WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a Call to Action urging organizations and individuals to take action to prevent traffic fatalities and serious injuries and released new federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant awards to support local safety improvements. The National League of Cities (NLC) is joining with USDOT to support this effort and urge cities, towns and villages to take action. NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony released the following statement:
“Today we call for action to address the overlooked tragedy happening on our nation’s roads that has persisted for far too long and claimed the lives of far too many of our family and friends. Road crashes should not be one of the leading causes of death for America’s youth, and pedestrians should not have to risk their lives to cross the street.
City leaders are ready to act to prevent the senseless loss of life on our nation’s roads, and we are excited thousands of improvements and plans are now in the works through the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. The National League of Cities joins Secretary Buttigieg in applauding the hundreds of cities committing to get more safety projects done for our communities. Together we can save lives.”
The Department of Transportation’s Call to Action is part of their National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) which outlines the Department’s comprehensive approach to reversing the rise in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the nation’s highways, roads, and streets.
NLC has many initiatives in support of the National Roadway Safety Strategy including a commitment to grow the NLC Safety First Challenge for Safer Streets to include up to 50 additional communities that are committed to action using proven road safety intervention strategies. NLC is also hosting two Local Infrastructure Hub Technical Assistance Bootcamps focused on preparing small and mid-sized communities to apply for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants. In addition to these two initiatives, NLC is adding more localized safety data resources and establishing relationships between local youth leaders and elected officials on road safety.
More information on the NRSS and how to join the Call to Action can be found here.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.