US Transportation Secretary Sean P Duffy has given state governors throughout the nation 60 days to determine arterial street segments and intersections with the very best security issues as a part of a brand new nationwide initiative concentrating on America’s most harmful roadways.
In a letter despatched to each governor on Tuesday July 1, 2025, Secretary Duffy requested that state departments of transportation work with their metropolitan planning organizations to make use of accessible security knowledge and assessments to develop complete lists of problematic areas that will probably be addressed by the top of Fiscal 12 months 2026. These lists have to be submitted to the Federal Freeway Administration (FHWA) Division Places of work throughout the 60-day timeframe.
The initiative, referred to as Secure Arterials for Everybody by Dependable Operations and Distraction-Lowering Methods (SAFE ROADS), particularly targets non-freeway arterial roads the place greater than half of US roadway deaths happen, based on knowledge compiled by the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA).
“Whereas I’m inspired that the estimates of visitors fatalities for 2024 proceed a downward development, by lowering 3.8% from 2023, we nonetheless have extra work to do to enhance security and mobility on our nation’s highways,” wrote Secretary Duffy. “In 2024, the estimated quantity was a surprising 39,345. That is unacceptable.”
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The Transportation Secretary additionally made clear that intersections and crosswalks have to be stored free from distractions, together with political messages of any nature, paintings, or anything that detracts from driver and pedestrian security.
“Roads are for security, not political messages or paintings,” continued Secretary Duffy. “In the present day I’m calling on governors in each state to make sure that roadways, intersections, and crosswalks are stored freed from distractions. Far too many Individuals die every year to visitors fatalities to take our eye off the ball. USDOT stands prepared to assist communities throughout the nation make their roads safer and simpler to navigate.”
FHWA will assist state participation by monitoring nationwide progress of the SAFE ROADS initiative and aiding state DOTs with technical experience and sources, together with street security audits and assessments. The company may also assist choose efficient security and operational countermeasures to speed up enhancements and guarantee compliance with federal requirements for visitors management gadgets and use of the roadway right-of-way.
Secretary Duffy concluded his letter with an attraction for collaboration, writing, “With our shared objectives of shifting folks and items safely and effectively, we are able to make the expectation that every one Individuals make it residence safely and on-time a actuality.”
