U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called on states to enhance safety on arterial roads, where over half of roadway fatalities occur. He labeled the 39,345 traffic deaths in 2024 as unacceptable and requested state DOTs to identify critical safety issues within 60 days. However, Duffy linked the high death toll to features like rainbow crosswalks, which studies actually show can halve crash rates. Critics argue that many U.S. arterials lack basic crosswalks and express doubt about Duffy's motives behind his 'SAFE ROADS' initiative.
Duffy's letter urged state DOTs to address roadway fatalities, providing 60 days to identify arterial segments needing safety improvements before Fiscal Year 2026 ends.
Despite Duffy equating rainbow crosswalks with political banners, studies indicate that these crosswalks can reduce crashes between drivers and vulnerable users by 50%.
Many American arterials have insufficient crosswalks, inadequate safety measures, and ongoing advocates are concerned about the true motive behind Duffy's initiative.
Critics question whether Duffy's SAFE ROADS initiative prioritizes real safety or aims to remove symbols from the streets introduced under previous administrations.
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