FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2020
CONTACT: Adrian Nicholas, 202-580-7934, anicholas@ghsa.org
GHSA Joins U.S. DOT, Calls for Collaboration to Better Protect Pedestrians
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the latest highway safety data showing the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1990, Chuck DeWeese, Chair of the Governors Highway Safety Association, will join with other safety stakeholders on Wednesday, July 8 at 1 p.m. ET for a virtual panel discussion about how governments, law enforcement and safety advocates must collaborate to counter this disturbing trend. “Taking Action on Pedestrian Safety – Part 1: Introduction and Safe System Approach,” is the first of three webinars on pedestrian safety hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“State Highway Safety Offices are implementing a wide range of programs to address the dangerous driving behaviors – speeding, distraction and impairment – that continue to threaten pedestrians in cities and communities across the country,” said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins. “GHSA appreciates U.S. DOT’s multi-modal approach as these pedestrian safety efforts must be done in concert with infrastructure improvements and other proven countermeasures to protect all road users.”
Earlier this year, GHSA released “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2019 Preliminary Data,” which reported that pedestrian fatalities nationwide continue to climb, despite declines in motor vehicle occupant deaths. The report outlines the leading contributing factors driving this trend and describes best practices for state policy and programs, which DeWeese will discuss during tomorrow’s webinar.
Chuck DeWeese is Assistant Commissioner for the New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, a position he has held since 2007. He was elected Chair of GHSA in June of 2020, after serving as Vice Chair since September 2019 and Chair of GHSA’s Federal Relations Committee.
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About GHSA
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GHSAhq or follow us on Twitter @GHSAHQ.