Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Citing Safety Problems, Federal Officials Assume Control of San Jose Streets

10:56 AM EDT on April 1, 2016

ntsb-logo-tag
false

When something goes wrong and people get hurt on a train, national transportation safety officials swoop in immediately to root out the source of risk and prevent future loss of life.

How surprising and refreshing to see them apply the same scrutiny to the road system as well. Network blog Systemic Failure is carrying a press release from that National Transportation Safety Board explaining the agency's decision to assume oversight of San Jose's streets:

WASHINGTON – The National Transportation Safety Board today issued two urgent safety recommendations calling for direct Federal safety oversight of San Jose’s streets and highways by the Federal Department of Transportation.

In its ongoing investigation, the NTSB examined the safety oversight for non-motorized users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, and wheelchair users. The NTSB found little improvement in San Jose’s safety culture since 2013, when pedestrian deaths hit a two-decade high. 

Testimony at the hearing confirmed that the present oversight body, the bicycle advisory committee (BAC) relies on San Jose Public Works and/or City Council to respond to any safety concern, finding or recommendation. The BAC lacks the power to issue orders or levy fines and has no regulatory or enforcement authority.

“There is now a lack of independent safety oversight of San Jose streets and highways,’’ said NTSB Chairman Christopher A. Hart. “This is an unacceptable gap in system safety.”

Systemic Failure adds that NTSB has opened an investigation into the city of San Francisco "after reports surfaced that the Mayor was relying on his optometrist to provide expert traffic safety advice."

Elsewhere on the Network: Greater Greater Washington says if D.C. Metro needs to close certain rail lines for long periods of time for repairs or safety upgrades, the agency is going to need to pick up the slack with a lot of extra bus service. Plan Philly shares a map showing locations where a shocking number of school children have been struck by cars. And PubliCola reports that parking costs have been trimmed from Seattle's $50 billion transit expansion plan.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Friday’s Headlines: A Congestion Alert Day

Like everyone else, we covered congestion pricing. Plus other news.

December 1, 2023

Adams Says He’ll Ban Parking Near 1,000 Intersections Every Year To Make Corners Safer

The city will daylight 1,000 intersections a year. A Brooklyn corner where a boy was killed in a crash is still waiting for the safety upgrades.

December 1, 2023

Komanoff: IMHO, TMRB is A-OK

Here’s what’s to like about the Traffic Mobility Review Board's central business district toll recommendations. It's a lot!

December 1, 2023

DOT’s New Emissions Rule is a Big Deal, Even if It Doesn’t Punish States for Polluting

No states will face penalties for building needless toxic road projects — but they also won't be able to hide those impacts from the public.

December 1, 2023

Cops Search for Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed 3-Year-Old in Queens

The merciless motorist killed 3-year-old Quintas Chen in downtown Flushing, Queens on Wednesday night.

November 30, 2023
See all posts