Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Bipartisan legislation has recently been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with the aim of improving pedestrian safety in communities. The Save Our Pedestrians Act of 2024 proposes that five percent of funding provided to states through the Highway Safety Improvement Program should be allocated to projects aimed at reducing the number of injuries and fatalities at high-risk pedestrian crossings.
U.S. Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH) and Emilia Sykes (D-OH) are the bill’s sponsors. Carey acknowledged the challenges faced by the Columbus metro region, which has experienced a significant increase in population growth without adequate transportation and pedestrian infrastructure. He emphasized that the proposed legislation would enhance road safety for children and families by redesigning crosswalks, roundabouts, sidewalks, and other critical elements.
Sykes also stressed the urgent need for practical solutions to the growing issue of pedestrian injuries and fatalities. She emphasized that the legislation aims to enhance the quality of life in communities by ensuring that people can navigate their neighborhoods without fear.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities have risen by 77 percent since 2010. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 8,000 pedestrians have lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents since 2011, equivalent to approximately one death every 66 minutes.
This bipartisan legislation seeks to address these alarming statistics and promote safer pedestrian experiences across the nation. By prioritizing funding for high-risk pedestrian crossings, it aims to make significant strides in reducing injuries and fatalities in communities.
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