FHWA has launched a new roadway safety initiative that targets non-freeway arterial roads they're calling SAFE ROADS (Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations & Distraction-Reducing Strategies).

SAFE ROADS stresses that intersections and crosswalks need to be kept free from distractions such as political messages or artwork. Based on data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2023, over half of all roadway fatalities in the U.S. occurred on non-freeway or expressway arterial roads, with pedestrians comprising nearly two-thirds of those fatalities.

USDOT Secretary Duffy is calling on governors in every state to ensure that roadways, intersections, and crosswalks are kept free of distractions. “Far too many Americans die each year due to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball. USDOT stands ready to help communities across the country make their roads safer and easier to navigate.”

The new SAFE ROADS initiative also seeks to deploy more data-driven programs to better target safety and mobility investments; empower states and local governments to simplify and improve roadway environments; and make roads safer and easier to navigate for pedestrians, vehicle operators, and automated vehicles alike.

FHWA provides information on pedestrian safety, intersection safety, arterial management operations strategies, proven safety countermeasures, and traffic control devices to address common safety and mobility challenges.

Learn more about this new roadway safety initiative