Despite major technological advances, traffic deaths are increasing in nearly every segment of the population. NHTSA estimates that 42,915 people died in vehicle crashes in 2021, a 10.5% increase from 2020. Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have also increased by 13% and 14%, respectively during 2021 to a level not seen in 20 years. The leading cause of car accidents is distracted driving.

US residents spend an average of 99 hours per year in gridlock. Traffic congestion robs each U.S. household of $1,377 and the U.S. economy of $88 billion annually. At the core of the traffic congestion problem is the inadequate performance of traffic signal systems which still operate according to 20^th-century standards.

Vehicles stopped in traffic burn gasoline and diesel, releasing staggering amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) into the atmosphere. The buildup of GHC causes the Earth’s atmosphere to warm, resulting in changes to the climate evident today. GHG emissions from transportation account for about 27% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest single contributor. Between 1990 and 2020, GHG emissions in the transportation sector increased more than any other industry.

Equitable transportation systems should connect all citizens to jobs, schools, housing, retail, and health care services. Unfortunately, millions of low-income and working-class people, people of color, and people with disabilities live in communities where quality transportation is unaffordable, unreliable, or nonexistent.