On Wednesday, several federal agencies announced they have formed a "Road to Zero" coalition, with the stated goal of eliminating traffic deaths.
DETROIT - Last year, there was the largest increase in traffic deaths on U.S. roads since 1966, and 2016 is on pace to beat 2015 by about 10 percent.
On Wednesday, several federal agencies announced they have formed a "Road to Zero" coalition, with the stated goal of not just reducing the total number of fatalities on roadways, which totaled 35,092 in 2015, but eliminating them altogether.
"Our vision is simple - zero fatalities on our roads," U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement. "We know that setting the bar for safety to the highest possible standard requires commitment from everyone to think differently about safety- from drivers to industry, safety organizations and government at all levels."
The Road to Zero coalition includes the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, as well as the National Safety Council.
The group said it's aiming for zero deaths within the next 30 years.
In the near term, the coalition will focus on promoting lifesaving strategies, such as seat-belt use, rumble strips on roads and truck safety. The DOT said it has committed $1 million a year for the next three years to give grants to "organizations working in lifesaving programs."
The Road to Zero coalition said it will next develop a scenario-based vision on how to pursue zero deaths on roadways, using a systemic approach based on proven strategies.
The group said it has been emboldened by the rise of automated- and advanced-vehicle technologies.
A "zero deaths" policy was first adopted in Sweden in 1997, and called "Vision Zero." A growing number of U.S. states and cities have launched similar visions for their roads.
"Every single death on our roadways is a tragedy," NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind said. "We can prevent them. Our drive toward zero deaths is more than just a worthy goal. It is the only acceptable goal."