This issue of GHSA's newsletter looks at pedestrian safety, summarizes recent traffic safety news and spotlights two associate members.
Traffic deaths are continuing a modest decline, but we have much more work remaining to make our roads safer for people both inside and outside a motor vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced earlier this month that 42,514 people died in crashes in 2023, down 3.6% from the year before. While this progress is certainly encouraging (especially after a surge at the start of the pandemic), 2023 marked the third straight year with more than 40,000 roadway fatalities. That’s completely unacceptable. GHSA remains focused on working with partners – both long-standing and new – to bring the number of roadway crashes, injuries and deaths to zero.
Mirroring the trend with overall traffic fatalities, pedestrian deaths are showing signs of a minor decrease in 2023, according to GHSA’s data analysis. GHSA’s report projects that drivers struck and killed 3,373 people walking in the first half of 2023 – down 4% from the year before but 14% above 2019, the last pre-pandemic year. The report received widespread media coverage, including in NPR, Streetsblog, Ars Technica, Smart Cities Dive and more. Our team is working on a follow-up report that will examine full-year 2023 estimates, analyze historic federal data and share examples of what states are doing to improve safety for people on foot.
Pedestrian safety was one of the topics the GHSA team discussed at the recent Lifesavers Conference in Denver. CEO Jonathan Adkins spoke at a workshop about GHSA’s data analysis and how the Safe System approach can help. Senior Director of External Engagement Pam Shadel Fischer addressed teen driver safety at a separate workshop, and Programs and Member Services Director Kerry Chausmer was in the Exhibit Hall representing the Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program. It was wonderful to connect with and learn from so many knowledgeable and dedicated traffic safety professionals. Collaboration will be key to building on the recent progress and continuing to reduce traffic crashes, injuries and deaths.
As Distracted Driving Awareness Month draws to a close, GHSA continues to work to change the social norm around this persistent but deadly behavior. In collaboration with General Motors, GHSA has highlighted short videos with a wide range of safety and community leaders sharing why they stay distraction-free on the road. Thanks to everyone who took part in the #NoDistractions campaign! GHSA also released a report with Cambridge Mobile Telematics showing that distracted driving fell in four states after they implemented hands-free laws.
The GHSA 2024 Annual Meeting is less than five months away! We have a fresh new website for the Annual Meeting – check it out at ghsameeting.org to see an agenda, featured sessions, ideas for what to do in Indianapolis, lists of sponsors and exhibitors and much more. Registration is now open – register now to take advantage of the early bird rate.
We’re excited to share that we’ve already confirmed a number of great speakers! On September 11, we’ll explore the Safe System approach with three experts, including Laura D. Chace, ITS America President and CEO. The following day, a General Session on the future of traffic safety will feature MICHELIN Mobility Intelligence President and COO Erik Dietz and other leaders. We're announcing more speakers each week! Sign up for email updates and follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook for the latest.
The Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall is 85% sold out, with only 11 booths still available. Don’t miss your chance – sign up today before all the spots are gone! Thank you to the more than 40 Roadway Safety Champions who are supporting the Annual Meeting through their sponsorship. See a complete list of sponsors and learn how you can join them.
Join GHSA on May 22 at 2 p.m. EST for a pre-conference webinar, sponsored by Honda, to learn what vehicle manufacturers are doing to address mobility and equity in safety for the next generation of road users, and how vehicle manufacturers, State Highway Safety Offices and local partners can work together.
This edition of Directions in Highway Safety is brought to you by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA).
Representing nearly 60% of the U.S. property casualty insurance market, APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers. APCIA represents the broadest cross-section of home, auto and business insurers of any national trade association. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures and regions, which protect families, communities and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.
Directions in Highway Safety is published bimonthly by the Governors Highway Safety Association.