The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is committed to making our nation’s roadways safer for all users, and in recent years, the agency has announced several new efforts to advance complete and road safety.
One such effort is the Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) program. This program provides state and local transportation agencies with a range of tools and resources to improve pedestrian safety, including pedestrian hybrid beacons, road diets, and innovative intersection designs. The FHWA encourages transportation agencies to adopt proven countermeasures and strategies to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries on our nation’s roadways.
Another initiative is the Accelerating Safety Activities Program, which provides financial and technical assistance to states to implement high-impact, proven safety countermeasures. These include rumble strips, roundabouts, and high-friction surface treatments. By helping states identify and implement these types of countermeasures, the FHWA is working to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our nation’s roads.
The FHWA is also focusing on reducing the number of crashes caused by distracted driving. As part of this effort, the agency has launched the “Stop Distractions on the Road” campaign, which encourages drivers to put down their phones and other distractions while behind the wheel. The campaign includes a range of resources, including public service announcements and social media graphics, to help spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving.
In addition to these specific programs and initiatives, the FHWA is working to integrate safety into all aspects of the transportation planning and design process. The agency encourages transportation professionals to consider the safety implications of every decision, from roadway design to traffic signal timing. By integrating safety into every aspect of transportation planning and design, the FHWA is working to make our roads safer for all users.
Improving road safety is a critical priority for the FHWA, and the agency’s efforts are making a real difference in communities across the country. By providing resources, technical assistance, and financial support, the FHWA is helping states and localities implement proven countermeasures and strategies to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our nation’s roads. As the agency continues to advance complete and safe streets, we can all look forward to safer, more accessible, and more vibrant communities.
