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| Connecting America - 1999 Report to the Nation |    8 of 16 |
SafetyContinually improve highway safety.Safety on our highways is our top priority. Tragically, more than 41,000 Americans die and 3.5 million are injured in motor vehicle accidents on our highways each year. As more people travel more miles on the highways, and as the demographics of our driving population change, significant improvements in highway safety are essential to continue our progress in reducing highway fatalities and injuries. Safety is a key objective in all programs and activities. Highway-Related Injuries and Fatalities Measure for Success: Reduce the rate of highway-related injuries and fatalities per 100 million vehicle-miles traveled. |
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FHWA works in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, and other public and private organizations to achieve our safety goals. FHWA saves lives by improving the infrastructure and operations of our highways, by minimizing factors that cause accidents, and by reducing the severity of injuries for accidents that do occur. Our success is measured over time. In 1998, the traffic fatality rate was at an all-time low of 1.6 fatalities per 100 million vehicle-miles traveled (VMT). That is less than one-third of the 1966 rate of 5.5 fatalities per 100 million VMT. When it comes to safety, success is a relative concept. Although tens of thousands of lives have been saved by highway improvements, the fact that we still have fatalities and injuries compels FHWA to continue its efforts. Even with all the safety improvements on our highways, more than 90 percent of all transportation-related fatalities and injuries still occur on our roadways and highways. Without additional improvements in highway safety, the number of fatalities and injuries would increase. FHWA developed a Safety Action Plan that focuses on programs that reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The areas of greatest concern include single-vehicle run-off-the-road and speed-related accidents, pedestrian safety, and red-light running. Advancement of ITS technologies such as intelligent cruise control and on-board vehicle sensors will be a key part of the safety initiatives. FHWA's long-term safety strategy is a technology-based systematic approach that enhances the safety of roads, vehicles, and highway users. We have only begun to tap the safety potential of ITS. In the 21st century, that potential will be realized. Large Truck Safety Measure for Success: Reduce the number and rate of (1) fatalities, (2) injuries, and (3) accidents involving large trucks. |
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From 190,000 carriers in 1989 to 425,000 in 1998, the motor-carrier population continues to expand, placing new demands on federal and state safety resources. Similarly, truck travel is increasing at more than double the rate of passenger cars. Recognizing these demands and the importance of motor carrier safety, Congress passed legislation to transfer FHWA's motor carrier safety functions, and created a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). As of January 1, 2000, the new FMCSA has primary responsibility for motor carrier safety within the DOT. The FHWA will work closely with the FMCSA as it strengthens existing programs and creates new ones to increase truck safety. |
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AccomplishmentsAn Idea So Bright, It's FluorescentLast year, more than 5,000 pedestrians and bicyclists (12 percent of our nationwide
highway fatalities) were killed in highway accidents. FHWA conducted studies
to see what color signs would generate the greatest response from motorists,
and fluorescent yellow-green warning signs were found to be the most effective.
These signs are more conspicuous, and drivers can see them from greater distances
than the standard yellow ones. Already, these signs can be seen all over America
to alert drivers to expect school zones, pedestrians, and bicyclists ahead.
We have received favorable comments and overwhelming support for this initiative
from local governments, police departments, and public school systems.
Safety Strips That Get Your AttentionEvery year, more than 15,000 fatalities result from single vehicles running off the road due to overtired, drowsy, or inattentive drivers. In order to get the drivers' attention and give them a chance to recover before leaving the roadway, many states are installing "rumble strips" on the edge of the road. Several states have shown dramatic reductions, 20 to 50 percent, in the number of run-off-the-road accidents after installing rumble strips. FHWA has launched a national education program for the driving public and for state and local government officials on the benefits of rumble strips. The program consists of a very popular interactive Web site and technical support packages for government officials. "Stop Red Light Running" Gets the Green LightIt has been estimated that red light running accounts for about 100,000 accidents and almost 1,000 fatalities a year. The cost to the public in terms of medical costs, lost productivity, and property damage has been estimated at $7 billion per year. A 1999 survey showed that 91 percent of those interviewed feared getting hit by a red light runner. In 1999, FHWA along with its Stop Red Light Running (SRLR) partners (Daimler-Chrysler and the American Trauma Society) provided state and local governments and the general public with timely and useful information on red light running. The new campaign included a brochure, a toll-free SRLR number, and a SRLR page on the Internet. In addition, FHWA regularly works with local jurisdictions across the United States to evaluate red light running, automated-enforcement technology cameras (still, video, and digital). At intersections where this type of technology is employed, several cities have reported a 40 to 60 percent reduction in red light running violations. | |
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