Raleigh Launches Safety Plan to Reduce Traffic Crashes

The city is pursuing federal funding to address its status as a high-crash area and improve dangerous roadway conditions.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Car Types

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized, empty multi-lane road from a high, distant perspective, evoking urban infrastructure safety planning. — Raleigh officials launched a safety action plan this week, aiming to reduce fatal traffic accidents by half through major infrastructure overhauls. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe stricter infrastructure and traffic enforcement will reduce dangerous crashes in your area?

Raleigh has launched a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan aimed at cutting fatal and serious traffic injuries in half by 2040. The initiative comes as the city reports the highest crash rate among the nation's 50 largest cities.

Why it matters

The plan addresses a persistent public safety crisis that saw 185 fatal crashes and 905 serious injury incidents between 2019 and 2023. By targeting dangerous driving behaviors and infrastructure, the city hopes to reverse an annual average of 40 traffic-related deaths.

In 2023, 54% of fatal crashes involved speeding, while 71% of victims were not wearing seatbelts. The city has requested a $12.6 million federal grant to fund safety measures including road diets and signal timing adjustments.

The players

City of Raleigh

The capital city of North Carolina is managing the implementation of the new Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.

The details

Raleigh identified key high-injury network corridors such as Capital Boulevard, Glenwood Avenue, and Western Boulevard for immediate intervention. The city aims to eliminate all fatal and serious injury crashes by 2055 through infrastructure upgrades like bike lanes and sidewalks.

From 2019 to 2023, the city recorded 185 fatal and 905 serious injury crashes.
In 2023, 85% of fatal crashes were linked to dangerous driver behaviors.
Raleigh expects a decision on its $12.6 million grant by December 31, 2026.
Construction of 13 raised sidewalks is scheduled for early 2028.
The city targets a 50% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes by 2040.

Roadmap

This safety initiative represents a broader shift toward 'Vision Zero' urban planning strategies that prioritize pedestrian infrastructure over vehicle-centric design. By focusing on road diets and traffic calming, Raleigh is positioning itself to align with federal standards for reducing multi-modal fatalities.

Drivers in Raleigh should expect upcoming infrastructure changes along major corridors like New Bern Avenue and Saunders Street, which may affect daily commute times and traffic flow. Residents can also anticipate a shift in enforcement or public awareness campaigns regarding seatbelt use and speed limits.

The takeaway

The city's goal to reduce crashes highlights the critical importance of individual driver choices, such as wearing seatbelts and obeying speed limits. Residents can contribute to this goal by participating in upcoming city feedback sessions regarding street-level infrastructure projects.