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Safe Streets, Smart Signals Act

A data-driven public safety framework to modernize dangerous intersections, protect pedestrians, and prevent traffic deaths before they happen.

Open for Public Review
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Apr 21, 2026
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Summary

The Safe Streets, Smart Signals Act would require cities over 100,000 residents to upgrade high-risk intersections with modern pedestrian safety infrastructure, including leading pedestrian intervals, daylighting at corners, accessible crossing signals, and automated signal timing reviews. The goal is to reduce preventable traffic injuries and fatalities, especially for pedestrians, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Table of Contents

Section 1. Definitions

For purposes of this Act:

“High-risk intersection” means any intersection identified by a city transportation department using crash history, near-miss data, traffic volumes, school proximity, transit access, or other safety indicators.

“Leading pedestrian interval” means a signal timing strategy that gives pedestrians a head start before vehicles receive a green signal.

“Daylighting” means the removal of parking or curbside obstructions near intersections to improve visibility between road users.

Section 2. Applicability

This Act applies to all municipalities with populations greater than 100,000 residents.

Municipalities under this threshold may opt in voluntarily and receive technical guidance from the state transportation agency.

Section 3. Required Safety Review

Each covered municipality shall, within 12 months of enactment, complete a citywide safety review identifying its 100 highest-risk intersections or all qualifying high-risk intersections, whichever number is smaller.

The review must consider:

  • Reported crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles

  • Proximity to schools, parks, senior centers, and transit stops

  • Existing crossing infrastructure

  • ADA accessibility deficiencies

  • Community complaints and public input

  • Observed speeding or turn-conflict patterns

Section 4. Required Interventions

For each identified high-risk intersection, the municipality shall evaluate and implement, where feasible, the following safety measures:

  • Leading pedestrian intervals

  • High-visibility crosswalk markings

  • Daylighting near corners

  • Accessible pedestrian signals and curb ramps

  • Signal timing updates to reflect actual walking speeds

  • No-turn-on-red restrictions where collision risk is elevated

  • Protected turn phases where warranted

  • Improved street lighting where nighttime visibility is poor

A municipality may propose an equivalent alternative intervention if it demonstrates that the alternative provides equal or greater safety benefits.

Section 5. School and Senior Priority Zones

Intersections within one-quarter mile of schools, senior centers, disability service centers, or major transit stops shall receive priority scheduling for review and intervention.

Section 6. Public Transparency

Each municipality shall publish and maintain an online public dashboard that includes:

  • A list and map of identified high-risk intersections

  • Planned and completed safety upgrades

  • Before-and-after crash data

  • Estimated completion timelines

  • Annual spending on intersection safety improvements

The dashboard must be updated at least quarterly.

Section 7. Community Input

Before finalizing annual upgrade lists, municipalities shall provide at least one public comment period and one public meeting, either virtual or in person, to collect community feedback on dangerous intersections and proposed interventions.

Section 8. Funding

The state shall establish a Safe Intersections Grant Program to support implementation. Priority for grant funding shall be given to:

  • Low-income communities

  • Historically underserved neighborhoods

  • Areas with high pedestrian injury rates

  • Cities demonstrating readiness to implement upgrades quickly

Municipalities may also use existing transportation safety, capital improvement, or federal grant funds to comply with this Act.

Section 9. Annual Reporting

Each covered municipality shall submit an annual report to the state transportation agency and make it publicly available. The report shall include:

  • Number of intersections reviewed

  • Number of intersections upgraded

  • Types of interventions used

  • Changes in injuries and fatalities

  • Implementation barriers and recommendations

Section 10. Enforcement

If a municipality fails to complete the required review or reporting obligations within the timelines established by this Act, the state transportation agency may require a corrective action plan as a condition of future discretionary transportation funding.