Road Safety Over Politics: U.S. Transportation Secretary Launches SAFE ROADS Initiative

On July 1, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a bold step toward safer roads with the launch of the Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies (SAFE ROADS) initiative. In a letter addressed to all U.S. governors, Secretary Duffy called for a unified effort to prioritize safety over distractions on America’s roadways, particularly on non-freeway arterial roads where over half of U.S. roadway fatalities occur.

A Call to Action for Governors

Secretary Duffy’s letter gives state governors 60 days to work with their departments of transportation and metropolitan partners to:

• Identify arterial road segments and intersections with safety or operational concerns using data-driven analysis.
• Submit these findings to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for coordinated action.

The SAFE ROADS initiative emphasizes simplicity, safety, and mobility. Its core goals include:

• Data-driven decisions: Targeting investments to address critical safety and mobility challenges.
• Empowering local leadership: Enabling states and communities to streamline roadway environments.
• Safer navigation: Improving conditions for pedestrians, drivers, and automated vehicles.

Why This Matters

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 50% of roadway fatalities in 2023 occurred on non-freeway arterial roads, with nearly two-thirds of these involving pedestrians. Intersections and crosswalks, often cluttered with distractions like political signage or artwork, pose significant risks. Secretary Duffy emphasized, “Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork. Far too many Americans die each year in traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball.”The FHWA is stepping up to support states by:

• Providing technical expertise and resources, including road safety audits.
• Assisting in selecting effective countermeasures to accelerate improvements.
• Ensuring compliance with federal standards for traffic control and roadway use.

A Broader Commitment to Safety

This initiative builds on Secretary Duffy’s earlier efforts, including a March 6, 2025, letter to Washington, D.C., leaders urging safety improvements in the nation’s capital. The SAFE ROADS program reflects a nationwide commitment to reducing fatalities and making roads more navigable for everyone.

What’s Next?

Governors and state DOTs have until August 30, 2025, to submit their lists of high-risk arterial segments. The FHWA will track progress and provide ongoing support to ensure measurable results. By focusing on data-driven solutions and distraction-free roadways, the SAFE ROADS initiative aims to save lives and create safer, more efficient transportation systems across the country.For more details, read the full letter from Secretary Duffy.Let’s work together to make safety first on America’s roads. 🚦#RoadSafety #SAFEROADS #Transportation #FHWA