In 2017, traffic departments across the United States focused on enforcement, safety programs, and significant initiatives in both urban and rural areas. For example, the New York City Department of Transportation, as part of its Vision Zero campaign, implemented measures such as retiming traffic signals on over 135 miles of city streets and improving intersection designs to enhance safety. The NYPD Traffic officers issued more than 50,000 summonses for drivers failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists and nearly 150,000 speeding tickets. Automated speed cameras issued almost 1.2 million Notices of Liability, with over half at Vision Zero Priority Locations[2].
Nationally, roadway fatalities in 2017 dropped to 37,133, a decrease of nearly 2% compared to 2016, following two years of increases. Pedestrian fatalities also declined for the first time since 2013. However, combination trucks involved in fatal crashes increased by 5.8%, and more fatalities occurred in urban areas than rural ones for the second year in a row[4].
At the state level, the Idaho Transportation Department reported a substantial increase in vehicle traffic related to special events, such as the 2017 Solar Eclipse. Traffic counter data revealed notable spikes, including a 31% increase at I-15 in Pocatello and a 55% increase at US-20/26 east of Arco compared to 2016[1].
Municipal departments, like the City of Oklahoma City and City of Little Rock, continued to offer employment opportunities across various traffic-related divisions, supporting essential services such as traffic control and street maintenance to ensure community growth and safety[5][7].
References
- [1] Solar Eclipse Traffic Report – Idaho Transportation Department
- [2] Vision Zero: Mayor de Blasio Announces Pedestrian Fatalities Dropped 32% Last Year, Making 2017 the Safest Year on Record for Pedestrians
- [4] U.S. DOT Announces 2017 Roadway Fatalities Down – NHTSA
- [5] Employment | City of OKC
- [7] Employment | City of Little Rock
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