Around the United States, traffic deaths are growing or plateauing, yet efforts to make roads safer still face political opposition.

In an article for KFF Health News, Vanessa G. Sánchez outlines the efforts local, state, and federal legislators are making to reduce traffic fatalities, which continue to grow or plateau in most U.S. communities. “In 2022, more than 42,500 people died on American roads, and at least 7,522 pedestrians were fatally struck – the highest tally of pedestrian deaths in more than four decades,” Sánchez points out.
States like New York and Michigan passed laws that allow local jurisdictions to set their own speed limits, letting cities lower speed limits in dangerous areas. “In Los Angeles, voters approved a measure that forces the city to act on its own safety improvement plan, mandating that the car-loving metropolis redesign streets, add bike lanes and protect cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians.
”At the federal level, the Biden administration has directed over $15 billion to road safety efforts and $5 billion in local grants. And while some advocates say the agency didn’t go far enough in reforming its rules, the historically reticent Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued new guidance that explicitly calls for pedestrian and cyclist safety measures and, earlier this year, proposed changes to the Highway Safety Improvement Program that would similarly include vulnerable road users in highway safety plans.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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