On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed in New York City, Washington, DC, and outside of Shanksville, PA, in the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. It was a senseless act of violence. On September 12, 2001, approximately 115 people were killed in acts of impatience, imprudence, distraction, and neglect at dozens of roadway locations around the country. On September 13, another 115 were killed, and then 115 more each day for the rest of the year. By the end of 2001 more than 42,000 people died in roadway crashes in the United States. Each was a senseless act of violence. And preventable.
These deaths are more than just numbers. They are mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, teachers and students, coaches and players, bosses and employees, friends and neighbors. The effect of roadway fatalities is widespread and far-reaching, its toll both economic and emotional.
But there is hope.
Over many years traffic safety professionals have made great strides to improve the safety of roadways, vehicles, and road user competencies. Roadway safety is now considered in the transportation planning process, roads are designed safer, and highway systems are operated to improve safety. All road users, including those not in motor vehicles, are experiencing a safer travel environment.
In "the future" (which is literally right now), technology supports a zero-fatality long-term vision while simultaneously contributing to immediate problems like driver distraction. Our response to the ever-changing environment will dictate whether new technologies will enhance or detract from safer mobility. We have an opportunity to leverage the vast stores of data, new tools for analysis, and technological advances in connectivity and automation to save lives.