FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2018
CONTACT: Kara Macek; 202-789-0942 x140
Statement by GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) meets to consider recommendations to enhance pedestrian safety, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) thanks the Board for supporting a collaborative and locally-focused approach to the issue.
Earlier this year, GHSA projected that nearly 6,000 pedestrians lost their lives on U.S. roadways in 2017, marking the second consecutive year of fatality numbers not seen in more than two decades. Research has consistently shown that a combination of education, engineering, and enforcement efforts are most effective to reduce pedestrian deaths. GHSA has been persistent in calling for these comprehensive solutions in our recently strengthened policy statements. The Association is pleased to see NTSB Board Members call today for the implementation of a range of countermeasures.
GHSA believes there is no single, universal solution to this issue. States and localities should reserve the right to examine and evaluate the pedestrian safety problems their communities face and implement the solutions that best fit their needs. As the NTSB noted today, improved pedestrian fatality data collection and access are critical to enabling communities to perform these careful analyses.
Pedestrian safety is one issue that impacts all of us; GHSA looks forward to working with NTSB, our partners, and our members to reverse the trend and ensure pedestrian safety.
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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.