Improving highway safety is important. From 2008 to 2010, there were approximately 52,000 crashes in the region. The total number of crashes increased from 16,471 in 2009 to 16,873 in 2010. Although this is a 2% increase, it is still over 6,200 less crashes than in 2002. Also, the number of high crash segments and intersections has decreased. There is evidence that recent highway improvements, as well as a decline in overall travel, have had a positive impact on safety conditions.
The Safety Needs Report highlighted the top crash locations in the region and proposed recommendations for improving safety at those locations. Many locations identified in the report continue to be problems year after year. In order to improve the overall safety of the transportation system, these locations must be improved to reduce crashes and fatalities in the region.
