Welcome to the FHWA Safety Program

Reducing Highway Fatalities

That’s our job and our commitment – we work with our State and Local partners and others in the transportation community to develop and promote programs and technologies to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our Nation’s roadways. In 2009, 33,808 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States – the lowest number of deaths since 1950 (33,186 fatalities in 1950). In addition, 2009 saw the lowest fatality and injury rates ever recorded: 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2009, compared to 1.26 deaths for 2008. The number of people injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009 declined for a 10th straight year in a row, falling an estimated 5.5 percent from 2008.

The FHWA Office of Safety's mission is to reduce highway fatalities by making our roads safer through a data–driven, systematic approach and addressing all “4Es” of safety: engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency medical services. Increasing awareness of the need for roadway safety infrastructure improvements is very important. We are striving to provide decision–makers important information, tools and resources that will improve the safety performance of roadways. Safety should be considered first, every time and at every stage of a project. Make safety your first consideration in every investment decision.

New! Proven Safety Countermeasures

This Web site will be your one-stop shop for information on the latest FHWA-recommended set of research-proven safety countermeasures and FHWA guidance on countermeasure considerations. The updated list of proven countermeasures was developed based on recent safety research to address intersection, roadway departure,and pedestrian issues wherever they may occur.

Many of these countermeasures are low-cost solutions, and FHWA encourages its partners to consider implementing these countermeasures broadly, as appropriate, to reap the benefits of using solutions that are known to save lives.

LEARN MORE TODAY!

New! 2011 National Roadway Safety Awards

Every two years, since 1999, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) joins with the Roadway Safety Foundation (RSF) to recognize innovative, efficient roadway safety projects and programs that eliminate or sharply reduce highway deaths across the country. Awards are presented in three categories:

Infrastructure Improvements
Operational Improvements
Program Planning, Development and Evaluation

FHWA and RSF presented 9 awards and 2 honorable mentions at a luncheon ceremony on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, in Washington, DC. Read more...

New! Roadway Safety Noteworthy Practices

Many states and local agencies are successfully implementing innovative approaches to roadway safety program and project planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Roadway Safety Noteworthy Practices Database presents case studies of innovative practices organized by specific roadway safety topics. Each case study provides a summary of the practice, key accomplishments, results, and contact information for those interested in learning more. Visit this new and growing resource today!

The Safety Edge

The asphalt paving technique called the Safety Edge is gaining momentum across the country as State transportation departments strive to protect motorists from run-off-the-road crashes. The Federal Highway Administration recommends that States use the safety edge technique—particularly on two-lane roads with unpaved shoulders. Read more...

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

As of September 3, 2010, ARRA has funded 1,002 “Safety/Traffic Management” Projects, totaling $1,366,027,488, representing 7.7% of FHWA ARRA projects and 5% of total funding.

FHWA Web site developed to assist all State and local agencies to implement the ARRA as expeditiously as possible. It includes a series of key questions and answers (Q&As). These Q&As will continue to be updated as more information becomes available and this web page will provide all stakeholders with the latest information. Read more...

Highway Safety Improvement Program

Intersection Safety

Local & Rural Road Safety

Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety

Roadway Departure Safety

Speed Management Safety

Additional Safety Programs & Initiatives

Including Safety Strategies in the Recovery Act Delivery

The safety of the traveling public and of the workers on the roadway is of utmost concern to the administration. Many safety improvements can be easily and cost effectively incorporated into existing "ready to go" projects without changing the scope or delaying the project. Making small changes to these projects can produce big safety benefits. As an example, incorporating rumble strips into a resurfacing project can cost as little at $600 per mile, and the benefits in terms of reductions in fatalities and serious injuries are dramatic.

Another way to achieve these safety benefits is through "programmatic" or "system-wide" projects that may focus on addressing safety issues in a particular area or corridor. Examples include projects that systemically install proven safety countermeasures such as guardrails, warning signs, striping, rumble strips, rumble stripes, safety edge and median barriers. Click here for more information on these and other proven safety countermeasures. This system-wide approach may be particularly useful to local governments.

Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSPs) are a good starting point for identifying stand-alone safety projects or enhancements to "ready to go" projects that can be implemented, constructed, and advanced quickly. The Economic Recovery Delivery is an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of these safety action plans, and the sooner these safety features can be put in place, the sooner they will save lives.

Furthermore, many state SHSPs include a data system improvement element. Improved data systems are eligible activities and such projects do not require the intensive planning, design, approvals, and permitting that construction projects do. The Office of Safety and our Field office Safety Specialists are prepared to help advance these important, life-saving, investments. see more info