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Your Monthly Update
September/October 2024
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"OTS Awards Record Investment in Enforcement and Road Safety Projects | |
In response to increasing traffic-related deaths, California is investing a record $149 million in federal funding to enhance road safety. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the funding, which will support 497 grants aimed at improving biking and walking infrastructure and expanding education and enforcement programs. The investment exceeds last year's funding by $21 million and is part of a broader effort to reduce traffic fatalities. It marks the third consecutive year of historic funding for road safety initiatives. | |
NHTSA Estimates Traffic Fatalities Declined in First Half of 2024 | |
The number of people killed in traffic crashes decreased 3.2% during the first half of the year, preliminary estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found. An estimated 18,720 people were killed in car crashes, compared to 19,330 in the same period in 2023, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of declines. Despite a 0.8% increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), fatalities decreased, with the fatality rate falling to 1.17 per 100 million VMT, down from 1.21 in 2023. Estimates for California showed a marginal 0.3% increase in traffic fatalities, with 1,992 people killed in car crashes during the first half of 2024, compared to 1,987 people killed in the same period in 2023. California also saw a 9.4% decrease in traffic fatalities in 2023. In 2023, an estimated 4,013 people were killed on California roads, compared to 4,428 in 2022. | |
2024 GHSA Annual Meeting Shines Spotlight on Traffic Safety | |
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) held its 2024 Annual Meeting, “Traffic Safety at a Crossroads: Charting a Course for Success,” Sept. 7-11 in Indianapolis. With over 800 attendees, it was one of GHSA’s most well-attended conferences in its 57-year history. The meeting focused on collaboration to reach the goal of zero traffic deaths, highlighting new partners, innovative data sources, and technologies improving road safety. The OTS staff participated as moderators and panelists, while OTS Director Barbara Rooney was recognized for her leadership as GHSA Executive Board Chair. | |
UC Berkeley SafeTREC Releases 2024 Traffic Safety Facts | |
UC Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) has released its 2024 series of Traffic Safety Facts, providing valuable insights into national and California-specific traffic safety trends. The data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) focuses on fatal crashes and road safety metrics. Organized into 10 program areas aligned with the OTS’ California Highway Safety Plan 2024-2026, the release supports the Safe System approach to road safety. This comprehensive resource aims to inform traffic safety policies, helping decision-makers understand key issues and plan future road safety improvements across California. | |
Grantee Highlight: California Celebrates 28th Annual "Walk and Roll to School Day" | |
On Oct. 9, 2024, OTS partners across the state celebrated the 28th annual “Walk and Roll to School Day,” emphasizing the health benefits of walking and cycling to school while promoting pedestrian and road safety. Part of a nationwide initiative, this event encourages parents and students to explore alternative transportation methods, such as walking or biking, to reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools. It also highlights the importance of teaching children safe walking, biking, and scootering behaviors, including following traffic rules, crossing streets safely, and wearing helmets while riding bikes, skateboards or scooters. Additionally, the day serves as a reminder for drivers to slow down in school zones and remain vigilant for children walking or biking, reinforcing the need for safer routes to school. | |
Addressing Road Safety for People Experiencing Homelessness through a Safe System Approach | |
The Federal Highway Administration released a Case Study that highlights how State and local transportation agencies are implementing strategies to address the road safety of people experiencing homelessness, a population that experiences significant disparities in roadway fatalities. The Case Study shares information on seven promising practices that help address the safety needs for people in unsheltered settings like encampments on public rights-of-way. The practices were developed from specific examples of work being done in Hawaii, Austin, Texas and San Jose, Calif., as well as input from subject matter experts who provide services to people experiencing homelessness. The practices focus on sustainable, effective, and humane solutions to reduce disparities in roadway fatalities among people experiencing homelessness. | |
New Employee Spotlight: Ruby Leung | |
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The OTS is excited to welcome Ruby Leung to the OTS team as a grant coordinator in the Program Planning and Grant Operations Division. Ruby worked at the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for over two years in the Classification and Hiring (C&H) Unit. Before being a C&H analyst with Caltrans, Ruby also worked with the United States Geological Survey as a Budget Analyst for over two years. In addition to her C&H experience, she has extensive knowledge of budgets, human resources, and personnel management. Ruby graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family in her free time. In addition, she has three fur babies: Knuckles, Cartier, and Louis.
We asked Ruby a few questions to get to know her. Answers may have been edited for length and clarity.
What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the team and contributing to our goals. I’m also eager to develop my skills and take on new challenges that will help me grow professionally.
What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite movie would be any Studio Ghibli movies.
One day to unplug. No strings attached. What would that day look like?
That day would look like I’m traveling somewhere across the globe eating and trying a bunch of different food.
What or who inspires you?
My mom inspires me!
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A Safe System Guide for Transportation: Successful Examples from Communities in the U.S. | |
This report, a collaboration between the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Johns Hopkins University, and the Institute of Transportation Engineers, offers guidance for communities implementing the Safe System approach. It provides best practices, lessons learned, and six case studies to help stakeholders build partnerships and navigate challenges in transportation design and services. | |
Upcoming Event: 2025 Lifesavers Conference on Roadway Safety | |
The 2025 Lifesavers Conference, held March 9-11 in Long Beach, Calif., will feature 70 workshops, plenary sessions, and exhibits focused on reducing traffic fatalities. As the largest global gathering of traffic safety leaders, it provides a platform for professionals to exchange ideas, explore best practices, and learn about innovative road safety strategies. | |
The OTS administers traffic safety grants that deliver innovative programs and strives to eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries on California roadways. The OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). | | | |
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OTS Marketing and Public Affairs
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