Pedestrian deaths aren’t accidents—they’re policy failures

Pedestrian deaths are rising faster in the U.S. than in any other high-income country. A decade-long surge, up 50%, has made the U.S. the most dangerous place to walk among 27 peer nations. Many experts view these deaths not as random accidents but as preventable tragedies that reflect deeper policy failures in transportation, infrastructure, and public safety. 

Want to respond to crashes quicker? AI could help

State transportation agencies are cautiously dipping their toes into the waters of “artificial intelligence” and “machine learning” to find applications in the transportation field. There are many potential uses, according to a new report, including opportunities to track assets like crosswalks, and to clear traffic incidents faster, which could lessen the need for major capacity investments. Agencies have also identified some lessons and pitfalls of the technology as they pilot new tools.

The scramble for larger vehicles is putting more Americans’ lives in danger

As vehicles grow ever larger in the United States, their “safety” benefits for drivers diminish while the danger for pedestrians and other drivers rises. From SUVs to oversized pickup trucks, the shift toward heftier cars has become normal for many drivers seeking a sense of security. But beyond a certain weight, these vehicles offer no extra safety to drivers and make the roads more hazardous for others. Removing just the heaviest vehicle fleet could save many lives on the road.  

DOTs can strengthen local relationships through quick-build street safety programs

Many local community groups have ideas for simple infrastructure upgrades that would improve street safety in their neighborhoods — but without official sign-off from departments of transportation, those ideas may never get a chance to be tested. Some DOTs have created official permitting processes for short-term “quick-build” demonstration projects, where these local groups can test their ideas for safer streets with temporary materials while adhering to official design standards. 

Dedicated bus lanes improve safety

The U.S. DOT is funding bus projects across the country that promise many of the same benefits as rail, but at lower cost. With dedicated lanes and stations that are more like train stops than a typical American bus stop, bus rapid transit (BRT) aims to move large numbers of people through congested areas faster than rush hour traffic. This sometimes comes with tradeoffs, like the loss of regular traffic lanes, but it can also offer unanticipated safety benefits, like curbing excessive traffic speeds, according to new research. 

Reducing lanes for cars doesn’t slow 911 response

Road diets, for example, converting 4 lanes into 3, provide many benefits including traffic calming and improved safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Agencies implementing road diets have seen a 29% average reduction in crashes. However, they often face pushback when planning these conversions, especially from those concerned about potential delays for emergency response. New research suggests these conversions don’t delay emergency response vehicles, meaning they could offer a more balanced approach to safety.  

More attentive driving is a small win in tackling traffic deaths

New data shows distracted driving in the U.S. fell by 4.5% in 2023—its first decline since 2020. This offers some hope in addressing the nation’s awful traffic safety record, and it may have contributed to a 3.5% drop in traffic deaths that year. But distracted driving is just a small piece of the puzzle and should not keep transportation professionals from addressing the root causes of our safety crisis.