CCAT Supports 2026 Safety21 National Safety Summit

Henry Liu on stage at the 2026 Safety21 Summit — Henry Liu speaks on stage at the 2026 Safety21 National Safety Summit
Photo credit: Safety21

The Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT) played a key role in supporting the 2026 National Safety Summit of U.S. Department of Transportation University Transportation Centers (UTCs), held March 19th in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Safety21, the summit brought together leaders from academia, industry, and government to advance life-saving transportation technologies, influence safety policies, and promote national safety priorities. The Summit is held in close collaboration with the UTCs advancing transportation safety nationwide, including the Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety (CPBS), Mid-America Transportation Center (MATC), New England Regional UTC (NEUTC), Research and Education for Promoting Safety (REPS), and University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS).

CCAT worked closely with the organizing team throughout the planning process, participating in weekly coordination meetings, helping shape the program, and engaging stakeholders from across the transportation community to ensure strong participation and meaningful dialogue. One highlight of the event was the keynote address by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell of Michigan. Her remarks underscored the importance of continued investment in transportation research, innovation, and safety. Through its collaboration, CCAT confirmed Congresswoman Dingell’s participation in the event. Her appearance reinforced the critical role that federally funded transportation research centers play in advancing technologies that improve safety, mobility, and economic competitiveness.

Zhi-Li Zhang speaks with attendee at the National Safety Summit — Zhi-Li Zhang participates in the Technology & Research Showcase at the Safety21 National Safety Summit
Photo credit: Safety21

CCAT Director Henry Liu also contributed to the summit as a panelist in “Advancing Transportation Safety Through the UTC Network.” Moderated by U.S. DOT Acting Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Michael Halem, the discussion highlighted how safety-focused UTCs are helping address U.S. DOT and Congressional priorities through research, workforce development, technology transfer, and deployment activities. Panelists shared examples of how university-led research is improving safety across highways, freight systems, rail networks, transit operations, and vulnerable road user environments while accelerating the deployment of connected and automated transportation technologies.

Additionally, Zhi-Li Zhang participated in the technology and research showcase, highlighting CCAT-funded research aimed at enhancing safety through autonomous vehicle teleoperation. The team leverages 5G networks to handle a variety of scenarios, such as parking lot and construction zone navigation. The work is also supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Photos from the event can be found on the Safety21 conference page.

This story was written by Calvin Tuttle of the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT).