Which Road Safety Interventions Work Best?

Data from New York City show that traffic safety projects that give pedestrians the most space are the most effective in reducing fatal crashes and injuries.

2 minute read

September 19, 2022, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


New York City Pedestrians

Pedestrians in New York City. | Drop of Light / Shutterstock

“New data published by the New York City Department of Transportation adds to a growing body of evidence about which interventions most effectively reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries.” In an article for Governing, Jared Brey describes the projects that had the biggest effect on street safety.

“The data show substantial reductions in serious injuries and fatalities for all roadway users resulting from street improvement projects like road diets, pedestrian islands, curb and sidewalk extensions, and leading pedestrian intervals — all on the order of 30 percent or more.” Brey adds that turn calming and protected bike lanes also had an impact of 15 percent of more.

The study, originally undertaken to analyze the effect of interventions on senior citizens, was broadened to include all road users. Brey notes that “Injury data specifically for cyclists were not included in the study, though a separate 2021 report looked at the impact of street interventions on risks for bikers.”

According to the study, projects that give pedestrians more space show the best results. “Another important takeaway was that conventional bike lanes, which involve little more than paint, did result in significantly fewer deaths and serious injuries.” While protected bike lanes help more, all designated bike lanes seem to have some effect on reducing dangerous crashes.

According to Beth Osborne, director of Transportation for America and vice president of transportation and thriving communities for Smart Growth America, New York City should serve as a model for planning, implementing, and then studying the results of traffic calming projects. “The tragedy is NYC DOT is a standout. We almost never check on what state DOTs or city DOTs promise.”

Friday, September 16, 2022 in Governing

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Row of older brick houses in Detroit with front porches and front lawns.

Detroit Says Problems With Property Tax Assessments are Fixed. Advocates Disagree.

With higher-valued properties under assessed and lower-valued properties over assessed, advocates say there's still a problem with Detroit's property tax system.

15 minutes ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA