Schakowsky, Blumenthal Introduce Resolution to End Roadway Fatalities & Improve Traffic Safety

Full Text of Resolution (PDF)

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Road to Zero resolution to reduce traffic fatalities and improve roadway safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road. The resolution aims to end roadway fatalities by 2050 by improving data collection and promoting access to safe, reliable transportation.

"I've seen the devastating impact that car crashes and unsafe vehicles have on families and communities, and it is simply unacceptable that so many lives are still being lost on our roadways," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "By reintroducing the Road to Zero resolution, we are reaffirming our commitment to safer streets and a future where no one has to fear losing a loved one on the road. We can and must do better to make our streets safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, and we remain committed to working toward ending these unnecessary traffic deaths and injuries by 2050."

"Road to zero is reachable and responsible," said Senator Richard Blumenthal. "Roads must be made safer for all-pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as car users. Improved technology and increased investment provide the opportunity-and imperative-to cut road tragedies."

The Road to Zero resolution highlights the troubling number of traffic fatalities and crashes in the United States, with many of the deaths resulting from distracted and alcohol-impaired driving. The resolution also notes the deep history of inequality in the United States' transportation systems as crashes have a disproportionate impact on people of color and low-income communities. Citing the success of seatbelts, speed limits, and other technology in preventing injuries and fatalities, the measure encourages federal agencies to implement interventions and improve data collection to prevent crashes.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shown a steady decline in traffic fatalities since the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included historic funding for transportation safety and the Safe Streets and Roads for All grants to address high-crash areas. While nearly 37,000 people lost their lives to traffic crashes in 2025, NHTSA's data shows a 6.7 percent decline in fatalities compared to the previous year. The Road to Zero resolution seeks to build on this progress and achieve zero roadway fatalities by the year 2050.

The resolution is endorsed by the National Safety Council, Consumer Reports, Vision Zero Network, and Families for Safe Streets.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (NV-01), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Grace Meng (NY-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Chuy García (IL-04), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

###