The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) elected Darrin Grondel, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, as chairman at the association’s annual meeting in Atlanta last month.
Through his new post, Grondel will advocate for GHSA’s policies and priorities, collaborate with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the national highway safety grant program, expand member services and member involvement, and develop new and reinforce existing partnerships.
The association’s priorities include ensuring the safety of all road users, preparing for autonomous vehicle technologies, and addressing substance-impaired driving.
GHSA’s updated policy on drug-impaired driving acknowledges that research has not identified a scientifically sound illegal limit for marijuana while recognizing scientific and expert consensus on drugged driving. This includes marijuana open container laws, use of electronic warrants, and zero tolerance laws for illicit drugs.
“Impairment is impairment, regardless of the substance,” Grondel said. “Combating this growing problem means having the research, funding, and tools to effectively educate the public and equip and energize law enforcement.”
Grondel participated in Washington’s implementation of legalized recreational marijuana sales.
States need to focus on emerging threats and saving lives through strong programs instead of bureaucracy, Grondel said.
GHSA also recently updated policies on connected, autonomous, and advanced driver assistance technologies.
Grondel will serve a one-year term.