DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

This section establishes within the Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy a career position of National Roadway Safety Advocate, to be appointed not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act. The position documents and communicates recommendations from stakeholders—defined as road crash victims, survivors, or their family members (not limited to immediate relatives)—to the Secretary of Transportation on Department of Transportation roadway safety programs and activities and serves as a stakeholder resource and point of contact. The Advocate may educate stakeholders on Department activities; explain processes in plain language; provide aggregated feedback on the regulatory agenda; conduct outreach; publish educational materials; consult on advisory committee appointments; meet quarterly with the Secretary; and perform other duties as directed, but may not provide legal advice, make decisions, set policies, interfere with Department processes, or disclose enforcement or personnel matters. The Advocate reports within the Office of the Under Secretary for Policy, which provides support and document access, and must submit an annual report to the Secretary by November 15—plus additional reports as needed—highlighting systemic roadway safety issues from stakeholders and recommending remedies.