Save Our Pedestrians Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill requires states to dedicate a portion of existing federal highway safety funds to address pedestrian safety at dangerous crossings, aiming to reduce injuries and fatalities.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that states allocate 5% of their federal highway safety improvement program funds, specifically those apportioned under section 104(b)(3) of title 23, United States Code, to projects aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries and fatalities. These funds must be used at identified high-risk pedestrian crossings, which are defined as locations with a high frequency of incidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians, as determined by the state in consultation with local governments.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill directly addresses a critical and growing public safety issue by ensuring dedicated funding for pedestrian safety improvements. They contend that by mandating a set-aside, the bill will force states to prioritize projects at locations where pedestrians are most vulnerable, ultimately saving lives and preventing serious injuries. This proactive approach is seen as essential for protecting non-motorized road users.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that mandating a specific set-aside reduces state flexibility in allocating federal highway safety funds, potentially diverting resources from other critical safety projects that states might deem more urgent or impactful based on their unique local conditions. They may contend that states are already equipped to identify and address high-risk areas and that a federal mandate could lead to suboptimal resource allocation or administrative burdens.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2, amending Section 148 of title 23, United States Code
Mandated Set-Aside for High-Risk Pedestrian Crossings
This provision requires that starting in fiscal year 2027, 5% of the federal highway safety improvement program funds (apportioned under section 104(b)(3)) received by each state must be spent on projects specifically designed to improve safety at "high-risk pedestrian crossings." A high-risk pedestrian crossing is defined as any pedestrian crossing on a highway that the state, in collaboration with local governments, identifies as having a high number of injuries or fatalities involving motor vehicles and pedestrians.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this set-aside is crucial for addressing the rising number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries nationwide. They believe that by earmarking funds, the bill ensures that pedestrian safety is not overlooked in broader highway improvement plans and that resources are directed to the most dangerous locations, thereby maximizing the impact on public safety.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this mandate reduces the flexibility of state and local authorities to prioritize their most pressing safety needs. They may contend that states are better positioned to assess their unique traffic safety challenges and allocate funds accordingly, and that a federal directive could lead to less efficient use of resources if other safety issues are more prevalent or severe in a particular state.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the federal interest in promoting pedestrian safety nationwide with state and local autonomy in allocating transportation funds. It aims to ensure a minimum level of investment in pedestrian safety while potentially limiting states' discretion over a small portion of their highway safety budget.