USDOT pushes swift implementation of first pedestrian safety plan

Source: Smart Cities Dive Published: December 1st, 2020

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) last week released its first Pedestrian Safety Action Plan in an effort to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries on America's roads. The plan is overseen by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Under the plan, federal agencies will swiftly implement a number of initiatives by the end of this year to enhance public education around street safety; help governments improve the location of pedestrian crossings and produce a guide on how streetlights can be designed to promote safety for pedestrians. Agencies will also identify ways to set appropriate speed limits and reduce speed-related fatalities and investigate the effect of the use of electronic devices on pedestrian safety.

The plan said various federal agencies intend to do more in the coming years to enhance safety through the study and use of automated driving technologies; training law enforcement on bicycle and pedestrian safety; examining how new bike and pedestrian infrastructure is designed, and supporting state and local governments’ efforts to adopt Vision Zero policies. In a statement, FHWA Administrator Nicole Nason said reducing pedestrian fatalities is a "team effort."

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Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash