On Monday, May 16, 2022, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the funding of a five-year plan for a Safe Streets & Roads for All program. The administration has allowed for $5 billion in funding for this program in an effort to reduce the increased number of traffic deaths that have taken place since the Biden administration came into office. Source.
The focus of this program will be providing a direct infusion of federal funds to communities that pledge to promote safety for those who use the roadways, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, fatalities among bicyclists and pedestrians have increased drastically, and the Safe Streets & Roads for All program aims to lower the fatality rate.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made the following statement as this program was announced: “We face a national crisis of fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways, and these tragedies are preventable – so as a nation we must work urgently and collaboratively to save lives.” According to Buttigieg, the money spent on this program will help communities take action to protect Americans on our roads.
With the Safe Streets & Roads for All program, the administration hopes to address the growing crisis by slowing down cars, carving out bike paths and wider sidewalks, and nudging commuters to use public transit. This is all part of a new national strategy promoting better road design, lowered speed limits, and tougher car safety regulations.
While the administration is including around $5-6 million for grants included in President Biden’s infrastructure law, much of the federal roadmap for this program relies on cooperation from cities and states. Realistically, it could take months, or even years, to fully implement and achieve the desired results. Cities and localities have been invited to sketch out safety plans in their applications for the federal grants, which will be awarded in late 2022.
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Our personal injury attorney team knows how dangerous the streets can be for pedestrians and motorists alike. If you have been the victim of an accident in the state of Florida, contact our team of experienced attorneys. We will fight to get you justice while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
