To drastically improve street safety, the city of Raleigh is calling upon residents to give their feedback via a new survey launched in affiliation with its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP). This ambitious citywide initiative, backed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, is in response to the pressing concerns arising from a significant number of traffic-related incidents.
The CSAP is a structured strategy to staunchly reduce the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. According to a report by the City of Raleigh, the need for such measures is underscored by the sobering statistics of 2023, which saw over 19,000 crashes and 41 fatalities within the city limits. Notably, these misfortunes were frequently a result of preventable behaviors such as speeding and failure to properly use seat belts. In a statement obtained by the official city announcement, the focus is on curbing these dangerous behaviors and to actively making roads safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and those using public transit.
With pronounced goals, the plan aims to "reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 25% every five years, aiming for zero by 2045" while also improving road safety infrastructure, promoting safer driving habits, utilizing data to inform actions, and engaging the community throughout the entire process.
The City of Raleigh is reaching out to its citizens, urging them to get involved in Phase I of the public engagement initiative running from November 2024 through February 2025. Through the Safe Streets for All Survey, individuals can share their experiences and concerns, thus actively participating in the development of safer city streets. As the plan progresses into Phase II, updates and subsequent steps will be shared with the community.
Staying true to its pledge to community involvement, the city insists that "Your feedback is essential!" A few minutes of time for residents to fill out the aforementioned survey could lead to significant changes that the initiative proposes to implement for the betterment of all those commuting in and around Raleigh.
