U.S. Department of Transportation Roadway Safety Innovation Expo
Step Into the Future of Transportation
Be part of the national movement shaping the golden age of road safety.
See the technology, test innovations, and connect with the leaders saving lives on American roads.
Date: September 18, 2026 | Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET |
Why You Must Attend
Join the U.S. Department of Transportation on September 18, 2026, for an unprecedented, hands-on exploration of the next generation of life-saving transportation technology. Designed to elevate the awareness of safety technologies and implement the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), this immersive one-day event brings together state DOT executives, local leaders, industry pioneers, safety advocates, students and lawmakers to focus on opportunities to eliminate roadway fatalities.
- Five Themes, 14 Immersive Experiences, and 40+ Exhibits: Explore dynamic indoor and outdoor exhibits across the DOT HQ complex—from darkroom visibility lab to how robots like “Spot” handle critical infrastructure tasks.
What You Will See & Experience
| Themes | Interactive Highlights & Key Experiences |
|---|---|
| Crash Dynamics & Vehicle Engineering | Compare 30 years of vehicle crashworthiness evolution (1996 vs. 2026 side-by-side crashed vehicles), inspect sensor-loaded dummies, and receive on-site VIN recall checks. |
| Infrastructure, Nighttime Visibility & Smart Work Zones | Step inside a darkroom experience testing reflective pavement markings, AI-driven pedestrian detection, solar lane markers, smart barrels, Automated Truck-Mounted Attenuators and Positive Train Control integration. |
| AI, Data & Predictive Analytics | Interact with dynamic 'Digital Twin' highway models forecasting real-time black ice and hydroplaning risks and test-drive AI platforms that isolate work-zone threats. |
| Commercial Fleets, Freight, and Hazardous Materials | Sit in the cab of a commercial semi-truck to experience massive 'No Zone' blind spots, test AI fatigue-detection apps, and watch live TSA hazard-detection canine team. |
| Human Factors, Virtual Reality, and Emergency Response | Navigate high-risk traffic, impaired driving, and emergency scenarios using 3D VR headsets, occupant monitoring systems, wearable haptic alert systems and hazmat drone deployment. Observe live emergency medical demonstrations spotlighting pre-hospital blood transfusions engineered to dramatically reduce crash scene fatalities. Inova Blood Donor Services will be on site for participants to donate blood. Schedule a blood donation here. |