Regional Safety Action Plan

Introduction

With funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All Program (SS4A), WCOG is developing a regional safety action plan to guide next-phase investments to significantly reduce fatal and serious-injury (F&SI) crashes on our roads. Guided by a multidisciplinary Action Plan Committee, WCOG and regional partners are analyzing large amounts of crash data, engaging with community based organizations and the public overall, reviewing current policies and practices, and recommending strategies and specific investments to advance in the next few years.

The Whatcom Regional Safety Action Plan was approved by the Whatcom Transportation Policy Board on June 11, 2025.

A Safe-Systems Approach

The SS4A Program is grounded in the 2022 National Roadway Safety Strategy and the advancement of a Safe Systems Approach. Thus, WCOG’s Safety Action Plan effort will incorporate perspectives and expertise covering a broader array of strategies than most previous safety improvement efforts.

The guiding principles of the Safe Systems Approach are:

  1. Death and serious injuries are unacceptable

  2. Humans make mistakes

  3. Humans are vulnerable

  4. Responsibility is shared

  5. Safety is proactive

  6. Redundancy is crucial

The objectives of the Safe Systems Approach are:

  • Safer people

  • Safer roads

  • Safer vehicles

  • Safer speeds

  • Post-crash care

Regional Elected Executives Endorse Action to Reduce Fatal and Serious-injury Crashes

Demonstrating regional commitment to action on reducing F&SI crashes, regional elected executives signed a joint resolution of support. (Press release)