Economic Costs and Funding Federal funding contingent on State action creates piecemeal funding and results in fragmented efforts. 225,000 more trucks are added to the fleet each year. Highway safety is primarily a State government function. States must take the lead. Graduated licensing laws represent a good example.
States collect safety data inconsistently.
Leadership needed to make tough decisions should come from NGA and from each Governor. More lives can be saved if highway safety is the number 1 priority than any other action a Governor can take. NGA Action Take the National Leadership Role in Highway Safety as NGA has done in education and other fields. Make Highway Safety the Top Priority in Each State. Ask Governors to provide political leadership.