US Transport Secretary's War on 'Woke' Could Make Roads Deadlier 2026

US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy's war on 'woke' policies could make roads deadlier, experts warn, as the Federal Highway Administration rolls back key safety measures. The shift has alarmed former officials who say it prioritizes politics over proven safety strategies.

Safety Rollbacks Under the Trump Administration

Shortly after his confirmation, Secretary Duffy signed orders to end what department officials called 'woke policies' from the Biden administration. The directive ensures that 'all USDOT policies, grants, loans, and actions are based on sound economic principles, positive cost-benefit analyses, and pro-economic growth priorities.' Critics argue this move sidelines critical safety initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable road users.

Barbara McCann, who worked on road safety policy at USDOT for over a decade, noticed that several safety policies had been removed from public view. She became increasingly worried as the secretary appeared unmotivated to address pedestrian safety and regularly bashed bike infrastructure. 'You pick someone who's vulnerable and attack them,' McCann said. 'They decided that bicyclists are vulnerable and that they could use that as a political wedge. It didn't seem to have anything to do with actual safety.'

The Deadly Consequences of Ignoring Data

In a country where traffic deaths far surpass its international counterparts, these rollbacks could be deadly. The US has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate per capita compared to other high-income nations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022. Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities have reached decades-long highs, with 7,522 pedestrians and 1,105 bicyclists killed in 2022 alone.

Experts say that proven safety measures—such as complete streets, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure—are being deprioritized. These measures have been shown to reduce crashes and save lives. By framing them as 'woke,' the administration risks reversing progress made in recent years.

Comparison: US vs. Other High-Income Countries

Source: OECD/ITF Road Safety Annual Report 2023

Key Takeaways

• Safety rollbacks: USDOT has removed or deprioritized several road safety policies, including those aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists.
• Rising fatalities: US traffic deaths remain significantly higher than other high-income countries, with pedestrian and cyclist deaths at crisis levels.
• Political wedge: Experts argue that labeling safety measures as 'woke' distracts from evidence-based solutions that save lives.
• Uncertain future: Without federal support, states and cities may struggle to implement life-saving infrastructure improvements.

What This Means for Drivers and Pedestrians

The rollback of safety policies could have far-reaching effects. Without federal guidance and funding, many states may deprioritize pedestrian and bicyclist safety projects. This could lead to more dangerous roads for everyone, as improvements like road diets, crosswalks, and bike lanes are shelved.

Moreover, the administration's focus on 'pro-economic growth priorities' may favor highway expansion over safety upgrades. While economic growth is important, ignoring safety can lead to higher costs in healthcare, lost productivity, and human suffering. Studies show that every $1 invested in road safety saves $4 in crash-related costs.

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