Bicyclists, General Safety, Highway Safety, Infrastructure, Safe System Approach

Pedaling to Safety: Advocating for Safer Roads During National Bicycle Safety Month

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Sophia Peerzada, Safety Advocate

May is National Bicycle Safety Month. For some, bicycling is a primary mode of transportation. For others, it may be a hobby or simply a way of getting outdoors and moving their bodies. No matter the case, all bicyclists should feel safe riding around their communities.

Unfortunately, many of the statistics surrounding bicycle safety in the United States are dire. According to the National Safety Council, more than 850 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle crashes in 2021.

My home state of Florida has led the nation in bicyclist deaths for the last 5 years. To put it into perspective, 197 bicyclists died in crashes on Florida roadways in 2021. This means that roughly 23 percent—more than 1 in 5—of the nation’s bicyclist fatalities occurred in Florida that year. These numbers continue to rise as estimates from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department show that 227 bicyclists died and an additional 7,897 were injured as a result of crashes in 2023.

As a lifelong Floridian, I know too well how commonplace it is for a simple bike ride to turn into a trip to the emergency room. My brother, who, incidentally, is an urban planner concerned with roadway safety, still lives in Florida and is an avid bicyclist. Knowing the statistics both nationwide and statewide, of course, I worry about his safety. At the same time, though, I am hopeful that positive change in bicycle safety is imminent.

The data gives us a clear understanding of the risk factors most often associated with bicycle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roadway location, land use, vehicle type, lighting conditions, and time of day all play a role in fatality rates. Safety advocates everywhere, from the federal to hyperlocal level, are using this information to champion bicycle safety improvements across the United States.

For example, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is a Washington, DC-based organization that focuses on empowering bicyclists and holds regular events promoting bike safety at the local level. I had the pleasure of attending the organization’s “walk & learn” event in March. The 1-mile route showcased some of DC’s bicyclist infrastructure while “quizzing” attendees on local traffic laws. Educational events like these go a long way in promoting bicycle safety through tangible experiences.

Furthermore, as a safety advocate with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), I get a firsthand look at the work being done at the federal level to improve bicycle safety. In 2019, we published a safety research report, titled Bicyclist Safety on US Roadways: Crash Risks and Countermeasures, which highlights safety issues, presents findings, and lists safety recommendations that would mitigate bicycle crashes.

Bicycle safety is part of the larger Vision Zero movement, which is “a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.” The NTSB is a strong proponent of the Safe System Approach as a means of achieving Vision Zero, and Chair Jennifer Homendy has hosted a series of virtual roundtables on the topic.

Bicyclists everywhere have the right to feel safe in their communities, no matter their reason for bicycling. We have the stories and data to advocate for necessary change, and we must continue to push for safer roads until we reach zero fatalities and injuries.

Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, General Safety

Connecting Across Cultures: Strategies for Engaging AANHPI Communities in Safety Initiatives

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Anthony Lam, NTSB Transportation Safety Specialist, Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications

Have you considered the strategies, tactics, and tools you use to connect with Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities? Are your messages effectively reaching your target audiences? The NTSB recently hosted a webinar in celebration of AANHPI Month, featuring five expert panelists that each shared specific insights related to reaching AANHPI audiences. The session explored challenges like addressing the inherent differences in communication styles and community interactions within Asian communities. Here are highlights from each of the speakers.

NHTSA depicting annual traffic fatality numbers by race-ethnicity.

Leah Reish, MPH, CPH, CPST, Traffic Safety Data Analyst, NHTSA
Leah Reish, a traffic safety data analyst at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), presented updated race and ethnicity data concerning traffic safety from 2017 to 2021. Her analysis covered occupant and nonoccupant fatalities and behavioral factors, like alcohol impairment and speeding. She also provided insights into restraint use. Reish highlighted variations in fatality rates among different ethnic groups, emphasizing the need for targeted safety measures and thorough data collection to address specific community needs.

Close-up of a webinar's slide.

Adam Ungson, Communications Specialist, Multicultural, ICF NEXT
Adam Ungson, Multicultural Communications Specialist with ICF NEXT, discussed diversity within Asian American communities, stressing that the demographic encompasses a vast range of cultures, languages, and socioeconomic statuses. He shared strategies for effective communication, emphasizing the importance of cultural competence, tailored messaging, and using digital platforms familiar to the community. Ungson also warned against stereotypes that might affect how safety messages are received.

Culture includes many aspects about a person, their beliefs, geography, and economics.

Marilyn Cachola Lucey, MA, National Director of Community Development for Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs
Marilyn Cachola Lucey focused on community engagement and empowerment, detailing how her organization fosters leadership and civic participation among Asian Americans. She argued for culturally sensitive messaging that reflects the community’s values and concerns, advocating for participation in policymaking to ensure that safety messages and programs are effective and inclusive.

Partner with communities to share clear messages.

C.Y. David Yang, President and Executive Director, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
C.Y. David Yang from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shared research on how behavioral changes and technological advancements can improve road safety. He suggested that understanding community-specific behaviors and preferences is crucial for designing effective safety interventions. His talk also covered the impact of community engagement in promoting safety and the importance of culturally relevant messaging.

Cultural differences in Chinese and Japanese names.

Anthony Lam, NTSB Transportation Safety Specialist
Drawing from my experiences living in Asia for nearly two decades, I emphasized respect for cultural norms and the use of relevant media platforms to engage AANHPI communities. I shared insights into generational differences in media consumption and the effectiveness of community-specific interventions. I also talked about my approach to safety messaging, which focuses on cultural respect and leveraging community networks to enhance the impact of safety campaigns. Like my co-presenters, I reiterated the importance of cultural competence and social etiquette for building strong relationships with AANHPI audiences.

To sum up, the webinar provided valuable insights into the unique dynamics of communicating safety messages to AANHPI communities. Each presenter highlighted the importance of culturally tailored approaches that respect and understand the diverse cultural backgrounds within these groups. As we continue to develop and refine our strategies, the key takeaways from this webinar will guide our efforts to enhance safety outreach and ensure that our messages not only reach every segment of this diverse community, but resonate with its members as well. Embracing these principles of engagement will ultimately reduce traffic risks and foster a safer environment for all.

This webinar was part five in our “Communicating and Connecting Safety Messages with Underserved Communities” series, which supports Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Panelists discussed the challenges these communities have in common and ways to authentically engage with them through safety messaging.

Aviation Safety, General Aviation, General Safety, Safety Recommendations

From Advocacy to Action: the NTSB’s Longstanding Advocacy Spurs FAA’s New SMS Mandate

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Anthony Lam, NTSB Transportation Safety Specialist, Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications

In a significant move toward enhancing aviation safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently mandated safety management systems (SMSs) for Part 135 operators, Part 91.147 air tour operators, and certain aircraft manufacturers. This ruling comes in response to the pressing need for proactive safety measures in revenue passenger-carrying operations. The NTSB swiftly responded to this development in a recent press release, commending the FAA for its decisive action while also stressing the need for further measures to ensure comprehensive protection for all passengers.

The journey toward this milestone ruling has been marked by the NTSB’s longstanding advocacy for SMS implementation in revenue passenger-carrying operations. The NTSB made its first aviation safety recommendation on SMS in 2007. This recommendation led the FAA to require commercial air carriers (Part 121) to implement an SMS. The agency’s ongoing advocacy for these systems in other revenue passenger-carrying operations is evidenced by six open safety recommendations to the FAA regarding SMS between 2016 and 2022, namely:

The NTSB hosted a panel discussion, “Improving the Safety of Part 135 Operations,” in 2020

Additionally, NTSB advocacy events and initiatives on SMS, such as our 2020 Part 135 safety panel discussion, 2021 NTSB blog post, and 2023 SMS virtual roundtable on the importance of implementing SMS in small to midsized aviation operations further underscore our dedication to promoting SMS in other aviation sectors. These advocacy events and initiatives, among others, highlight the critical role of proactive safety measures in aviation operations and underscore the NTSB’s dedication to promoting SMS in the aviation sector.

The NTSB hosted a virtual roundtable in 2023 to discuss the importance of implementing SMS in small to midsized aviation operations

The NTSB’s advocacy efforts, including the aforementioned events and initiatives, have played a crucial role in raising awareness and driving action toward SMS implementation in revenue passenger-carrying operations. These initiatives have paved the way for the FAA’s recent mandate, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in advancing aviation safety standards.

As we celebrate this milestone, it is imperative to acknowledge the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved. Moving forward, continued collaboration and proactive measures will be essential to addressing evolving risks and ensuring the comprehensive protection of passengers and crews alike. Together, we will continue to build a safer sky for all.

automated vehicles, Bicyclists, Collision Avoidance Technology, connected vehicles, Distraction, Drowsy Driving, Electric Vehicles, Engineering, Fatigue, General Safety, Hazardous Materials, Highway Safety, Impaired Driving, Impairment, Infrastructure, Lithium Batteries, Medical Fitness, Motorcoach, Motorcycles, Pedestrians, Public Health, Research, Safe System Approach, Safety Recommendations, School Buses, Speeding, Teen Driving, V2X

Driving Change: Insights from the 2024 Lifesavers Conference

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Anthony Lam, NTSB Transportation Safety Specialist, Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications

Attendees stepped into the world of road safety innovation and collaboration at last week’s Lifesavers Conference 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Each year, experts, advocates, and policymakers convene at Lifesavers to tackle pressing issues shaping the future of safer roadways. From combating impaired driving to ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge vehicle technology, NTSB staff presented and moderated a variety of workshops that offered invaluable insights and strategies for creating a safer tomorrow.

NTSB staff at 2024 Lifesavers Conference exhibit booth

NTSB Transportation Research Analyst Dr. Ryan Smith’s presentation, “The Oral Fluids Factor: Roadside & Evidential Testing to Reduce Drug-impaired Driving,” shed light on the rising interest in using oral fluid testing in roadside and evidential testing for drug impairment. With the landscape of cannabis legalization evolving and concerns about drugged driving escalating, the timing couldn’t be more crucial. Attendees gained insights into the nuances between preliminary and evidential testing, the mechanics of roadside testing, and the outcomes from states already implementing oral fluid testing. Discussions encompassed emerging challenges such as detecting novel drugs, ongoing research, and legal hurdles faced by states.

In 2022, we released a safety research report titled, Alcohol, Other Drug, and Multiple Drug Use Among Drivers, which found oral fluid is a valuable—but underused—biological specimen for detecting drug use by drivers. The report also recommended states modify their impaired-driving laws, if they have not already, to allow for oral fluid drug testing. Smith pointed this out in his presentation, adding, “It [oral fluid testing] can play a key role in supporting the enforcement of impaired-driving laws.”

Dr. Ryan Smith, Transportation Research Analyst, Office of Research and Engineering

Smith also organized and moderated the session, “Brave New World in Cannabis Detection,” which brought together leading-edge researchers in the field of cannabis detection. Cannabis impairment is a critical issue, and researchers discussed novel ways that cannabis use can be detected in drivers. In his opening remarks, Smith stated: “More than half of the US population now lives in a state where cannabis has been legalized. Recent NTSB research demonstrates the high prevalence of cannabis use among drivers, second in prevalence only to alcohol. Effective methods for detecting signs of cannabis impairment are critical for getting impaired drivers off our nation’s roadways.”

NTSB Office of Highway Safety Program Manager Ellen Lee gave a presentation on the dangers of speeding titled, “Not so Fast & Furious – Channeling Our Energy to Prevent Speed-related Fatalities,” which highlighted the urgent need to address speed-related fatalities through a comprehensive approach. Lee talked about the NTSB’s recent recommendations from our investigation of a crash in North Las Vegas, Nevada, where speeding and speeding recidivism were key.

Ellen Lee, Program Manager, Office of Highway Safety

Lee emphasized our findings that the driver in the crash was impaired and had received seven recent speeding offenses in the 5 years before the crash. “Despite repeated law enforcement actions, the driver’s record was inaccurate (showing only one speeding violation) and local courts treated this driver as a new offender for each violation,” Lee said.

Drawing from NTSB crash investigations and real-world examples, attendees learned about effective countermeasures and community engagement strategies. From leveraging data insights to advocating for vehicle safety technologies and infrastructure enhancements, the workshop underscored the importance of collaboration to curb excessive speed and protect lives on the road.

NTSB Safety Advocate Leah Walton moderated a thought-provoking discussion in her session, “A Safe System Approach to Address Impaired Driving” exploring where and how impaired driving fits into the five pillars of the Safe System Approach. Walton and her panel explored the multifaceted challenges posed by impaired driving, particularly concerning polysubstance impairment. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the prevalence and risks associated with this behavior, along with potential policy interventions and enforcement strategies.

Leah Walton, Safety Advocate, Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications

In Walton’s opening remarks, she emphasized, “We cannot have a safe system while impaired driving is killing over 13,000 people a year. To achieve zero fatalities, we must expand our view of impaired-driving prevention through the Safe System lens.” With an emphasis on partnership-building at both the state and national levels, the workshop provided a roadmap for stakeholders to tackle impaired driving head-on and enhance road safety.

Stephanie Shaw, NTSB Management Analysis Officer, moderated the session, “Safety for All: How Vehicle Technology Addresses Underserved Populations.” Exploring design considerations, benefits, and challenges, attendees learned ways to extend these advancements to underserved populations. Shaw emphasized the importance of building a system that guarantees safe transportation for all who use it, regardless of socioeconomic status or mode of travel, whether it be personal vehicle, bike, walking, rolling, hailing a rideshare or an autonomous shuttle service, or taking public transportation. This sentiment encapsulated the overarching theme of inclusivity and accessibility discussed throughout the workshop.

Stephanie Shaw, Management Analysis Officer, Office of Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations

The Lifesavers Conference serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and collaboration in advancing road safety initiatives. By harnessing innovation, data-driven approaches, and community engagement, attendees are empowered to drive tangible change and create safer roads for everyone. We hope to continue these important dialogues at next year’s Lifesavers Conference in Long Beach, California!

autonomous vehicles, Bicyclists, Child Safety, Collision Avoidance Technology, connected vehicles, Distraction, Drowsy Driving, Electric Vehicles, Engineering, Fatigue, First Responders, General Safety, Highway Safety, Impaired Driving, Impairment, Infrastructure, Medical Fitness, Motorcoach, Motorcycles, Pedestrians, Public Health, Safe System Approach, Safety Recommendations, School Buses, Speeding, Teen Driving, Transit

Traffic Safety Through a Public Health Lens

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By Sophia Peerzada, Safety Advocate

On March 28th, I moderated a webinar titled “Traffic Safety Through a Public Health Lens.” This joint effort between the NTSB and the American Public Health Association (APHA) ahead of National Public Health Week highlighted traffic safety as a public health issue.

This topic is very important to me as a transportation safety advocate with a degree in public health. When I was studying for my Master of Public Health degree at the University of South Florida, I was the only student in my program (that I knew of) who was interested in traffic safety. I was motivated by the Tampa Bay region’s regrettably high rates of traffic-related fatalities, and the perceptible imbalance of safety interventions along socioeconomic lines. I also knew the statistics nationwide: each year, 43,000 people die on US roadways. I thought, of course this is a public health issue—people are getting hurt and dying on our roads each day!  

Since joining the NTSB in November 2023, I have had the pleasure of meeting folks who bring a public health mindset to transportation safety. In fact, the NTSB itself plays a significant role in public health by identifying transportation safety issues and issuing recommendations to make travel safer for the public.

Prior to the webinar, I connected with former NTSB Vice Chair T. Bella Dinh-Zarr, who notably referred to traffic fatalities as an “epidemic on wheels.” Of course, I was thrilled when Dr. Dinh-Zarr and public health colleagues Dr. Kathleen Carlson, Dr. David Ederer, and Dr. Mighty Fine agreed to be panelists on this first-of-its-kind webinar.

Each panelist brought an invaluable perspective to the conversation.

Dr. Carlson, a professor of epidemiology at the Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health and core investigator at the Portland VA, opened the event with a review of injury epidemiology. She explained that “public health takes a scientific approach to a public health problem” as it seeks to identify the problem’s cause and develop strategies for preventing it from happening again.

Dr. Ederer, an epidemiologist at the CDC’s Physical Activity and Health Branch, followed with a presentation on the Safe Systems Pyramid and how public health principles can be applied to engineering. His presentation underscored the need to apply traffic safety interventions systematically to improve population health.

Dr. Dinh-Zarr, Senior Advisor at FIA Foundation and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, built upon Dr. Carlson’s and Dr. Ederer’s presentations by providing concrete examples of how the public health lens has been applied to traffic safety efforts. She highlighted the NTSB’s investigation process as an example of taking a public health approach to preventing the recurrence of traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Finally, Dr. Fine, associate executive director of the APHA’s Division of Public Health Policy & Practice, rounded out the panel by emphasizing the need to apply a health equity perspective to all traffic safety efforts. He urged traffic safety practitioners to ensure that interventions are inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant.

Overall, it was a wonderful and much-needed discussion that I am certain each attendee walked away from having learned something new. Dr. Ederer said it best in his presentation: “Public health is a way of describing and solving problems.” Given that, I think all of us in the traffic safety space are public health practitioners.

You can view the full webinar recording here: https://youtu.be/DMNxSFNANeI?si=FDR2BhF6vZXdJDut..

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