SAFE Streets Act

Safe And Friendly for the Environment Streets Act or the SAFE Streets Act

This bill revises the Highway Safety Improvement Program to create special rules for vulnerable road users. The bill defines vulnerable road user as a nonmotorist such as a pedestrian, pedalcylcist, bicyclist, other cyclist, or person on personal conveyance.

Specifically, the bill requires

• states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) with above the median rate of vulnerable road user fatalities and serious injuries to dedicate at least 75% of funds under the program for projects to improve safety for such users, and
• states and MPOs to create vulnerable road user safety assessments that include locations and corridors where serious injuries and fatalities occur and strategies to reduce safety risks for such users in the corridors.

The SAFE Streets Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 508, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to enhance public safety by providing additional resources and support to law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat violent crime and drug trafficking on the streets.

One of the key provisions of the SAFE Streets Act is the allocation of funding for the hiring of additional police officers and the purchase of new equipment and technology to aid in crime prevention and investigation. This includes resources for the implementation of community policing programs and the establishment of task forces to target specific criminal activities.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to strengthen penalties for individuals convicted of violent crimes and drug offenses, as well as provisions to enhance coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This includes the establishment of a national database to track and monitor individuals involved in criminal activities across state lines. Overall, the SAFE Streets Act aims to improve public safety and reduce crime rates by providing law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools and resources to effectively combat violent crime and drug trafficking on the streets. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it will help make communities safer and opponents raising concerns about potential civil liberties implications.