U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has initiated a national roadway safety program aimed at enhancing mobility and safety on roads across the country. In a letter addressed to all state governors, Duffy urged participation in the Federal Highway Administration’s SAFE ROADS initiative, which focuses on non-freeway arterial roads where over half of U.S. roadway fatalities occur.
Duffy emphasized the importance of keeping intersections and crosswalks free from distractions such as political messages or artwork, stating, "Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork." He called on governors to ensure roadways remain focused on driver and pedestrian safety.
The SAFE ROADS initiative requires governors to identify necessary safety improvements within 60 days by using available data to pinpoint arterial segments with potential or documented concerns. These segments must then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration.
The program aims to make roads safer for pedestrians, vehicle operators, and automated vehicles by simplifying roadway environments and making data-driven decisions. The FHWA will support states by tracking progress, providing technical expertise, assisting with road safety audits, and ensuring compliance with federal standards.
In 2023, more than half of all U.S. roadway fatalities occurred on non-freeway arterials, with nearly two-thirds involving pedestrians. The FHWA offers resources on intersection safety and proven countermeasures to address these challenges.
This initiative follows a previous call by Secretary Duffy in March 2025 for improvements in transportation systems in Washington, D.C.
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