AASHTO Journal - Caltrans Supporting Statewide “Go Safely Movement” Campaign

To address the rising number of fatalities on California roadways, the California Office of Traffic Safety or OTS has launched the “Go Safely Movement” campaign with the help of the California State Transportation Agency, California Department of Transportation, and California Highway Patrol.

[Above photo by Caltrans]

The campaign aims to establish a strong safety culture in California by raising awareness of the roadway crisis and encouraging people to take a “Community Call to Action” survey. Results of the survey will help improve state highway safety planning efforts as well as identify “traffic safety champions” to promote more community-level involvement in traffic safety initiatives.

“We can no longer accept death and serious injuries as just a consequence of using our roads. As users of the road, we share in the responsibility of keeping ourselves and other safe,” noted Barbara Rooney, director of the California OTS in a statement. “Together we can drive culture change and prioritize roadway safety for all.”

According to the latest projections from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 4,400 people were killed in traffic crashes in California in 2022, or 12 people every day – with a disproportionate number of those deaths affecting people of color and low-income communities.

“At Caltrans, safety is our number one priority, which is why we are striving to make our state transportation system safer, greener, and more equitable,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “We are all on this road together, so the success of the Go Safely Movement, and the ability to attain our shared goal of eliminating all traffic deaths on our roads by 2050, depends on every Californian doing their part.”

“Every year, thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in preventable crashes on California roads – and, tragically, the numbers are going in the wrong direction, with the biggest impact on underserved communities and people who do not have equitable access to safe transportation options,” added Toks Omishakin, CalSTA Secretary. “I encourage everyone to join the Go Safely Movement by becoming a traffic safety champion and sharing their thoughts on how we create a safety culture and reverse this deadly trend.”

As the number of traffic fatalities on California roadways continues to rise, many people across the state struggle with the loss of a friend or family member or suffer serious injuries and significant hardship from a crash. “California’s vast highway network connects many unique areas, encompassing rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities,” noted CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Through the partnerships of the Go Safely Movement, we can positively impact driving behavior and help create safer conditions for all roadway users.”