In 2023, 41% of roadway fatalities occurred in rural areas, despite only 20% of the population living in rural America.1 Because of this, FWHA is launching a NEW Rural Road Safety Webinar Series in 2026! This webinar series will feature presentations and panels on innovative and effective practices that save lives on America’s rural roadways.
Transportation professionals working in State, regional, local, and Tribal transportation agencies along with their partners will learn how to implement proven and promising strategies, tools, and technologies that accelerate delivery of effective and innovative safety projects and programs to advance a Safe System for all users in rural areas.
The webinars include:
Thursday February 26, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm ET: Accelerate Delivery of Road Safety Projects in Rural Areas: Successful Implementation of Modular Designs and Materials
State DOTs and local agencies will present on successful projects that use modular designs and materials to advance road safety in rural areas and highlight policies supporting accelerated delivery of road safety projects.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://usdot.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_5IXEvUBOQcSxQTGERNJCwA#/registration
Thursday May 21, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm ET: Innovative Funding Processes for Rural Road Safety
State, regional and local transportation agencies will present on innovative funding programs, alternative contracting methods, and flexibilities to distribute resources effectively and efficiently across State, Tribal, and local-owned rural roads to maximize safety impact. Strategies will emphasize effective investments and program eligibilities, non-traditional funding sources, and systemic data-driven investments.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://usdot.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_iYZIbxhZS7mQo1117jsZCw#/registration
Fall 2026: Coordinating with Emergency Medical Services to Improve Data Driven Safety Analysis and Traffic Incidence Management in Rural Areas
State and local agencies will present on strategies and tools that DOTs and their partners have used to advance availability and effectiveness of post-crash care efforts, including prehospital blood, effective trainings, and data-driven safety analysis.
Winter 2026: Working Together to Coordinate Effective Road Safety Efforts in Rural Areas
State and local agencies as well as their partners will present on effective coordination strategies to sustain momentum for road safety improvements, including fatal crash review committees, advisory committees, and partnerships with non-traditional partners like hospitals.
You can also find more information on rural road safety at the FHWA website.
Many of these presentations are created and presented by outside entities. The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are the presenters’ and do not necessarily reflect those of FHWA or the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The contents do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the USDOT.
Image provided by Middle Minnesota Development Commission as a part of the 2024 NADO Photo Contest.