Safe Streets for All Grantees Announced
Alongside the anniversary of the NRSS, the U.S. Department of Transportation also announced the projects which were awarded funds through the new SS4A program. Over 500 communities across the U.S. will receive $800 million to improve safety for all road users through local, regional and Tribal initiatives. These grants will be used to develop action plans, implement proven countermeasures and create on-the-ground changes to move us closer to zero traffic deaths. Find the project nearest you by diving into this list.
Legislative Update
Many states have returned to sessions and have been active on road safety. Some of the bills of interest are below. Please weigh in to urge policymakers to prioritize safety and work toward zero traffic deaths:
● Reducing impaired drivers on our roads by supporting legislation in Washington State, Hawaii and New York to lower the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to .05, and working with South Carolina, Florida and Maryland to mandate installation of ignition interlock devices to a broader group of impaired drivers
● Advocating for legislation to keep vehicle occupants safe by opposing a repeal of Nebraska’s requirement to wear a helmet on a motorcycle, supporting a primary seat belt law in New Hampshire and North Dakota, and supporting legislation in New Hampshire to ensure children are properly restrained in vehicles
● Decreasing the number of distracted drivers by supporting hands-free legislation in Missouri and urging policymakers at all levels to engage in Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April
Register for Road to Zero Webinars
Catch up with our Road to Zero webinar series by watching the recording from February when we heard about research and resources to support safe mobility in older adults. Don’t forget – there’s still time to register to watch our annual meeting featuring speakers you won’t want to miss!
Check Out the Latest Grantee Updates
The team from Johns Hopkins University was excited to see the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa receive an SS4A action plan grant for $221,821.68. JHU was assisting them to inform development of the upcoming teach out being done under the funding of the Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety grant.
Meanwhile, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia team recently presented on their work and overall vision for the New Jersey Safety and Health Outcomes Resource Center at the Transportation Research Board annual meeting. They also created additional wireframes of their Community Safety Profiles and are preparing to ask for stakeholder feedback about their designs.
