Road Safety & Indigenous Communities: Safe Systems Approach

Motor vehicle traffic deaths affect indigenous communities at a disproportionate rate as compared to the overall United States population. For children and youth ages 0-19, motor vehicle traffic death rates among American Indian and Alaska Native children and youths are up to 8 times higher than those of other racial and ethnic groups. This is often due to structural barriers in tribal communities such as lack of lighting, potholes, cattle, etc. This course dives specifically into the effectiveness of taking a Safe Systems approach to road safety in tribal communities. Perspectives from Safe Systems experts and tribal partners on safe systems approaches to road safety are highlighted as examples from specific communities. The course provides historical context to road safety and specific considerations for roads in tribal nations. Next, the course focuses on how to intervene to create a safe system in communities. In addition, this course will prepare you with information on how to apply for an SS4A grant, with examples from specific communities who have successfully obtained the grant. Throughout the course, resources are provided with tools on how to apply for SS4A grant and how to implement a safe systems approach.