Llame al (888) 572-7520 para hablar con un agente

With over half of U.S. traffic fatalities occurring on urban and suburban roads—and nearly two-thirds of those victims being pedestrians—the federal government is targeting the heart of the roadway safety crisis with a new nationwide initiative.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has issued a clear warning to every governor across the country: roads are for safety, not politics. In his message, Duffy emphasized that highways, intersections, and roadways must prioritize the protection of lives—not serve as platforms for political statements, murals, or artistic distractions.

That message marked the official launch of SAFE ROADS (Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies), a bold national program aimed at reducing deaths on the most dangerous non-express roadways in the country.

“Roads are for safety—not for political messages or public art. Too many Americans are dying in crashes for us to lose focus,” said Secretary Duffy.

What Is the Goal of Safe Roads?

Safe Roads has a sharp focus: improving safety on non-express arterials—that is, major city and suburban streets that are not highways or freeways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 50% of U.S. roadway deaths occur on these roads. Even more troubling: nearly two-thirds of those fatalities are pedestrians.

Key Objectives of the Safe Roads Plan

  • 🔍 Back to basics: Use data to identify critical danger zones and act decisively.

  • 🏙️ Empower states and cities to streamline and upgrade street infrastructure.

  • 🚦 Reduce visual clutter at intersections, crosswalks, and busy corridors.

  • 🚶 Improve pedestrian and vehicle safety, including for automated vehicles.

What States Must Do

Governors now have 60 days to act. Each must:

  • Identify urban and suburban arterial segments with serious safety or operational issues.

  • Submit a comprehensive list of these road segments to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

  • Use crash data, traffic analytics, and collaborate with metropolitan planning agencies to support their decisions.

The FHWA will assist with safety audits, provide technical guidance, and ensure states comply with federal roadway standards, including proper lane use, signage, and intersection visibility.

Removing Visual Distractions: A Controversial Demand

One of the most debated elements of the initiative is Duffy’s call to eliminate political and artistic displays from public roads. The Secretary demanded the removal of signs, painted slogans, or visual installations on pavements, intersections, and sidewalks that may distract drivers or pedestrians.

“Crosswalks and intersections must be free from any kind of distraction,” Duffy stated firmly.

Background: A Pattern of Action

This is not the first time Duffy has addressed unsafe urban roadways. On March 6, he sent a similar directive to Washington, D.C., calling for urgent safety improvements following a series of crashes in school zones, public transit stations, and major downtown intersections.

The Numbers Behind the Crisis

  • 📊 50%+ of U.S. road fatalities happen on urban/suburban arterials

  • 🚶‍♀️ 65%+ of those deaths are pedestrians

  • ⚠️ Intersections and main roads are the most dangerous points

  • 👁️ Visual distraction is a top risk factor in urban traffic zones

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Grand Canyon Lodge Burned Down Amid Ongoing Southern U.S. Flood Recovery

The United States is facing a summer kickoff marked by simultaneous emergencies. In the West, wildfires have forced the full closure of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Meanwhile, in the South and parts of the East, widespread flooding has submerged highways, closed key transport corridors, and left entire communities under water. The combined impact is putting pressure on logistics systems, disrupting both tourism and the movement of goods and services.

Read More »

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. California time
Leave your number and a member of our company will contact you
Horario de atención: Lunes a viernes de 8.00 AM a 5.00 PM. Hora california

Deje su número y un miembro de nuestra empresa se pondrá en contacto con usted

Privacy summary

This website uses cookies so that we can offer you the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website or helping our team understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

More information about the privacy policy: Privacy Policy

More information about the terms of use: Terms of use 

More information about the disclaimer: Disclaimer 

More information on acceptable use policies: Acceptable Use Policies