Introduction
With funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All Program (SS4A), WCOG has started development of 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 will be 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.
Early Public Feedback Welcome
Ahead of planned community engagement in 2024, please share any thoughts, ideas, or concerns about road safety in our region or about development of the Safety Action Plan itself. A comment form is available here, or anyone can email comments directly to hugh@wcog.org.
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:
- Death and serious injuries are unacceptable
- Humans make mistakes
- Humans are vulnerable
- Responsibility is shared
- Safety is proactive
- Redundancy is crucial
The objectives of the Safe Systems Approach are:
- Safer people
- Safer roads
- Safer vehicles
- Safer speeds
- Post-crash care
WCOG’s Upcoming Work
Over the next 18 months, advised by a regional Safety Action Plan Committee, phases of work will include:
- Analysis of regional, historical crash data alongside state and national trends
- Development of initial, data-based observations regarding the most actionable and effective regional crash-reduction strategies.
- Public engagement to discuss initial findings with community-based organizations and the broader community and apply this input to selection of future investments and delivery of specific future strategies, especially education and encouragement programs.
- Review of existing safety related policies, programs, regulations, etc. and possible recommendations for changes.
- Development of a project-selection methodology and review of proposals.
- Development of a prioritized regional safety improvement project list for proposals for SS4A implementation funding.
- Completion of the regional SS4A Action Plan.
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)