road and travel safety

Global Road Safety

• Tips for Road Safety at Home and Abroad

Current Global Road Safety Efforts

Cdc works to improve global road safety, the safe system approach, vision zero and u.s. road to zero efforts, featured publications and resources.

Roads are shared by cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, pedestrians, animals, taxis, and other travelers throughout the world. Travel made possible by motor vehicles supports economic and social development in many countries. Yet each year these vehicles are involved in crashes that are responsible for 1.35 million deaths and up to 50 million injuries. 1  Fatal and nonfatal crash injuries are estimated to cost the world economy approximately $1.8 trillion (in 2010 USD) from 2015–2030. 2

Road traffic crashes are also the world’s leading cause of death for children and young adults 5–29 years of age. 1

Know the risks and take steps to protect your health and safety whether you are on the road at home or abroad.

Tips for Road Safety at Home and Abroad 3

• United Nations Global Road Safety Week occurs every other year in May. The May 2021 Global Road Safety Week was dedicated to promoting low speed limits for streets where people and traffic mix. It also served to kick off the new Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) .
• The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims occurs every year on the third Sunday in November. It honors the millions of people who are killed and injured in crashes every year, as well as emergency responders who treat road traffic victims.
• Always use a seat belt on every trip , no matter how short and no matter if you are in the front seat or the back seat of a vehicle.
• Make sure children are always properly buckled  in the back seat in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt that is appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
• Always wear a helmet  when driving or riding on motorcycles , motorbikes, or bicycles .
• Do not drive while impaired by alcohol and/or any other substance that can impair your ability to drive—including marijuana, other illicit drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter medications. Also, do not ride with a driver who is impaired by alcohol and/or any substances.
• Obey speed limits. Speeding is a leading risk factor for crashes, and high speeds increase the likelihood of severe injury or death when a crash occurs.
• Drive without distractions . For example, don’t use a cell phone or text while driving.
• Be alert when crossing streets, especially in countries where motorists drive on the left side of the road. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
• Ride only in marked/official taxis or ride share vehicles. Try to ride in taxis or ride share vehicles that have seat belts available in all seating positions.
• Avoid riding in overcrowded, overweight, or top-heavy buses or minivans.
• Access more information about road safety, overall safety, and security in every country of the world by visiting the  country information page on the U.S. Department of State website. Also, review the CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travelers chapters about Injury & Trauma and Road & Traffic Safety  when traveling abroad.
• Review in-depth profiles about road traffic safety by country in the World Health Organization’s Global Status Reports on Road Safety .

The  3 rd  Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety , held in Sweden in February 2020, produced the  Stockholm Declaration . This statement acknowledges that substantial progress was made to improve road safety during the first  Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011–2020) . It mentions some key achievements, such as enhanced global coordination on road safety, greater engagement with non-governmental entities, production and dissemination of road traffic injury prevention resources, and increased global commitment to focusing on and providing resources for road safety.

However, the statement also recognizes that all countries still face formidable road safety challenges. It describes lessons learned from the first Decade of Action, including the need to promote an integrated approach to road safety, the importance of identifying and implementing long-term and sustainable road safety solutions, and the need for continued emphasis on collaboration across sectors.

The statement also reaffirms commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially road safety-related targets  3.6  and  11.2 .

• SDG Target 3.6 called for a 50% reduction in road traffic crash deaths and injuries by 2020.
• SDG Target 11.2 calls for safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation systems for everyone, with an emphasis on people in vulnerable situations, women, children, older adults, and people with disabilities.

In addition, the Stockholm Declaration emphasizes the protection of vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists), the importance of adopting and enforcing evidence-based policies to reduce transportation risk behaviors, the critical role of advanced vehicle safety technologies, the importance of shifting to cleaner and healthier modes of transportation, and our shared responsibility to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries.

A high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on global road safety was held from June 30–July 1, 2022 , to unite stakeholders, assess road safety progress, address gaps and challenges, and plan for future action to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries worldwide.

CDC recognizes the new  United Nations (UN) Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030)  and its priorities. This second Decade of Action was established by the UN General Assembly  resolution 74/299  “Improving global road safety” and adopted in August 2020. The new Decade of Action re-establishes the goal of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries across the world by 50% from 2021–2030.

It also reiterates a set of  12 voluntary global road safety performance targets developed and finalized by World Health Organization (WHO) Member States in 2016–2017 in response to World Health Assembly resolution 69.7 [PDF – 3 pages] . The targets are intended to help countries accelerate road traffic injury reduction and road safety improvements, as well as assess their road safety progress.

A new Global Plan of Action aligning with the  Stockholm Declaration , UN General Assembly  resolution 74/299  “Improving global road safety,” and the new Decade of Action was released in 2021. The Global Plan of Action provides actionable steps based on effective interventions to work towards a 50% reduction of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. The continued use of the 12 voluntary global road safety performance targets to monitor and report on road safety progress is encouraged.

CDC has also provided technical and funding support for WHO reports, manuals, documents, and technical packages. For example, S ave  LIVES : A Road Safety Technical Package  (2017) is an evidence-based inventory of priority interventions that can help road safety professionals, governments, and other decision-makers reduce road traffic injuries and achieve the road safety-related Sustainable Development Goal targets ( 3.6  and  11.2 ). It focuses on:

• S peed management
• L eadership on road safety
• I nfrastructure design and improvement
• V ehicle safety standards
• E nforcement of traffic laws
• Post-crash S urvival

The Safe System approach is a holistic approach to road safety that works to protect all road users, acknowledges that humans make mistakes, and accounts for human vulnerability. It emphasizes that road systems should be built in a way to reduce human error and protect humans from death and severe injury when they make mistakes. 4,5  The Safe System approach also reiterates that road safety is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders and that proactive approaches can be taken to improve road safety.

The core elements [PDF – 2 pages]  of the Safe System approach include safe road users, safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe roads, and post-crash care. A few examples of implementing Safe System principles include creating separate spaces for cars and pedestrians, reducing speeds, engineering roads to facilitate safe driving, and safer vehicles that incorporate technology to reduce the occurrence and severity of crashes.

Some countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and Sweden have embraced and implemented the Safe System approach for many years and have had success in reducing road traffic deaths and injuries. 5

In 1997, an idea from Sweden opened the door to a new way of thinking:  Vision Zero . This idea that no one should die or suffer serious injury in road traffic crashes has gained considerable traction across the world and has evolved into a highly successful road safety strategy. This vision supports the  Safe System approach  to road safety. In the United States,  many cities, counties, and communities  have accepted the challenge of zero road traffic deaths and major reductions in injuries. The Collaborative Sciences Center for Road Safety has multiple Vision Zero resources available, including a U.S. Vision Zero Plan Library and other related resources .

In 2016, the Road to Zero (RTZ) Coalition  was launched to support and enhance Vision Zero efforts in the United States. The coalition’s primary goal is to end road traffic fatalities in the United States by 2050. CDC actively participates in the coalition and serves on the steering group.

The RTZ Coalition outlines  three primary focus areas :

• Doubling down on what works through proven, evidence-based strategies
• Advancing life-saving technology in vehicles and infrastructure
• Prioritizing safety by adopting a Safe System approach and creating a positive safety culture

Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) also affirms that even one death on our nation’s roads is too many. TZD has six areas of emphasis [PDF – 2 pages] :

• Safer drivers and passengers
• Safer vulnerable users (e.g., pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists)
• Safer vehicles
• Safer infrastructure
• Enhanced emergency medical services
• Improved safety management

A combination of strategies and the collaboration of groups from many different sectors, such as public health organizations, law enforcement agencies, and emergency medical services, are necessary to achieve the TZD vision.

In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) passed in November 2021 authorizes major investments and initiatives to improve road safety and other components of the U.S. transportation sector. The National Roadway Safety Strategy issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation in early 2022 establishes a comprehensive plan to improve road safety in the United States and embraces widespread adoption of the Safe System approach at the national level.

Each day, almost 3,700 people are killed globally in road traffic crashes involving cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, or pedestrians. More than half of those people killed in crashes are pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.

Yellman MA, Sauber-Schatz EK. Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths — United States and 28 Other High-Income Countries, 2015 and 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:837–843. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7126a1 .

You can also check out this interactive data visualization chart created by the National Safety Council which displays data from the CDC Feature Publication.

Each year, 1.35 million people die on the world’s roads. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children and young adults ages 5–29 years.

The Traffic Conflict Technique (TCT) Toolkit [PDF – 76 pages]  is a comprehensive guide that describes five different methods to evaluate the impact of a road safety intervention by collecting and analyzing traffic conflict data. A traffic conflict occurs when two or more road users are at risk of colliding if their movements do not change. The TCT Toolkit focuses on pedestrian-vehicle traffic conflicts in and around school zones in low- and middle-income countries. Download the TCT Toolkit to learn more about how to improve road safety in school zones.

The toolkit was then piloted in three school zones in low- and middle-income countries (Ghana, Vietnam, and Mexico) to collect data and analyze pedestrian-vehicle traffic conflicts. Results showed there was a decrease in road traffic conflicts from before implementation to after implementation in each of the three countries, providing evidence that the road safety interventions were effective. TCTs are relatively low cost, simple, and can help decisionmakers evaluate and prioritize strategies for improving road safety with real-world data. Learn more about the evaluation .

• World Health Organization (WHO).  Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018 . Geneva, Switzerland: The World Health Organization (WHO); December 2018.
• Chen S, Kuhn M, Prettner K, Bloom DE.  The global macroeconomic burden of road injuries: estimates and projections for 166 countries .  Lancet Planet Health . 2019;3(9):e390–398.
• Sauber-Schatz EK, Parker EM, Sleet DA, Ballesteros MF. CDC Health Information for International Travel (Yellow Book 2020 Edition).  Chapter 8 – Travel by Air, Land & Sea – Road & Traffic Safety . Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); 2020.
• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). Technical Resources – Safe System .
• Safe System Consortium Report – Recommendations of the Safe System Consortium [PDF – 17 pages] . Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), and FIA Foundation; 2021.

To receive email updates about this topic, enter your email address:

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Based on Zip Code Change

• Shop the Red Cross Store

Highway Safety

• Share via Email
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn

Prepare for Driving

• Carry a  Disaster Supplies Kit  in your trunk.
• Pack high protein snacks, water, First Aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications and important documents or information you may need.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
• Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
• If you are taking your pet with you , there are special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

On the Highway

• Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
• Be well rested and alert.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
• Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
• Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
• Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
• If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

Explore Related Safety Topics

Free App to Help Your Family Stay Safe

Find our Emergency App in the  Apple Store » or  Google Play »

Aplicación de Emergencias - ahora disponible en  español » también!

Additional Safety Resources

Types of Emergencies

Be Red Cross Ready

Help people affected by disasters big and small.

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Section 8 - Jet Lag
• Section 8 - Cruise Ship Travel

Road & Traffic Safety

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Erin Sauber-Schatz, Erin Parker, Michael Ballesteros

Around the world, thousands of people are killed every day in motor vehicle crashes involving bicycles, buses, cars, motorcycles, trucks, and pedestrians.

Motor Vehicle Crashes: By The Numbers

Annually, ≈1.35 million people are killed (≈3,740 people every day) and an additional 20–50 million are injured in motor vehicle crashes. Road traffic injuries have become the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years. Although only 60% of the world’s vehicles are in low- and middle-income countries, 93% of the world’s crash deaths occur in these countries. More than half of people who die on the world’s roads each year are cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, also called vulnerable road users.

According to US Department of State data, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of nonnatural death among US citizens who die in a foreign country (see Sec. 4, Ch. 12, Injury & Trauma ). In 2017 and 2018, 431 US citizens living or traveling internationally died following motor vehicle crashes; 62% of crash deaths occurred among drivers and passengers of passenger vehicles (cars, sport utility vehicles, trucks). Other traffic-related fatalities involved motorcycle drivers and passengers (21%) and pedestrians (8.8%).

Table 8-01 shows the top 30 countries visited by US citizens (2016–2017) based on the Survey of International Air Travelers from the US Department of Commerce. For each country, the table lists the estimated motor vehicle crash death rate per 100,000 population as an indicator for the risk of motor vehicle crash death and the number of US citizens who died in each country because of a crash death from 2017 through 2018.

Table 8-01 Thirty most visited destinations for US citizens traveling abroad, 2016–2017 (US Department of Commerce), World Health Organization (WHO) estimated motor vehicle crash death rate (per 100,000 population) & number of US citizen crash deaths per country, 2017–2018 1

Abbreviation: NA, data not available.

1 Most recent available complete data.

2 US Department of Commerce, National Travel & Tourism Office. Top destinations of U.S. residents traveling abroad, 2016–2017. December 2018. Available from:  https://travel.trade.gov/outreachpages/outbound.general_information.outbound_overview.asp

3 World Health Organization. WHO global status report on road safety 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018.Available from:  www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565684 .

4 US Department of State. Deaths of US citizens abroad by nonnatural causes, 2018. Available from:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/death-abroad1/death-statistics.html .

5 A total of 158 crash deaths occurred in countries not included in the list of top-visited countries, including Vietnam (17 deaths) and Honduras (8 deaths). All other countries not listed reported ≤5 deaths in 2017–2018.

6 2016 data not available for reported number of road travel deaths based on WHO global status report on road safety, 2018.

7 Number of drivers and passengers combined for road user death percentage based on WHO global status report on road safety, 2018.

Motor Vehicle Crashes: Risk Factors

Motor vehicle crashes are common among US citizens traveling abroad for many reasons. In many low- and middle-income countries, unsafe vehicles and an inadequate transportation environment contribute to the crash injury problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vehicles sold in 80% of all countries worldwide fail to meet basic safety standards promoted by the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. In addition, motor vehicles share the road with vulnerable road users, and the mix of traffic, including animals, buses, cars, rickshaws, taxis, and large trucks, increases the risk for crashes and injuries.

Speed is another risk factor for vehicular crashes, injuries, and deaths. According to the WHO, speed contributes to about a third of road fatalities in high-income countries and to nearly half in low- and middle-income countries, including fatalities among vulnerable road users. Other factors that contribute to the risk for motor vehicle crashes among travelers include lack of familiarity with the roads, driving on the opposite side of the road, the influence of alcohol, poorly made or inadequately maintained vehicles, travel fatigue, poor road surfaces without shoulders, unprotected curves and cliffs, and absent lighting creating conditions of poor visibility.

Use of protective equipment significantly decreases the risk for injury and death during a vehicle crash. Seat belts, correctly installed children’s booster and car seats, and helmets for bicycle and motorcycle riders reduce crash-related injury and death, but this equipment can be scarce in some countries. In addition, timely and effective emergency and hospital care might be unavailable in some locations. Trauma centers capable of providing optimal care for serious injuries are uncommon outside urban areas in many international destinations.

Motor Vehicle Crashes: Risk Reduction Strategies

Strategies travelers can use to reduce the risks for motor vehicle crash injuries include remaining alert and avoiding distractions when cycling, driving, or walking; choosing transportation carefully (e.g., avoiding overcrowded buses); abstaining from alcohol before driving; and not accepting rides from an impaired driver (see  Table 8-02  for more strategies). Travelers should always use seat belts and child safety seats and should rent vehicles with seat belts. Whenever possible, travelers should only ride in taxis with seat belts, and opt for the rear seat. Travelers also should bring car seats or booster seats for their children from home, unless they can be assured of their availability and quality at the destination.

Discourage travelers from driving or riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, including motorcycle and motorbike taxis. For travelers who cannot be dissuaded, strongly recommend that they wear a helmet that meets US safety standards. A good-quality helmet can reduce the risk for death by 40% and for severe injury by 70%.

The Department of State has useful safety information for international travelers , including road safety and security alerts, international driving permits, and travel insurance, along with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . In addition, the Association for International Road Travel has useful safety information for international travelers, including road safety checklists and country-specific driving risks.

Table 8-02 Risk factors & recommended strategies to reduce risk for road traffic crashes and injuries while abroad

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Erin K. Sauber-Schatz, Erin M. Parker, David A. Sleet, Michael F. Ballesteros

Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motor vehicle safety. Available from:  www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/index.html .

World Health Organization. 10 facts on global road safety. Available from:  www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/road-safety . 

World Health Organization. Violence and injury prevention: developing global targets for road safety risk factors and service delivery mechanisms. Available from:  www.who.int/activities/developing-global-targets-for-road-safety-risk-factors-and-service-delivery-mechanisms . 

World Health Organization. Violence and injury prevention: road traffic injuries. Available from:  www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries .

World Health Organization. WHO global status report on road safety 2015. Full report available from:  www.afro.who.int/publications/global-status-report-road-safety-2015 ; summary report available from:  www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/road_safety_status/2015/GSRRS2015_Summary_EN_final2.pdf?ua=1 . 

World Health Organization. WHO global status report on road safety 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Available from:  www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565684 .

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• Health & Safety
• Travel Safety

Road Safety

Rideshare safety.

Road safety is not something that travelers necessarily think about in planning their experiences abroad, but in fact, traffic accidents are a leading cause of death of Americans abroad , particularly for college students. Contrary to popular belief, 85% of fatal crashes occur in industrialized countries, according to the Association of Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) . Travelers can minimize their risk by assessing the road culture in travel areas and implementing safety precautions.

ASIRT suggests that travelers:

• Select the safest form of transportation in your area
• Avoid late-night road travel in countries with poor safety records and/or mountainous terrain
• Understand how seasonal hazards affect road conditions
• Know the dates of local holidays (when road accident rates rise)

Additional suggestions for pedestrians are:

• Be aware of traffic patterns in your area (they may be very different from those in the U.S.)
• Be especially alert at intersections
• Wear reflective clothing if jogging at dusk or dawn (especially in locales where jogging may be uncommon)
• Do not walk where you cannot easily be seen
• Remember that most road fatalities are pedestrians
• Avoid hitchhiking

Additional suggestions for passengers are:

• Avoid riding with a driver who appears intoxicated, irrational, or over-tired
• Always ride in the back seat of a taxi cab
• Wear seat belts whenever possible

We understand that many travelers are tempted to rent cars, mopeds, or motorbikes during their time abroad, but often do so without regard to the risks of driving in a country whose rules of the road are unfamiliar. However economical or entertaining this may seem, Northwestern University strongly recommends against renting any kind of motorized vehicle abroad.  

Road travel in some developing countries poses additional road risks. Public transportation in some areas may consist of overcrowded, overweight, and top-heavy minivans or buses. Taxicabs may not appear to be in good condition, and drivers may or may not be licensed. Sidewalks may or may not be lit, or exist at all. In these cases, follow the advice of the on-site staff, program provider, travel agent, or other responsible party administering your travel experience. They can teach you how to minimize your risk when selecting various modes of transportation.

For more information about safe international road travel, visit the Association for Safe International Road Travel website . 

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

Federal grants aim to boost technology for road safety in metro Phoenix

Technology aimed at improving road safety in metro Phoenix will get a boost from federal grants awarded to Phoenix and the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Both the city and the economic development agency were chosen as recipients of Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grants, part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The grants were about $2 million each.

Grants focus on pedestrian safety, connected vehicles

Phoenix was chosen for a project that will integrate technology into stoplights along the Grand Canal to detect pedestrians and cyclists passively, so they could be given a walk sign without having to press a button to alert the light they are there.

The Arizona Commerce Authority is partnering with the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Verizon, the Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County Department of Transportation, Maricopa County Association of Governments, Valley Metro and Chicanos Por La Causa on its project. Its project involves technology called “vehicle to everything.”

The technology, which is being developed around the country, communicates through mobile networks with other vehicles, emergency services and other entities that could affect the vehicle’s performance. In this program, drivers would be alerted through their cell phone of an upcoming hazard, similar to how some of the smartphone mapping apps alert for crashes ahead while on a route. This technology would be able to communicate hazards like crashes, slowed traffic, blocked roadways or other dangers to drivers who opt in for the notifications.

The program is not specifically designed for autonomous vehicles, but “vehicle to everything” technology is a crucial part of autonomous vehicle infrastructure.

First phase of grants focused on scope, planning

The city and ACA were awarded phase one grants, which fund planning and readying infrastructure for the improvements. They can then apply for phase two grants to fund implementation.

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded grants to 59 projects in the first round of funding, including the two in Arizona. Of those projects, 10 were related to smart traffic signals and seven were related to connected vehicles. Other grants nationwide focused on a wide variety of projects, like drone delivery of medication to rural areas, or equipping public transit vehicles with driver assist technology for collision avoidance.

Robert Hampshire, deputy assistant secretary for research and technology for the U.S. Department of Transportation, said the grants were disbursed based on projects that demonstrated need and potential to impact safety, and projects that were developed at the local level. Hampshire visited the Maricopa County Traffic Management Center in April to discuss the grants and see the plans.

The local projects will be used as proof of concept for some of the ideas, which could then be replicated across the country at a wider scale, he said. Municipalities and organizations with similar projects will be put in touch with one another to share their experiences.

The first phase of the grants will undergo an 18-month performance period to determine the scope and infrastructure needed to get the idea going, Hampshire said. Eligible grant recipients can apply for grants for the next phase, which focuses on deploying the technology.

Reach the reporter at   [email protected] . Follow her on X, formerly Twitter,   @CorinaVanek .

• Live In The D
• Newsletters

Crash raises concerns over safety of new bike lane design in Ferndale

Bike lanes are 2-way, one going against traffic, and drivers simply aren’t used to it.

Rod Meloni , Reporter, CFP ®

Brandon Carr , Digital Content Producer

FERNDALE, Mich. – Road diets are becoming increasingly prevalent in Michigan as they treat bicycles, mass transit, and motorcycles on par with cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Although the roads are slimmer, there are fewer streets for traditional traffic. Yet the transition is not without its bumps and bruises, which was quite literally for one Ferndale bicyclist.

Traditional bike lanes are located in front of Ferndale City Hall, which has one on the side of 9 Mile Road with traffic and one on the other side with traffic.

But that is decidedly different on Woodward Avenue, where the Dream Cruise is held. The bike lanes are two-way, one going against traffic, and drivers simply aren’t used to it.

It’s a change cyclist Jon Thebo discovered can get dangerous the hard way.

“It scared the hell out of me,” said Thebo.

Two weeks ago, Thebo rode his bike south on Woodward Avenue in the bike lane and approached the Taco Bell.

“And all of a sudden, as I’m in front of this car, this woman comes out, hits me, and pushes me out into oncoming traffic, and everything just flashed before me,” Thebo said.

His bike tires and frame bent entirely out of frame.

Thebo ended up with a concussion and bruises, but fortunately for him, it wasn’t worse, which brought him to the Ferndale City Council meeting that was held on Monday (May 13).

“It was only by pure luck that additional accidents were avoided from oncoming traffic,” Thebo said.

The Woodward Avenue bike lanes are a pilot project. The two-way design and Michigan Department of Transportation creation was part of a full paving.

“It’s a state highway and a state design,” said Ferndale City Manager Joe Gacioch.

Gacioch told Local 4 that the idea was a first of its kind, but it is not complete, assuring that it would see green-painted instructions for cyclists and drivers before it is completed in June.

The Ferndale city manager said the new design would take time to adjust to the slimmed-down stretch and get used to moving cars, which is why he asked cyclists to pay more attention.

“We’re going to have to get drivers more used to not infringing on the right of way when making a right turn and looking both ways like when you’re taught in driver’s education,” Gacioch said. “I know that not all drivers do that.”

An education session will be held in Ferndale City Hall with the League of Michigan Cyclists to teach everyone how to use the new road diet to their best and safest advantage.

Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional.

Brandon Carr

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines.

Recommended Videos

Share the Road: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility

With warmer weather, you’re likely seeing more bikes on the road, so it’s a perfect time for a reminder to Share the Road .

Drivers Share the Road

For drivers, sharing the road begins with the understanding that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. They also face unique safety challenges, such as being smaller and less visible. Look for cyclists where vehicles do not appear, like before making a left-hand turn at an intersection. Also, be aware that motorcyclists may have to downshift and weave to avoid bumps and road hazards.

Pedestrians have rights on the road, too. Always slow down and be prepared to yield to pedestrians when they’re in a crosswalk. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be people crossing whom you can’t see. And, be extra cautious when backing up across sidewalks or in parking lots.

Motorcyclists, Bicyclists and Pedestrians Share the Road

Just like drivers behind the wheel, bicyclists and motorcyclists  must obey signs and signals. Ride defensively, assuming others cannot see you, and don’t let yourself be distracted by music, an electronic device, or anything else that takes your focus off the road. Bicyclists should always ride with traffic, use bike lanes when available and avoid riding on sidewalks when possible. 

Pedestrians should also follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals — which are there to protect you. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from vehicles as possible. Always cross streets at crosswalks when they are available; drivers know to look for you there. If there isn’t a crosswalk, cross at a well-lit place where drivers can best see you.

Prevent a Deadly Crash

As more Americans choose to ride bikes and walk to stay healthy, and as an alternative to driving, pedestrian and cyclist deaths in motor-vehicle-related crashes have increased over the past decade.

Bicyclists : In 2022, 1,105 bicyclists died in traffic crashes.

Pedestrians : There were 7,522 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2022.

Motorcyclists : The number of motorcyclists killed in 2022 was 6,218.

Join us in helping to keep everyone safe on the road. Remember, no one — no driver, cyclist, or pedestrian — has sole rights to the road. It’s a shared space where we all have rights and responsibilities.

• Bicycle Safety
• Motorcycle Safety
• Pedestrian Safety
• Distracted Driving