March 08, 2024

Congresswoman Torres Secures Pedestrian Safety Initiatives in FY2024 Government Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, applauds the passage of the government funding bill, which includes resources to facilitate pedestrian safety nationwide. The FY2024 Appropriations Package includes language from Congresswoman Torres’ Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness and Safety Expansion (PHASE) Act, which she introduced in October during “Pedestrian Safety Month”, to address rising pedestrian accidents and fatalities in regions like the Inland Empire.

“Whether Americans are choosing to walk, bike, or even take a scooter to their next stop, they deserve the peace of mind and public policy forethought from Congress that we take their safety seriously. With rising pedestrian accidents and fatalities in California, our current transportation infrastructure is clearly inadequate at keeping bike and pedestrian road users safe. I am grateful to be able to implement this important step toward developing stronger pedestrian safety policies in our Congressional budget this year, making our roads safer for all vulnerable road users,” said Congresswoman Torres.”

The Appropriations Committee stated in the funding package: The Committee directs the FHWA to continue developing resources and providing technical assistance to help state and local stakeholders facilitate the implementation of their vision zero plans and strategies to reduce pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries. The Committee also urges the FHWA to use its research funding for crash data research and the development of test scenarios that leverage real-world data on advanced driver assistance systems.

To learn more about Congresswoman Torres’ PHASE Act, visit the release here. To read the full bill text, click here.

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