Ultimately, states and localities — not the
federal government — will decide how the
$15 billion in formula funding can best be used
to improve road safety. The federal guidance
actually caps the amount of money available for
speed cameras at 10%.
The new guidance also requires at least 15% of
a state’s highway safety improvement program
funds to address pedestrians, bicyclists and other
nonmotorized road users if those groups make
up 15% or more of the state’s crash fatalities.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has
stressed the need to improve safety for all road
users and not just drivers, noting that safer
roads for all open up transit options. According
to government data, traffic fatalities involving
bicyclists and pedestrians are more likely to
impact non-white, lower-income people.