Traffic safety remains a critical issue in the U.S., where the nation leads among wealthy countries in road traffic fatalities. According to UC Berkeley’s Julia Griswold, people in the U.S. face significantly higher risks in car crashes than those in Australia or Sweden. Griswold is at the helm of SafeTREC, a center focused on studying transportation systems and recommending ways to enhance road safety for all users.

Over recent years, pedestrian fatalities have risen notably in traffic crashes. In a UC Berkeley video segment called "101 in 101," where experts explain their research within 101 seconds, Griswold emphasizes the vulnerability of pedestrians, highlighting that drivers sometimes find themselves walking, putting them at risk of injury in vehicle collisions.

Griswold explains SafeTREC's approach: “We’re looking at identifying locations that may need safety countermeasures; we’re looking at how we can help departments of transportation adopt Vision Zero, also called the Safe System approach.” Vision Zero's aim is to eliminate traffic fatalities entirely, recognizing them as preventable losses.

SafeTREC is dedicated to gathering data and research to assist communities and transportation departments in creating safer roads. Griswold notes that individuals don’t need expertise in engineering or urban planning to contribute to road safety. Basic actions such as reducing driving speeds play a crucial role in preventing accidents. “Reducing speeds can do a huge amount to save lives,” Griswold states.

The video segment serves as an informative tool for understanding Berkeley's efforts toward safer roads and offers practical advice for individuals. To explore more about these initiatives and actions, viewers can watch the full video.

Further "101 in 101" episodes featuring UC Berkeley's faculty and experts can also be accessed for more insights into various fields of study.