Friends and Colleagues,
Every day, millions of people take to the roads to go about their daily lives. Whether driving, cycling, or walking, we all share the same space and have a role to play in ensuring it is safe for everyone. Traffic safety is a collective responsibility that affects every member of our community.
Crashes and traffic incidents can have devastating consequences, leading to injuries, loss of lives, and emotional trauma. To make our roads safer, we must work together.
Dwelling in the past or pointing fingers at drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, engineers, planners, elected officials, or advocates only creates division and detracts from the real issue—improving safety for all. By working closely with others through a multidisciplinary approach, we can ensure comprehensive solutions that address various aspects of traffic safety and community well-being.
As transportation engineers and planners, we have a unique responsibility and opportunity to shape the future of our communities. While the task at hand is not easy and more complex than others may realize, we have collectively made a positive difference in the almost 95 years since our community of transportation professionals was formed. However, we can further enhance safety through innovation and improvements to streets and intersections. By looking beyond the status quo, we can lead the way in creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation systems.
Let’s take the knowledge and information from the work of our technical Councils and Committees, as well as from discussions and presentations at our gatherings and meetings at all levels of ITE, to commit to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. By doing so, we can advance our profession and enhance the lives of those we serve.
Over the past 7 months, I have had the pleasure of meeting many members at Section and District meetings, as well as the Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, USA. At each gathering, I found individuals with enthusiasm and passion for ITE, their work, and the efforts our community is undertaking to save lives and enhance mobility. While we may not always agree on the methods toward our collective objectives, we must approach these discussions with empathy and understanding for the complexities involved in advancing ideas and projects in our imperfect world.
Remember, traffic safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s work together, stay vigilant, and prioritize the well-being of all road users. As the saying goes, “Yesterday ended last night.” So, let’s get on with the business at hand of working to further diminish traffic related deaths and serious injuries to zero!
I encourage you to fully leverage your ITE membership, taking advantage of the professional development, networking opportunities, advocacy, and the development of best practices to achieve the goal. Let’s continue to make 2024 a year of heightened engagement and collaboration within ITE. Stay safe and be well! TTFN