USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                    About FHWAFHWA Organization
                Headquarters Offices
                Field Offices
                Strategic Plan
                Business Opportunities
                Staff Directories
                Careers
                Highway History
                Contact UsProgramsAcquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                Safety
                Browse by TopicsResourcesCore Highway Topics
                Federal Aid Essentials
                Automation
                Complete Streets
                Laws and Regulations
                Policy & Guidance Center
                Section 508
                Publications and Statistics
                Professional Development
                National Highway Institute
                Resource Center
                Accessibility Resource Library
                FHWA Research LibraryNewsroomPress Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Photos
                Videos
                Media ContactsMenu FHWA Highway Safety Programs Home
                        Safety
                        HSIP
                        SHSP


            
            In This Section
        Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
                                Overview
                About
                Planning
                Implementing
                Evaluating
                Reporting
                Noteworthy Practices
                Legislation and Guidance
                Resources
                HSIP Special Rules
                Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
                                Overview
                About
                Develop
                Implement
                Evaluate
                Promote
                Legislation and Guidance
                Resources
                Noteworthy Practices
                Safety Performance Measure
                                Overview
                State Safety Performance Targets
                Policy & Guidance
                Fact Sheets & Informational Webinars
                Target-Setting Resources
                Safety Data Resources
                State Safety Reports
                Safety Contacts
                Technical Assistance & Training
                Railway Highway Crossing Program
                                Overview
                Policy and Guidance
                Resources
                
                District of Columbia
		

		
		
					SHSP Key Components
									**Lead Agency:**
						District Department of Transportation
        
									**Time Period Plan Covers:**
						2020
-2025
				
        
        
        					**Plan's Goals:**
						Zero traffic fatality deaths and serious injuries.
		
    			**View State's SHSP**
		
					Emphasis Areas
        **Aggressive Driving**

        **EA Type:**
      	Behavioral**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Continue Agency-wide Task Force for investigations into all traffic fatal-crash location – Expand to include locations with 5 or more serious injury crashes/year or 20 or more total crashes, regardless of injury; accelerate short-term implementation of mitigations to be within 6 months of investigation findings/report.
    DDOT, MPD, and other stakeholders collaborate to ensure that any new revision/replacement to the existing crash application (COBALT) includes District needs. Form a Districtwide Task Force to guide upgrade.
    Expand the availability of work zone inspectors’ pool to audit all projects within the ROW for compliance with DDOT requirements—ensure consistent implementation.
    Host a Districtwide Road Safety (biannual) conference.
    Organize legislative action committee to identify changes to statutes – Investigate and implement a District Move-Over law; reduce speed over 30 criminal offenses to speed over 25; work with Maryland and Virginia to restrict drivers with unpaid tickets in the District.
    Review/Expand the Traffic Safety focus at MPD (schedule biannual training as required) – Crash investigation; pedestrian/Bicycle (Review Academy curriculum and expand to include other Federal Enforcement Agencies).
  Engineering
    Expand the network of variable message signs on top 7 HIN corridors – Provide real-time information to drivers and keep motorists informed of roadway conditions and delays that allow them to make appropriate decisions; use existing VMS on I-395, DC-295, and I-295 to convey appropriate safety information. (Expand the network of variable message signs on top 7 HIN corridors)
    Focus Speed Management techniques on the top-ranked HIN corridors – Establish/Implement target speeds on top 7 HIN that consider land use, roadway context, and multiuse; consider implementing pilot variable speed limits (VSL) on I-295/DC-295, I-395, New York Avenue NE, and other HIN corridors; install rumble strips and stripes, signing, and other innovations to enhance user’s perception of speed and reduce distraction.
    Update traffic signals/signal timing, especially along heavily traveled corridors, to reduce vehicle delay, driver frustration, and allow appropriate pedestrian safe crossings.
  Education
    Develop/Distribute outreach materials to focus on aggressive and impaired drivers between 21 and 35 years old.
    Review certification process for driver training schools to include more stringent educational teaching requirements. Emphasize need for uniform curriculum and enhanced behind-the-wheel and classroom instruction and testing.
    Review/Update DMV Driver Manual and Test (July 2019) to include pertinent information on micro-mobility safety, speeding in work zones, educational programs, and identify links about where to find information on fines.
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Enhance DMV capability to reduce the backlog of out-of-state convictions by 20,000/year (timely update to the District DMV driver files).
    Expand enforcement of top-ranked High Injury Network (HIN) corridors.
    High-visibility Enforcement – Use expanded regular patrols and high-visibility enforcement to target selected high-crash or high-violation geographical areas (data-driven); expand automated enforcement at key locations (crosswalk, right turn on red (RTOR), red light running (RLR), STOP control, midblock speeding, high pedestrian traffic, work zones, etc.); work with other federal partners (e.g., NPS) to support MPD enforcement efforts; work with Maryland and Virginia to developing border-to-border enforcement.
    Investigate and determine the use of new technologies – Expand use of LIDAR technologies, Driver Feedback signs, Speed Monitoring Awareness Rader Trailers (SMART); pilot use of new mobile enforcement technologies (i.e., ALIDAR and ATEU).
    Investigate and determine the use of new technologies – Work with MPD to expand e-Citation program Districtwide.
    Organize legislative action committee to identify changes to statutes – Investigate and implement an aggressive-driving statute; revise District Code on Aggressive Driving to increase fines and appropriate penalties (50–2204. aggressive driving); revise code to make aggressive driving a criminal offense, instead of a violation.        
      **Bicyclist Safety**

        no result**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Develop a comprehensive bicycle counting strategy to cover all wards in the District, implement the counting plan, and publish data.
    Review/Amend legislation and regulations pertaining to bicycle safety – Review and enact changes to the bike regulations; explore feasibility of reducing fine for bicycle violations through additional online training.
  Engineering
    Expand the local road programs – Speed management, including the Slow Streets program and lowering the default speed limit; neighborhood street full/partial closures and/or diversions; update intersection treatments; introduce street traffic calming.
    Identify bicycle facility network deficiencies and improve connectivity with respect to on-road facilities and trails. Phase expansion network of bike facilities on an annual basis.
    Improve maintenance (including rehabilitation) of bicycle facilities – Improve routine cleaning (e.g., snow, debris) and maintenance of bike lanes, bridge sidewalks, and trails; conduct annual review of bicycle facilities, identify those functionally obsolete, and initiate ongoing program upgrade those to state-of-the practice bicycle facilities.
    Integrate bicycle improvements into all road, bridge, real estate development projects, and other roadway improvements from project scoping stage.
    Monitor number of annual crashes of bike fleets (including the Capital Bikeshare / Scooter programs) – Implement treatments to address high-crash locations/corridors; explore feasibility and modify legislation accordingly.
    Review crashes on HIN and install physical improvements to reduce vehicle speeds – Expand the corridor safety improvement program (including Road Diets); assess and implement a speed management program across HIN; intersection treatments.
    Review design and planning guidelines and amend accordingly, such as DDOT Standard Specifications and Standard Drawings for Highways and Structures Manual and Design and Engineering Manual. Incorporate the best national/international practices available.
  Education
    Continue participation in regional bike/ped safety campaigns (Street Smart) to improve bicyclist/driver awareness of each other, other modes, and their needs – Targeted information on/to riders of dockless bicycles. Include riding near large vehicles and potential safety hazards; updates to the goDCgo/bike webpage on recent safety statistics and options to provide videos of unsafe situations; highlight safe opening of vehicle door—Dutch Reach Method.
    Expand education initiatives to – SRTS program to increase bicycle safety education in elementary and middle schools; outreach materials on bicyclists’ visibility (e.g., using retroreflective materials and head light/tail light requirements) at night; bicycle helmet distribution program and helmet use; adult education classes (e.g., Confident City Cycling) and outreach to older adults; listening sessions at recreational centers and other places where older adults congregate.
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Expand number of targeted enforcement waves/campaigns – Use crash data to identify base enforcement locations and specific enforcement times; revise and update ped/bike online training and ensure access is available to other enforcement agencies.
    Review the MPD traffic enforcement unit and develop a plan to meet the District needs over the medium to longer term.
  Data
    Review existing crash attributes in COBALT and ensure that the new crash applications (2021) update includes appropriate fields needed for accurate data analysis – Develop appropriate office training materials and incorporate in new COBALT 2021 roll-out.        
      **Buses**

        **EA Type:**
      	CMV/Heavy Vehicles**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Coordinate with WMATA and other Regional Bus Agencies that operate in the District on operator training and supervision – Expand the WMATA Pedestrian/Bicycle Summit to include other District bus operators.
    Evaluate/Improve transit service quality, including convenience and comfort – More, better service (more routes, frequency, etc.); improved access (better walking, park and ride, etc.); improved economic opportunity for residents (advancing equity District-wide); late-night service to entertainment districts.
    Evaluate/Update COBALT crash application to comply with MMUCC/SAFETYNET as per 49 CFR for commercial motor vehicles through the U.S. Department of Transportation and FMCSA. Review classification of vehicles that can be selected. Develop appropriate office training materials and incorporate in new COBALT 2021 rollout.
    Help create equitable distribution of transit-oriented development – More compact and mixed development; more efficient utility and development fees.
  Engineering
    Better accommodate buses and other large vehicles (FEMS) on existing road network – Investigate effects and develop appropriate recommendations for large vehicle/bike interactions; review best practices and implement appropriate strategies.
    Expand use of innovative bus safety technologies – Front strobe lights; bike guards; driveCam events (review data and assess preventive measures).
    Improve transit bus service efficiency – Install additional bus lanes and/or other transit-oriented lane facilities; update traffic operations—signal priority, queue jumps, etc.
    Improve transit road safety facilities – Consolidate/relocate bus stops and revise route design; lengthen bus stops along selected pedestrian routes; designate routes and adequate parking for commuter/tour buses; upgrade sidewalk and other pedestrian facilities (see Pedestrian Emphasis Area).
  Education
    Develop outreach campaign targeting commuter/tour buses about District Road Rules and other safety information.
    Update the goDCgo.com website to showcase transit programs available to the public to reduce impaired driving.
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Increase safety compliance along all entry points into the District from Maryland and Virginia –  Operating without a CDL; unsafe practices, such as speeding, impaired driving, seat belt violation, and hours of service; increase and strengthen maintenance program and inspection performance.        
      **Distracted Driving**

        **EA Type:**
      	Behavioral**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Develop measures of effectiveness (MOEs), such as number of citations issued and observations of actual phone use.
    Use and coordinate DDOT VMS signs to convey cellphone use and other distracted driving behaviors on a periodic basis (e.g., District holidays).
  Education
    Conduct education and awareness campaigns targeting: General Driving Public – Publicize information about risks and comparable hazards of distracted driving (cellphone use, in-vehicle distractions, etc.); encourage drivers to finish before start (for example, drivers are generally willing to initiate a task while preparing to exit a parking lot); encourage trucking companies and other fleet operators to implement fatigue-management programs Involve parents in modeling attentive driving behavior to teens and youths.
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Review/Update distracted driving laws to increase fines and points for multiple offenses – Facilitate stiffer prosecution by adding a distraction enhancement to existing careless or reckless driving laws.
    Target data-driven, high-visibility enforcement that focuses on high-crash corridors (see Aggressive Driving Emphasis Area).        
      **Emergency Medical Services**

        **EA Type:**
      	Incident Management/EMS**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Education
    Advance training – ALL (provide training on the quick clearance law).
    Advance training – All Other First Responders (i.e., DPW, Others) TIM (Federal training) to assess the traffic risk and avoid secondary crashes.
    Advance training – DDOT (train all Roadway Operations Patrol (ROP) personnel in TIM (Federal training) to assess the traffic risk and avoid secondary crashes; make compulsory training within first 3 months of new hire).
    Advance training – FEMS (add TIM (Federal training) to assess the traffic risk and avoid secondary crashes to academy training).
    Advance training – FEMS (institute modern rescue techniques, including new car technology and the requisite difficulties and dangers associated with airbags; hybrid vehicles, fuel-cell technology, and similar high-tech automobiles and devices, including nationally certified extrication training programs; support/Implement new courses such as the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) EMS Safety Courses; add TIM (Federal training) to the academy training; integrate a motorcyclist treatment module in EMS personnel and other first-responder training).
    Advance training – Hospitals (explore feasibility of integrating motorcyclist treatment module into the four District-approved trauma hospitals).
    Maintain a culture of health promotion and safety – Promote partnerships to support and coordinate comprehensive, integrated injury-control systems (i.e., through FEMS District Coordinators; involve students from the Fire Cadets Program, Summer youth program); review the National EMS Culture of Safety strategies (adopt as applicable); formulate a TIM Plan for the District, include implementation schedule.
  Data
    Initiate preventable mortality study. Collect and analyze data on all motor vehicle-related trauma cases to understand what, if any, measures can be taken to reduce crash severity – Redo 2014 pilot study to incorporate latest available data on unreported crashes.
  Incident Management/EMS
    Improve operations – EMS / UCC (review/Upgrade, as necessary, all communication systems (to be interoperable with surrounding jurisdictions, hospital systems, etc.; assess any improvements needed by the Emergency Liaison Officer (ELO) to improve vehicle-to-hospital assignments; conduct biannual review of travel times (dispatch to site, site to hospital, etc.) to ensure travel time consistency; review/Expand the FEMS first-responder contract support, as needed.        
      **Impaired Driving**

        **EA Type:**
      	Behavioral**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Determine the feasibility of establishing a District PCP working group similar to the District’s opioid working group under DOH.
    Enhance judicial process that identifies and effectively disarms offenders with multiple DUIs – Work with Virginia and Maryland courts to exchange DUI conviction data in a timely manner; enhance and enact reciprocity among the neighboring states (Virginia and Maryland) regarding repeat offenders, multiple offenses, and imposition  of interlock sanctions; participate in the multi-state agreement establishing reciprocity relative to implementing DUI sanctions.
    Foster collaboration among DDOT, MPD, and other stakeholders to ensure that any new revision/replacement to the existing crash application (COBALT) includes District needs; form a Districtwide Task Force to guide upgrade.
    Host a Districtwide Road Safety (biannual) conference.
    Investigate/Implement new and innovative technologies for DUI Testing/monitoring, e.g., Transdermal alcohol sensors.
    Legislative actions – Promote legislation to require civil asset forfeiture of automobile impoundment after multiple DUI convictions; encourage stronger enforcement of impaired drivers by including mandatory treatment programs, Administrative License Revocation (ALR), and/or mandatory license suspensions; create a civil offense for underage possession of alcohol and mandatory minimum for DUI refusal; make all DUI-refusal cases ineligible for citation release. Include in the Implied Consent form; increase mandatory minimums for fourth+ offenders to 180 days in jail or 1 year (akin to a felony DUI); reduce mandatory minimum for repeat offenders. (Example: Current mandatory minimum for BAC is .20 days. If the person is a repeat offender, perhaps set the mandatory minimum at 0.16); lower BAC to 0.05 with positive test results for (certain) drugs (TDB); create presumption of impairment when certain active drugs are in blood/urine samples (e.g., PCP, heroin, cocaine); create a mandatory minimum for DUI refusal; change PD29 (Implied Consent Notice) to inform defendant that police may apply for a search warrant in crash cases when defendants refuse to submit to testing; streamline process whereby officers can apply for and receive search warrants for blood—e-Warrant system).
    Provide continuing support to the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor to – Review/Develop DUI-related legislation; conduct training Improve interagency communication; conduct quarterly DUI task force meetings to foster the exchange between DUI stakeholders (OAG, law enforcement, OCME, hospitals, WRAP, etc.).
    Work with Department of Public Works (DPW) to have impound lots open/staffed 24/7 and available to all enforcement agencies within the District.
    Work with WMATA to keep Metro open on Saturday / Sunday mornings until 3:00 a.m. (start with holiday weekends and expand as data suggests).
  Education
    Advocate implementing training for more law enforcement officers – Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST); advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE); Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training; wet/marijuana (green) labs.
    Develop and implement outreach campaigns – NHTSA’s impaired driving campaigns — Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over; work with corporate partners to create and/or publicize safe rides programs and/or alternative modes, such as the WRAP SoberRide campaigns; develop and promote image of tough DUI laws and enforcement in District (to Maryland and Virginia commuters), focusing on drivers between 21 and 35 years old; Checkpoint Strikeforce Campaign (a multijurisdictional program in Virginia, the District, Delaware, West Virginia, and Maryland to combat drunk driving.)
    Focus education on specific audiences – Work/Coordinate with safety-related organizations —National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), WABA, MADD, TIPS, WRAP, etc.—to spread road safety messages; increase Sobriety Check presentations and other presentations such as WRAP’s Alcohol Awareness for Students at area middle/high schools about the dangers of drinking/drug usage and driving; continue to educate District-based college and university (campus safety fairs) students on the dangers of drinking/drug usage and driving; work with ABRA’s DC: Double Check program that focuses on underage drinking and/or using a fake ID.
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Continue to work with hospitals and enable easier consent for blood draws and access to medical treatment records.
    Enforce DUI Laws – Strictly enforce open-container and public consumption of marijuana in a vehicle and other impaired-driving laws; enhance DUI detection through special DUI saturation patrols and related impaired-driving enforcement (working with regional/partner agencies); publicize and enforce zero tolerance laws for drivers under age 21; establish a No Refusal weekend.
    Expand and encourage cooperation between regional safety partners to identify and implement target enforcement locations, times, etc.
    If/When commercial sale of marijuana becomes legal, expand compliance enforcement of the dispensaries.
    Prosecute DUI offenders – Ensure all enforcement agencies using breath-test instruments provide updated training to OAG staff prior to system going online and on a regular basis for all new staff; assess the feasibility for a common breath-test system for the District among all enforcement agencies in the mid to long term; allow for testing for oral fluid to blood/breath/urine options
    Provide continuing support to the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor to – Prosecute criminal traffic violations with particular emphasis on DUI.
    Provide support, as needed, to DCSC – Develop Community Courts aligned with Police Districts; provide regular traffic safety briefings/awareness; create a judicial outreach liaison for District.
    Reduce excessive drinking (4 or more drinks) and underage drinking (under 21 years old) –Continue and expand ID compliance checks with establishments selling alcohol; partner with ABRA Sale to Minor (STM) program to enforce noncompliant establishments; establish monthly exchange of noncompliant establishment data between MPD, ABRA, and OAG.        
      **Large Trucks**

        **EA Type:**
      	CMV/Heavy Vehicles**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Evaluate/Update COBALT crash application to comply with MMUCC/SAFETYNET as per 49 CFR for commercial motor vehicles through the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Review classification of vehicles that can be selected – Develop appropriate office training materials and incorporate in new COBALT 2021 rollout.
    Explore feasibility of safe, low-emissions delivery systems (e-cargo bike) and/or other innovative freight-delivery practices.
    Phase implementation of the DDOT Freight Plan 2020 – Provide additional staff resources; support freight planning and operational improvements.
    Review legislation – Increase fines involving CMV for overweight and other violations within District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 18 to be comparable with Maryland and Virginia;  include fines and penalties for distracted driving, vehicles above the approved load limit, cell phone use, no seat belt use, etc.; reduce fines for additional retraining for certain offences (TBD).
    Upgrade the Truck Enterprise Routing System to include oversize/overweight (OSOW) and other enhancements.
  Engineering
    Implement comprehensive, positive truck route signage program to facilitate safe and efficient truck movement throughout the District.
    Maintain and upgrade existing functionality of WIM sites – Increase operating hours of existing I-295 SB WIM static scale facility (near Blue Plains); upgrade WIM scale facilities to incorporate smart/connected facilities (over-height detection system, radiation-detection system).
    Research and implement best practices at locations with high CMV crashes and develop/implement treatments to mitigate these crashes – Work with the HSIP to incorporate treatments at high-crash intersections; work with the ped/bike DDOT coordinators to resolve conflict points and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
    Review/Implement strategies from the 2020 Freight Investment Plan (2020 FIP) – Expand use of technologies (oversize/weight/height, cargo type) that target commercial vehicles.
  Education
    Develop and implement CMV Outreach Program to provide key safety information to – Trucking Agencies. DDOT requirements and road user information; driving public CMV blind spots and other safety issues; bike and Scooter Riders. CMV blind spots and other safety issues.
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Convene District Enforcement working group to comprise, at a minimum, MPD, NPS, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), DDOT, DPW, and Federal/District agencies, as needed, to meet quarterly and address the following goals – Coordinate enforcement efforts (coordination and exchange of ideas); focus on potentially hazardous locations (unsafe driving and other poor practices, no CDL, high-crash corridors, potential for illegal transportation of hazardous cargo, etc.); periodically include surrounding jurisdictions (i.e., enforcement coordination, CDL issues, other District observations, etc.); periodically include various regional trucking associations to gather input on CDL issues, other unsafe practices, and how they can assist in disseminating truck-related information.
    Increase safety compliance and strengthen the CDL program – Increase enforcement on trucks along all truck entry routes into the District (from Maryland/Virginia) through stops and/or saturated patrol (i.e., I-395, DC-295, I-295, New York Avenue NE) (over the legal permitted load, operating without a CDL; unsafe practices, such as speeding, impaired driving, seat belt, and hours of service; suggested hours 4:00 to 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.); improve test administration for the CDL (increase fraud detection by District and third-party testers; improve heavy-truck maintenance; increase and strengthen truck maintenance programs and inspection performance; conduct post-crash inspections to identify major problems and problem condition).
    Increase the number of law enforcement officers certified as CMV inspectors within the Motor Carrier Unit to 14, to allow for 16-hour/day enforcement weekdays; increase safety compliance of motor carriers (ref: Enforcement Strategy No.2).
    Review MPD traffic enforcement unit and develop a plan to meet District needs over the medium to longer term.
  Data
    Explore feasibility of implementing a weigh-in-motion- (WIM-) based dashboard that connects to the License Plate Reader system (LPR), WIM scales, and weigh stations, as a central point for data collection, information processing, and compliance-monitoring system for law enforcement and operational personnel in the District – Virtual dashboard to be accessible by authorized MPD, DDOT, District Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), and other relevant agency personnel.
    Update the DDOT Freight Management website to feature all commercial vehicle information, regulations, and processes to educate the public and industry regarding freight movement and commercial buses throughout the District.        
      **Occupant Protection**

        **EA Type:**
      	Behavioral**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Review District Seat Belt Legislation and amend as needed – Explore/Increase fine amount from $50 (for adult seat belt violation) and $75 (for child restraint violation) to a higher fine with additional Points; explore fine/point removal for first offense with tracing.
  Education
    Expand efforts to develop and distribute educational materials – Quarterly child passenger safety workshops; car seat inspection events and at inspection check stations (virtual and in-person); increase number of District child passenger safety certified technicians; continue the booster seat program; educate K–12 and college students on the importance of wearing a seat belt; continue to educate on seat belt safety information, including front and rear seating positions; work with Virginia and Maryland on cross-border training, inspection, and other activities.
    Use and coordinate DDOT variable message signs (VMS) to convey seat belt safety information on a periodic basis (e.g., District holidays).
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Conduct enforcement along High Injury Network (HIN).
    Continue to conduct CIOT Campaigns accompanied by enforcement; both front and rear seat locations.        
      **Older Adult Driver Safety**

        **EA Type:**
      	Vulnerable Users**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Conduct a Safe Routes for Seniors pilot program to identify major transportation/mobility challenges and develop and communicate about alternative options to driving. DDOT should work with the DACL and other relevant stakeholders to conceptualize and identify a neighborhood/corridor for the pilot program.
    Plan for an aging population – Undertake study to assess older adults’ transportation needs and forward recommendations and include them in the Age-Friendly DC 2023 Strategic Plan; seek program input from broad-based, District/Ward-wide entities, including senior centers, DPR senior programs and DACL lead agencies; develop a voluntary survey for the older adults responsible for crashes as to whether they understand current District traffic law, regulations on the mix of vehicles now using streets and whether they would drive if they had alternative transportation.
    Strengthen role of medical reviews to assess the potential impairment of older drivers and recommend appropriate licensing actions from restricted licenses to full revocation (to minimize effects) – Create medical advisory board (DMV) to review license renewal.
  Engineering
    Engineer roadway and driving environment to better accommodate older driver needs (Older Driver Highway Design Handbook (ODHDH) and NCHRP 500, Volume 9: A Guide for Reducing Collisions Involving Older Drivers) – Make mandatory “Older Adult/Driver” training for all staff from DDOT, and other agencies; monitor older driver crash clusters and incorporate strategies from the ODHDH in all future corridor improvements. (These include retroreflective backplates, 12-inch lens, street lighting at intersections, advance warning signs, increase letter size on informational and regulatory signs, and retime all-red clearance).
    Monitor crashes involving older adults and identify clusters and location trends. Implement appropriate countermeasures at identified locations where older adult crash clusters occur, e.g., recreational centers, roundabouts – Hold listening sessions at senior and recreational centers to understand and accommodate older driver needs; work alongside DACL and DPR for posting and enforcement of reduced speed limits; Continue to improve lighting, signage, and accessibility to transit stops, sidewalks, and recreational paths (Refer to Pedestrian Emphasis Area for more information on Improving Pedestrian Safety).
    Review the DDOT Design and Engineering Manual and update elements related to older-driver safety, incorporate FHWA older driver recommended practices and input from DACL and other District agencies – Develop appropriate older adult safety checklist for use by all District agencies in planning and engineering District roadway infrastructure to ensure the safety of the older person walking, biking, and driving experience.
  Education
    Collaborate with government agencies and nonprofit partners to distribute DDOT/DFHV materials on the physiology relating to older adult drivers and transportation alternatives to car driving.
    Develop and circulate materials (electronic and print) to facilitate learning about transportation options that do not involve driving and about the effect of aging on driving ability – Distribute and produce the DFHV and DDOT literature on transportation options that provide alternatives to driving; distribute materials that increase awareness of physiological changes that affect older adult driving ability or other activity known to have deleterious effect: vision, reaction time, effect of alcohol and prescription drug consumption, neck and torso mobility, and use of cell phone and electronic guidance systems; distribute materials that increase awareness directed at older adult audiences, including how speed kills and speeding/crashes have disproportionate injury impact on older adult pedestrians when hit; Partner with American Association of Occupational Therapy (AOTA), American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and other nonprofits to promote participation in CarFit and in-person driver simulation programs designed to measure driving ability.
    Encourage collaboration among OCTO, the District Public Library (DCPL), DACL, DDOT, and DFHV to help move older adults along the digital attainment spectrum and bring greater access to transportation information and services. The OCTO Senior Tech program could help older adults to learn how to access transportation information at senior centers/groups, complemented by DDOT and DFHV in-person training and their participation in scheduled senior/rec center online meetings.
    Include older adult driver materials, including reference to DMV Senior Driver website, in DACL resources provided at events and to incoming callers.
    Support/Actively engage older road user self-evaluation to prevent or reduce safety risks – AAA Self-Rating Tool, a free 15-question, self-rating driving assessment exercise designed to help senior drivers examine their driving performance (http://seniordriving.aaa.com/evaluate-yourdriving-ability/self-rating-t...). Similarly, promote the AAA interactive Roadwise Review Evaluation, a series of free, computer-based exercises that can be completed in 30 to 45 minutes. (http://seniordriving.aaa.com/evaluate-your-drivingability/interactive-d...); Pilot a data-driven rather than emotion-driven way to be tested.
    Support/Actively engage older road user self-evaluation to prevent or reduce safety risks – DMV-AARP Smart Driver Safety Course and emphasize how older drivers can save money on insurance.
  Data
    Age-Friendly District Strategic Plan recommended engineering priorities – Continue to improve access to real-time data of service reports and prioritize for repairs of pathways and parking space; incorporate recommendations in all future corridor improvements.        
      **Pedestrian Safety**

        no result**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Given the diverging viewpoints about the role of distraction and walking, conduct a study to determine (1) the various types of pedestrian distraction that pose the most risk, and (2) potential recommendations to mitigate this if found to be unacceptable.
    Negotiate reciprocity agreements with Virginia and Maryland to ensure drivers in those States face consequences when they violate traffic laws in the District.
    Review legislation and update accordingly – Make criminal charge protecting pedestrians enforceable by the United States Attorney's Office (USAO); review the fines and point system; consider/mandate driver retraining for pedestrian/bicycle crashes—driver at fault; consider option for driver retraining to eliminate all or some portion of fines (manual or automated).
  Engineering
    Complete sidewalk gaps to ensure connectivity – Prioritize to bus stops, schools, recreational centers, and other high pedestrian generators.
    Expand intersection programs related to – Signal upgrades (including retiming to accommodate the elderly); geometric improvements; technologies – High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK), RRFBS.
    Expand the local road programs – Speed management, including the Slow Streets program and lowering the default speed limit; neighborhood street full/partial closures and/or diversions. Intersection treatments (traffic circles, speed tables, etc.); street traffic calming; implement RRFBs and other technologies at high pedestrian crossing locations; pilot Tactical Urbanism concepts in one neighborhood and evaluate.
    Review crashes on HIN and install physical improvements to reduce vehicle speeds – Continue intersection treatments (restricted turns, including NRTOR, left turn hardening, mitigate conflicting left turns, smart lighting, technologies such as HAWK signals, etc.); expand the corridor safety improvement program (including Road Diets); assess and implement a speed management program across HIN; enhanced crossing facilities at recreation centers and other high pedestrian crossings.
    Review/Update guidelines/policies (Design Manual and Engineering Manual) – High-density private/public areas; recreational facilities; safe crossing speeds by roadway classification; sidewalks on both sides of new and upgraded road facilities.
  Education
    Continue pedestrian awareness campaign, such as Street Smart – Expand use of social media; create or adapt short videos on pedestrian laws that serve both police and public education; update on new legislation changes, as well as driver/bicyclist considerations of older pedestrians.
    Targeted Education/Outreach Initiatives – Expand the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program to eventually reach all elementary, middle, and high schools;  young adult – explore/Work with national youth organizations on safety campaign (e.g., NOYS, SADD) on safe driving habits; major employers – leverage existing resource and work with major employers to highlight safety issues through internet and email; develop campaign materials specific to pedestrian visibility at night;  expand efforts to include Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), provide a customized safety blog or fact sheet for their local newsletters or mail-out quarterly; present to Fine Arts and National Planning Commission the importance of safety charges to the infrastructures (could take precedence over aesthetics; update pedestrian safety training in DDOT, MPD, DMV, WMATA, and among other District and Federal Agencies.
    Update DDOT Pedestrian Program website – Post online tools residents can use to evaluate and report conditions of the pedestrian environment; post checklist of recently completed projects throughout the District; update statistics monthly
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Continue Targeted Enforcement Campaign along the HIN – High-visibility enforcement operations; speed enforcement operations in areas where high concentrations of pedestrians cross or on high pedestrian-crash corridors; enforce relevant polices—NRTOR, Left-turn Restrictions, crosswalk violations, etc.
    Implement best practices for using the latest proven technologies to enforce traffic violations (see Aggressive Emphasis Areas).
    Review the MPD traffic enforcement unit and develop a plan to meet District needs over the medium to longer term.
  Data
    Assess extent of underreporting (UR) of crashes and accuracy of serious injury reporting by existing methods – Develop a small stakeholder group involving DDOT, MPD, FEMS, and DOH to discuss/guide effort; undertake a preliminary assessment to determine extent of UR (i.e., 6 months of data from 1 or 2 hospitals), data quality and capability for linkage and report out within 6–9 months; based on outcome of above, assess the need for a District-wide injury surveillance system that will better account for the occurrences and severity of multimodal transportation-related incidents.
    Develop/Implement a comprehensive procedure to determine the annual number of pedestrian/bicycle trips District-wide – Normalize crash data to assess injury concentrations by ward; incorporate land use and other data in crash analysis to better understand causes of crashes and consequently implement appropriate treatment essential to advancing equity District-wide.
    Review existing crash attributes in COBALT and ensure that the new crash applications (2021) update includes appropriate fields needed for accurate data analysis – Develop appropriate office training materials and incorporate in new MPD COBALT 2021 roll out.        
      **Signalized Intersections**

        **EA Type:**
      	Infrastructure**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Activate/Modify DPW handheld devices to include a synchronized notification system for missing assets—real-time notification to DDOT.
    Perform a needs assessment of the DDOT Traffic Management Center (TMC)/Communication Hub and implement key recommendations.
    Undertake needs assessment of District Incident Management response capabilities and implement key recommendations: Develop a plan, implement key recommendations, access performance measures/modify plan, track and report progress.
    Update HIN mapping quarterly to include future developments and share with other agencies and concerned parties (i.e., ANCs, others).
  Engineering
    Complete installation of traffic signal uninterruptible power supply at all intersections along the HIN.
    Continue to implement geometric design improvements (through studies, road safety audits, and other data-driven approaches) at HIN – Revise geometry of complex intersections (Left-/right-turn restrictions and hard turns, de-conflict turning movements, variable lane use treatments, alternative intersection treatments, reconfigure/realign intersection treatments, reduce radii and/or build bulb-outs); intersection-wide treatments (pedestrian treatments, bicycle treatments, transit treatments, traffic control treatments, street lighting and illumination); approach treatments (pedestrian treatments, bicycle treatments, transit treatments, traffic control treatments, street lighting and illumination).
    Continue to implement traffic control and operational improvements (through road safety audits and other data-driven approaches) at both high-crash locations and systemic-wide corridor and/or geographic areas – Restrict, eliminate, and/or harden turning maneuvers; explore using collision-avoidance systems at intersections; provide automated advanced signal status information at high-crash locations; install rumble strips on intersection approaches (as applicable); retime traffic signals; implement high-friction surfaces; revise geometry of complex intersections (Left-/right-turn restrictions and hard turns.
  Education
    Develop and implement public information program on intersection safety. Focus on various safety themes, as well as positive stories. Target media, ANCs, blast emails to all government agency personnel.
    Expand DDOT safety education program for engineers and planners to include other related District agencies. Key areas include intersection safety, human factors, older adult limitations, work zone management, incident management, data analysis, and benefit-cost analysis.
    Work with the Street Car Program Administrators (Progressive Transportation Services Administration, DDOT) to include public awareness operational characteristics in their outreach for motorized and nonmotorized populations (commercial, motorcyclist, bicyclist, pedestrian, and others).
  Enforcement/Adjudication
    Review the MPD traffic enforcement unit and develop a plan to meet the District needs over the medium to longer term.
    Review/Amend traffic laws – Increase fines for late payment of tickets and/or unpaid tickets for moving violations; reduce fines for taking driver online retraining; encourage the public to take the retraining examination when renewing their licenses; all new residents to the District should pass the written DMV.
    Review/expand the Traffic Control Officer (TCO) Program as appropriate – Review/expand the TCO Deployment Plan for daytime/nighttime locations in relation to high crashes and moving violations’ Expand plan to include enforcement of left-/right-turn restrictions in line with new DDOT policies.
    Use a data-driven approach to expand enforcement of top 30 high-crash intersections along the HIN – Expand automated/conventional enforcement of red-light running, turning restrictions, and speeding on HIN; work with other Federal and state partners (NPS, Maryland, Virginia) to support enforcement efforts along the HIN; continue regular high-visibility enforcement along HIN; conduct enforcement at high traffic-violation locations
    Work with DPW to have parking impound lots open and staffed 24/7 and available to MPD and other enforcement agencies – Boot and release 24/7.
  Data
    Complete the roadway data assets to align with MIRE requirements.
    Project evaluation – Ensure all roadway improvement (greater than $500,000) and major real estate projects (greater than $10 m) have a safety performance goal (SPG).
    Review existing crash attributes in COBALT and ensure that the new crash applications (2021) update includes appropriate fields needed for accurate data analysis – Develop appropriate office training materials and incorporate in new COBALT 2021 rollout.        
      **STOP-controlled Intersections**

        **EA Type:**
      	Infrastructure**Goals:**
      	The plan does not list goals for this Emphasis Area.**Objectives:**
      	The plan does not list objectives for this Emphasis Area.**Strategies (by type):**Legislative/Policy/Programmatic
    Activate/Modify the DPW handheld devices for a synchronized notification system for missing assets—(real-time notification to DDOT).
    Evaluate/document the safety benefits at location where the improvements exceeded $0.5 M.
  Engineering
    Continue to implement geometric design improvements. Examples include – Restrict or eliminate turning maneuvers by providing channelization, closing median openings, and/or installing adequate signing; add bulb-outs at intersections; close or relocate/redesign high-risk intersections; consider realigning skewed intersection approaches; improve pedestrian/ bicycle facilities to reduce conflicts; eliminate parking that restricts sight distance; clear sight triangles on STOP- or YIELD-controlled approaches to intersections.
    Continue to improve safety by investigating/evaluating/ studying/installing traffic-calming strategies – Conduct annual review of the top 10 intersections with the highest violations and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
    Improve safety through traffic control and other operational improvements; examples include: Place larger STOP and advanced warning signs at appropriate locations; provide in-pavement markings with supplementary messages, such as STOP AHEAD and larger STOP bars, at appropriate locations; provide lighting to improve visibility at high pedestrian crossings, as appropriate; restrict left-turn and right-turn movements and/or tighten turning radius; install flashing beacons at appropriate STOP-controlled intersections; install rumble strips or other sensory devices to attract driver attention at high-crash intersection approaches or high-speed approaches (away from residential areas).
    Investigate new technologies that improve visibility of traffic control devices (TCDs) (signing and marking) and implement best practices.
    Review and update, as applicable, the District Streetcar Design Criteria (2012) – Develop appropriate designs for intersections and street width in general—relating to stopping, turning radii, speeds between short street segments, etc., and incorporate in the DDOT Standard Drawings.
    Review and update, as applicable, the District Streetcar Design Criteria (2012) – Review the safety of street car configuration and develop appropriate designs for intersections and street width in general (if necessary)—relate to stopping, turning, speeds between short street segments, etc.
  Education
    Expand the SRTS program to include materials on intersection safety for high schools through social media, other networking sites, and other formats.
    Work with local University Management and Student organizations to publicize road safety materials. For example, Campus Advisories is the GWU primary website used to communicate incident-related and non-incident-related information to the GW community.
		
    			Participants/Stakeholders
        State Gov't - Department of Transportation
    District Department of Transportation (DDOT)
  State Gov't - Motor Vehicle Administration Agency
    Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  State Gov't - EMS
    Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS)
  State Gov't - Law Enforcement/Public Safety
    Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
  State Gov't - Public Health/Human Services
    DC Health (DOH)
  State Gov't - Other
    Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)
    Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)
    Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV)
    District of Columbia Superior Court (DCSC)
    Office of Chief Technology and Officer (OCTO)
    Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
    Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME)
  Regional Planning Agency
    Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG)
  Local Public Health/Human Services
    Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP)
  Federal Gov't - Transportation
    Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  Federal Gov't - Other
    U.S. National Park Service (NPS)
  Advocacy/Non-Profit
    Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Highway Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About
  

        
              About FHWA
                Careers
                Org Chart
                Staff Directories
                Work with UsPrograms
  

        
              Acquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                SafetyPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Accessibility
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web StandardsNews & Events
  

        
              Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Media Contacts
                Connect with Us