Mission

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At the Midwest Center for Traffic Safety, our mission is to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries across the region by implementing evidence-based strategies grounded in the Safe System Approach. We aim to address the most pressing issues contributing to roadway deaths—impaired and distracted driving, speeding, and lack of seat belt use—by advancing equitable education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency response practices. Through collaborative partnerships, data-driven research, and community engagement, we strive to create safer, more resilient transportation systems for all users, especially the most vulnerable. Our work supports long-term cultural change and sustainable improvements in road safety, ensuring that every journey, regardless of mode, age, income, or background, is safe.

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Goals

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The Midwest Center for Traffic Safety is dedicated to reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries across the region by advancing a proactive, data-driven, and equity-centered approach. Our ultimate goal is to create safer communities where everyone, regardless of age, background, income, or mode of travel, can move safely and confidently.

 

Our Guiding Framework: The Safe System Approach

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We are guided by the Safe System Approach, which acknowledges that while human error is inevitable, traffic deaths and serious injuries are not. This model emphasizes shared responsibility among all stakeholders and promotes systemic changes across five key areas: safe people, safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles, and post-crash care. By addressing these pillars, we work toward building a resilient and forgiving transportation system that protects all users.

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Our Key Goals

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1. Reduce High-Risk Behaviors
   
   We aim to address impaired and distracted driving, speeding, and seat belt non-use through targeted education, community engagement, and strategic enforcement. Rather than focusing solely on punitive measures, we promote long-term behavior change through public awareness and stakeholder partnerships.
    

2. Improve Roadway Design and Infrastructure
   
   Collaborating with engineers, planners, and local agencies, we advocate for roadway designs that protect vulnerable users. This includes safer intersections, pedestrian infrastructure, and traffic calming elements that reduce crash risk and severity.
    

3. Support Data-Informed Strategies
   
   Data drives all of our work. We collect and analyze traffic crash and behavior data to guide interventions, identify emerging trends, and measure program outcomes. This ensures that our resources are used where they can make the most impact.
    

4. Promote Equity in Traffic Safety
   
   Traffic violence disproportionately affects low-income communities, communities of color, and rural areas. We design programs that reach underserved populations and ensure fair access to safety resources, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements.
    

5. Strengthen Education and Capacity Building
   
   We provide law enforcement, educators, local leaders, and community advocates tools and training. Our workshops, technical assistance, and resources empower stakeholders to implement effective and sustainable safety initiatives.
    

6. Enhance Emergency Response
   
   We support the development of faster, more coordinated post-crash emergency care. This includes collaboration with first responders, EMS, and trauma systems to reduce response times and improve survivability.

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