By Haley Norman, Contributing Author
As the chair-elect of the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and co-owner of Direct Traffic Control Inc., I recently had the honor of addressing the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways & Transit.
The statistics I shared from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were daunting: an estimated 40,900 roadway deaths occurred on U.S. roads in 2023, averaging 112 deaths every day.
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives lost and families shattered.
We must recognize that human error is inevitable. Drivers will make mistakes—whether it's speeding, using their phones or driving impaired. However, these mistakes should not result in death. Improving our roadway safety infrastructure can make a significant difference in preventing fatal and serious crashes.
Roadway workers are among the most vulnerable road users. An average of 115 workers were killed in work zones each year over the past five years. This is unacceptable. As Congress begins drafting the next surface transportation authorization bill, it is imperative that work zone safety becomes a priority. Enhancing work zone training grants, encouraging innovation and sharing best practices can help states address these safety challenges more effectively. Congress must prioritize work zone safety in the next highway bill.
I believe that investment in safety programs is crucial to saving lives. We must continue to increase funding for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to allow ATSSA members to work on vital safety projects; continue to provide funding for safety projects on rural roads and on tribal lands; and ensure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists through programs such as Safe Streets and Roads for All. Congress must invest in roadway safety programs to protect all road users.
A long-term funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) is also essential. General Fund transfers are not sustainable, and we need to identify future funding solutions.
It is frustrating that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has not yet implemented the nationwide pilot program on a vehicle miles traveled user fee funding solution, as directed under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). We look forward to working with the incoming USDOT team to get this program started.
Moreover, all highway users, including electric vehicle owners, should contribute their fair share to the system. Without dedicated funding from the HTF, we cannot make strategic investments in roadway safety infrastructure projects, which will lead to less safe roads and more danger for our constituents.
The recent rule on Build America, Buy America requirements poses another challenge. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) should use targeted waivers for safety products and devices until domestic manufacturing can meet project needs.
Additionally, the pace of getting new safety products approved for use on our roadways must be accelerated. A survey of 14 ATSSA member companies reported that the group totaled 20 current outstanding eligibility letters for innovative safety products, with an average wait time of 10 months for a response.
As a safety professional, business owner, and mother of two young children, I find the loss of more than 40,000 people on our nation’s roads unacceptable. We can and must do better by working together.
New USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy has expressed a commitment to prioritizing road safety, and I am hopeful that we can make significant progress.
We are at a critical point in the fight to make our roads safer. The hearing on Feb. 12 demonstrated to me that Congress understands the need to prioritize roadway safety as part of a new surface transportation authorization bill.
All of us—Congress, safety stakeholders, state DOTs and tribal and local governments—must collaborate to make progress on this collective challenge.
Together, we can chart a path forward that will save lives on our nation's roads. RB
Haley Norman is the chair-elect of the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and co-owner of Direct Traffic Control Inc.
