WASHINGTON (January 27, 2022) – National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy issued the following statement Thursday:
“The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) National Roadway Safety Strategy represents the bold paradigm shift we need. Swift action by federal regulators, state and local authorities, and all stakeholders must immediately follow if we are to reverse the deadly public health crisis on our roads.
“I’m especially pleased that the strategy embraces zero as the only acceptable number of roadway fatalities, a goal DOT rightly acknowledges is only achievable through the adoption of the Safe System Approach. The NTSB called for transitioning to a Safe System Approach in our 2021-2022 Most Wanted List.
“The sobering reality is that some road users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycle users and children, are at the greatest risk of losing their life when using the U.S. transportation system — a risk that’s compounded for people of color. NTSB wholeheartedly supports the strategy’s assertion that advancing transportation equity is essential to our shared safety mission.
“NTSB looks forward to continuing to work with DOT to advance safety and implement the actions called for in the National Roadway Safety Strategy, many of which align with NTSB recommendations.”
Protecting vulnerable road users through a Safe System Approach is on the NTSB’s Most Wanted List of transportation improvements. More information: https://go.usa.gov/xtn5P
To report an incident/accident or if you are a public safety agency, please call 1-844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 to speak to a Watch Officer at the NTSB Response Operations Center (ROC) in Washington, DC (24/7).
