US Transportation Secretary Sean P Duffy has given states across the nation 60 days to identify arterial road segments and intersections with the highest safety concerns as part of a new nationwide initiative targeting America’s most dangerous roadways.
In a letter sent to every state governor on Tuesday July 1, 2025, Secretary Duffy requested that state departments of transportation work with their metropolitan planning organizations to use available safety data and assessments to develop comprehensive lists of problematic locations that will be addressed by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. These lists must be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Division Offices within the 60-day timeframe.
The initiative, called Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies (SAFE ROADS), specifically targets non-freeway arterial roads where more than half of US roadway deaths occur, according to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“While I am encouraged that the estimates of traffic fatalities for 2024 continue a downward trend, by decreasing 3.8% from 2023, we still have more work to do to improve safety and mobility on our nation’s highways,” wrote Secretary Duffy. “In 2024, the estimated number was a stunning 39,345. This is unacceptable.”
The Transportation Secretary also made clear that intersections and crosswalks need to be kept free from distractions, including political messages of any nature, artwork, or anything else that detracts from driver and pedestrian safety.
“Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork,” continued Secretary Duffy. “Today I am calling on governors in every state to ensure that roadways, intersections, and crosswalks are kept free of distractions. Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball. USDOT stands ready to help communities across the country make their roads safer and easier to navigate.”
FHWA will support state participation by tracking nationwide progress of the SAFE ROADS initiative and assisting state DOTs with technical expertise and resources, including road safety audits and assessments. The agency will also help select effective safety and operational countermeasures to accelerate improvements and ensure compliance with federal standards for traffic control devices and use of the roadway right-of-way.
Secretary Duffy concluded his letter with an appeal for collaboration, writing, “With our shared goals of moving people and goods safely and efficiently, we can make the expectation that all Americans make it home safely and on-time a reality.”
