Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Department of Transportation requires states to list the most dangerous arterial road locations by August 30, 2023.
- Smartphone and connected vehicle data will aid in identifying safety issues and improving road conditions.
- The “Safe Roads” initiative aims to reduce traffic fatalities, particularly on non-freeway arterial roads where half of the deaths occurred in 2020.
New Safety Mandate for U.S. Roads
In July, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a requirement for all states and metropolitan planning organizations to compile lists of the most hazardous arterial road locations. This initiative aims to address safety concerns, with a compliance deadline set for August 30, 2023. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball.”
Governors have a tight 60-day window to comply, beginning from the date the directive was issued. However, many states and cities may already possess relevant data, simplifying the compliance process. Additionally, private firms like INRIX, which specialize in traffic data collection and analysis, can provide valuable support.
The increase in smartphone use and connected vehicles offers a wealth of anonymized traffic information. Smartphones can track instances of hard braking and excessive speeding, while connected vehicles provide more detailed analytics through advanced driver assistance systems. This wealth of data is crucial for identifying and addressing safety issues on roads. Ahmed Darrat, chief product officer at INRIX, pointed out that connected vehicles supply the most reliable data, assisting public sector agencies in effectively improving safety.
INRIX has also developed an innovative AI application that allows users to interact with the data conversationally. This tool can generate recommendations based on traffic conditions and safety analytics. Darrat highlighted that data should inform safety decisions unequivocally, as minimizing traffic fatalities is a critical priority.
The Federal Highway Administration concurrently launched the “Safe Roads” initiative on July 1, focusing on improving safety on non-freeway arterial roads. These roads accounted for over half of U.S. traffic deaths in 2020, making this focus particularly significant. The program aims to enhance safety for pedestrians, vehicles, and automated systems while promoting data-driven decision-making in transportation investments.
Ultimately, the DOT’s new mandate and the accompanying initiatives aim to empower states and local governments to bolster roadway safety and accessibility for all users. By leveraging data and technology, the U.S. seeks to foster safer travel environments and reduce the incidence of traffic-related fatalities across the nation.
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