Amid spike, federal transportation department launches initiative to curb traffic-related deaths

While stay-at-home orders might be a thing of the past, the pandemic’s impact is still felt daily through expectations to socially distance, the prevalence of masks in high risk areas like hospitals, and the stubbornly high annual rate of traffic-related deaths. Traffic fatalities hit a 16-year high in 2021, and preliminary data points to a similar trend last year.

“Traffic crashes cost tens of thousands of American lives a year—a national crisis on our roadways—and everyone has an important role to play in addressing it,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. “Today we are issuing a national call to action and asking all Americans—including private industry, non-profit and advocacy organizations, and every level of government—to join us in acting to save lives on our roadways.”  

The initiative to reduce traffic-related deaths coincides with the first anniversary of the transportation department’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which outlined a five-pronged approach to reducing roadway fatalities. And it follows an announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration of a new, $800 million traffic safety initiative called the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program. The competitive program, which was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is set to provide $5 billion over five years in a first round of funding for 510 regional, local and Tribal safety projects, according to the Department of Transportation.

Those eligible for funding through include metropolitan planning organizations, cities, counties, transit agencies, Tribal governments, and collaborative projects made up of multiple entities. Eligible uses include the creation of safety action plans, planning and design, and any project outlined in the safety plan.

The initiatives have been met by support from local administrators.

“City leaders are ready to act to prevent the senseless loss of life on our nation’s roads, and we are excited thousands of improvements and plans are now in the works through the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program,” said Clarence Anthony, director of the National League of Cities. “Road crashes should not be one of the leading causes of death for America’s youth, and pedestrians should not have to risk their lives to cross the street.”

Supporting the federal transit department’s call to action, the League of American Bicyclists will provide “technical assistance to local governments and others addressing vulnerable road user safety through (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) programs.” Uber has pledged $500,000 for new preventative measures in five states. 3M will work to improve visibility by ” by helping road agencies determine how reflective signage and lane markings can make things like dangerous curves, stop-controlled intersections, and bike lanes safer,” a statement about the initiative says. Washington State’s Department of Transportation will update its policies to prioritize the safety initiatives outlined in the National Roadway Safety Strategy.

The call is open, and organizations are encouraged to share their commitment to reducing traffic-related deaths via the Department of Transportation’s website.

Under the Safe Streets funding program, communities set to receive awards in this round of funding include Pima County, Ariz., which will receive $1.5 million to develop an action plan focused on “creating a culture of safety for all residents,” according to a brief about the funding initiative. Hillsborough County, Fla. will receive $19.7 million to build sidewalks, bicycle lanes and speed management infrastructure. 

Fayette County, Iowa will receive $10.4 million to widen the shoulder and add rumble strips along 50 miles of dangerous roadway. Lane departures account for 60% of fatalities and serious injuries in the area, the brief notes.  Elsewhere, $24.8 million will go to Detroit, Mich. to redesign existing transit infrastructure with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.