Save Our Pedestrians Act of 2026

Summary of HR 9424 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

HR 9424 would amend title 23 of the United States Code to require the Secretary of Transportation to direct states to set aside funds for highway safety improvement projects specifically aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities at high-risk pedestrian crossings. The bill focuses on prioritizing investments at locations identified as high-risk for pedestrian-related crashes, with the goal of improving pedestrian safety and reducing severe injuries and deaths.

Key provisions and changes

• Funding set-aside requirement: States would be required to reserve a portion of existing highway safety funds to be used for targeted pedestrian crossing safety projects. The exact share or formula would be determined by the amended statute (the bill text would specify the percentage or method for computation).
• Project focus: Funds set aside under this measure would be dedicated to highway safety improvements at high-risk pedestrian crossings. This may include infrastructure upgrades, engineering treatments, and related safety enhancements designed to reduce pedestrian crashes.
• Administration and oversight: The Secretary of Transportation would have a role in directing or guiding state allocations to ensure funds are used for eligible high-risk crossing projects and align with federal safety priorities.
• Eligibility and project types: The bill would define eligible projects and criteria for what constitutes a high-risk pedestrian crossing, as well as standards or performance metrics to assess safety improvements and outcomes.
• Reporting and accountability: States would likely be required to report on progress, project status, expenditures, and safety outcomes to ensure transparency and measure effectiveness.

Who is affected

• State transportation departments: Primary entities responsible for budgeting, selecting, and implementing pedestrian safety projects with the mandated set-aside funds.
• Local governments and communities: Beneficiaries of safer pedestrian crossings and improvements at high-risk locations.
• Pedestrians and road users: Individuals who would benefit from improved safety at crossings, potentially affecting behavior and travel patterns.
• Federal framework: The Department of Transportation and the Secretary, who would oversee the guidance and ensure compliance with the set-aside requirement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on June 24, 2026.
• Committee action: The committee would review, potentially amend, and vote on reporting the bill to the full House. Consideration may include hearings, markups, and alignment with existing highway safety programs.
• Sponsorship: The bill lists co-sponsors Emilia Sykes and Mike Carey, indicating bipartisan involvement and support.

Potential impact and considerations

• Safety outcomes: If implemented, the targeted investments could reduce pedestrian crashes at high-risk crossings and lower fatalities and serious injuries.
• Budgetary implications: States would need to reallocate or set aside funds, which could influence the overall highway safety budget and project prioritization.
• Implementation challenges: Determining which crossings are high-risk, measuring project effectiveness, and ensuring timely use of funds could shape implementation success.
• Equity considerations: The distribution of high-risk crossing locations and project benefits across communities could raise questions about prioritization and access.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific jurisdiction or provide a side-by-side comparison with existing federal highway safety programs.