#United States #Washington #NRSF #GHSA #youth safety

Keeping Kids Safe on the Road

Introduction

In a commendable effort to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety among children, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) continue their commitment by funding youth traffic safety initiatives. For the fourth consecutive year, they have allocated substantial grants to support communities in three states. This funding is crucial, especially in the face of alarming statistics regarding youth traffic fatalities.

The Funding Initiative

In a press release dated March 27, 2025, it was announced that Missouri, Oregon, and Washington will each receive $25,000 aimed at enhancing safety measures for youth pedestrians and cyclists. This grant is part of a larger effort that has seen GHSA and NRSF distribute a total of $350,000 since 2022. The increasing number of preventable traffic-related incidents involving young individuals has made these initiatives more relevant than ever.

Alarming Statistics

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic crashes are among the leading causes of death for children in the U.S. In 2022 alone, 1,129 children lost their lives in traffic accidents, while 156,502 were injured—averaging 429 injuries per day. With pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities reaching a 40-year high, it’s evident that significant action is needed to protect our youths.

State Programs

The grants will enable the respective State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) in each state to implement various programs designed to directly engage and educate youth about traffic safety:

• - Missouri: The Missouri State Highway Safety Office plans to use its network of seven regional safety coalitions to host at least ten traffic garden events at elementary schools. These traffic gardens will simulate a scaled-down traffic environment where children can learn safety skills in a controlled, vehicle-free setting.

• - Oregon: The Oregon Department of Transportation is collaborating with Thrive Umpqua's Safe Routes to School Program to purchase 40 bicycles and safety equipment. These bicycles will be employed in hands-on safety education initiatives aimed at students in low-income rural areas.

• - Washington: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission, in partnership with Asotin County Community Services, intends to create both a permanent and mobile traffic garden. This initiative will include a robust curriculum aimed at teaching pre-K to middle school students the essential skills of safe walking and biking throughout Asotin and Garfield Counties.

A Call to Action

Jonathan Adkins, the CEO of GHSA, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, "We owe it to our nation's youth to do everything possible to keep them safe as they're walking, biking and scooting." The grants facilitate a much-needed empowerment model, enabling local communities to work together toward a common goal of increased road safety.

Conclusion

The current landscape for young road users is concerning—with rising fatalities and injuries as key issues. Programs like these funded by GHSA and NRSF not only aim to educate children but also encourage safer infrastructure development in underserved communities. It is through these collaborative efforts that we can hope to create a safer environment for the next generation of road users.

For more information about the efforts of GHSA and NRSF, you can visit their respective websites. Together, we can advocate for better traffic safety measures and ensure a secure future for our youth.