Creating safer, more people-centric streets is a growing priority across New York State. At the heart of these efforts is the Safe System Approach, a holistic philosophy that reimagines safety for all. Complementing this approach, the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program has provided communities with the funding needed to implement transformative safety strategies.
Meet Ankita Rathi, a Transportation Planning Manager and dedicated safety advocate at VHB. With extensive experience in strategic safety planning and technology applications, Ankita translates national safety programs into local action. In a recent conversation with VHB, she shared insights into how innovative strategies, evolving safety philosophies, and cutting-edge technology are shaping a safer future on New York’s roads.
VHB: The Safe System Approach seems foundational to modern road safety. Can you share how this approach can significantly impact New York’s streets?
Ankita: The Safe System Approach is game-changing because it shifts the responsibility from individual behavior to system-wide safety, addressing the complex interplay of driver behavior, road design, vehicle technology, and environmental factors.
This proactive method emphasizes safer road designs, traffic-calming measures, and improved vehicle technology to reduce crash severity. For example, designing roads to slow traffic, adding pedestrian crossings, and improving visibility creates an environment that minimizes accidents rather than relying solely on drivers to make perfect decisions.
The approach also promotes safety equity, protecting vulnerable groups like pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users as much as drivers. In dense urban areas like New York City and growing suburban communities, these measures are critical as pedestrian and cyclist traffic increases. Using data-informed insights, communities can identify high-risk areas, such as busy Albany intersections or Long Island school zones, and focus solutions where they’re most needed.
VHB: Building on this broader perspective, how can funding programs like SS4A enable communities to turn these ideas into action?
Ankita: SS4A grants are turning safety visions into reality, having awarded $2.7 billion to more than 1,400 projects nationwide, including many in New York. The program offers two types of grants: Planning and Demonstration Grants and Implementation Grants.
Communities can leverage Planning and Demonstration Grants to help develop comprehensive safety plans, such as Vision Zero Action Plans, by identifying safety needs and solutions. Implementation Grants then fund the execution of these plans, including building new safety features, launching educational campaigns, and testing technologies like speed cameras.
SS4A grants also support temporary installations, feasibility studies, engineering analyses, and pilot programs to enhance planning and implementation. Essentially, SS4A funding enables New York communities to create detailed safety plans and effectively implement them, leading to safer roads and better outcomes.
VHB: Securing funding is essential to implementing all these safety improvements, but applying for transportation grants can be complex. How can applicants navigate challenges?
Ankita: Applying for grants can be challenging, but there are ways to overcome common obstacles. The application process often requires extensive documentation, including project proposals, cost estimates, and data demonstrating impact. Smaller municipalities may lack the resources to prepare competitive applications. To address this, they can collaborate with consultants or grant writers, seek partnerships, and attend workshops hosted by grant agencies.
Programs like SS4A also offer pre-application reviews, which provide valuable feedback to strengthen proposals. Success often hinges on early collaboration among stakeholders, clear project planning, and robust community engagement. By demonstrating leadership commitment and aligning projects with grant goals, applicants can improve their chances of securing funding.
VHB: One thing that could really shine light on the effectiveness of these safety programs is how success is measured. What metrics should communities focus on to assess their progress?
Ankita: Communities can use a mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure the success of safety initiatives. Quantitative metrics often include reductions in traffic fatalities, serious injuries, and crash rates, along with improvements in pedestrian and cyclist safety. Qualitative metrics, like community perception of safety and public awareness of programs, also play a vital role in evaluating progress. Process-related metrics, like resources allocated to safety programs, completed safety projects, participation in training sessions, and community engagement, also provide valuable insights.
For example, some cities conduct before-and-after studies of new traffic calming measures like roundabouts or pedestrian islands to assess their impact on vehicle speeds and crash rates. At the same time, public feedback provides insight into how safe and comfortable residents feel after these improvements. By monitoring a combination of these metrics, communities can adapt their strategies to make certain safety programs remain effective and impactful.
VHB: Looking ahead, what emerging trends should we be ready to embrace to improve transportation safety even further?
Ankita: We’re at an exciting turning point where technology is dramatically enhancing road safety. For example, AI can analyze traffic data to identify high-risk areas, while smart traffic signals adjust in real-time to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
We’re also seeing the rise of connected vehicles, where cars can "talk" to each other and the surrounding infrastructure like traffic lights. This communication helps prevent collisions and optimize traffic movement.
With increasing focus on climate resilience, we’re designing roads with sustainable materials and making certain infrastructure can withstand extreme weather, which supports safety in the long term.
Connect with Ankita or visit VHB’s Safety page to learn more about VHB’s safety planning.
