How The Transportation Department Plans to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths
Ask Students: When did pedestrian deaths start to rise? How do pedestrian deaths in the U.S. compare to other countries?
Summary
Pedestrian deaths in the U.S. have reached their highest level in 40 years. Using funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is spearheading the allocation of $5 billion to state and local governments through a federal grant known as Safe Streets and Roads for All to try and prevent roadway deaths.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who is interviewed in this story, and what is his background?
- When did pedestrian deaths start to rise?
- How do pedestrian deaths in the U.S. compare to other countries?
- What action is the Transportation department taking to try to reduce pedestrian deaths?
- Why is there money available now for infrastructure changes to try to address pedestrian deaths?
Focus Questions
Why do you think pedestrian deaths have risen so dramatically in the past couple of years? What do you think is the best way to address the issue?
Media Literacy:Is it clear from this story what changes are actually being proposed to reduce pedestrian deaths? If not, how could you find out?
Crossing in Your Community
What are some dangerous intersections or roadways in your own community? Discuss some ways to make them safer for pedestrians.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories.
