The WMPO is proud to launch a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan initiative to improve roadway safety for all roadway users in the region. The SS4A program is a federal initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Transportation to support efforts to enhance transportation network safety and to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities, particularly for people walking, using a mobility device, biking, taking transit–not just those driving. The goal of the WMPO SS4A Safety Action Plan is to develop a holistic, well-defined multimodal strategy to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries in the WMPO region.
What is an SS4A Safety Action Plan?
A SS4A Safety Action Plan is a comprehensive strategy that identifies safety issues and outlines actions to improve roadway safety for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. The SS4A Safety Action Plan typically includes crash data analysis to identify trends and high-risk locations, community engagement to understand local concerns, identification of proven safety countermeasures, and a prioritized list of projects or strategies to eliminate serious crashes and fatalities on our transportation network.
These plans also incorporate the Safe Systems Approach, which is a holistic, proactive way of thinking about traffic safety. Instead of blaming individual road users for crashes, it focuses on designing a transportation system that protects everyone, even when people make mistakes.
Safe Systems Framework (Source: USDOT)
These plans also incorporate the Safe Systems Approach, which is a holistic, proactive way of thinking about traffic safety. Instead of blaming individual road users for crashes, it focuses on designing a transportation system that protects everyone–even when people make mistakes. Core principles of Safe Systems include safer people, safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, and better post-crash care.
SS4A Safety Action Plan Vision & Goals
A vision and a set of goals have been developed by the project team and local agency staff to help guide the project.
SS4A Safety Action Plan Vision and Goals for the Region
Crash Facts
Crash Facts at a Glance (Source: NCDOT)
Fatal and serious injury crashes are slightly trending up in our region. This plan works to address this critical community issue.
Regional Crash Trends (Source: NCDOT)
SS4A Safety Action Plan Timeline
The project has several key milestones comprised of both the data-driven technical analysis portion of the project, community engagement, and the final deliverables. This plan will be completed in October 2026.
SS4A Safety Action Plan Timeline
Community Engagement
During Phase I of public engagement, we created an online survey and interactive map to gather input for out Safety Action Plan. These tools allowed residents to share their travel habits, safety concerns, and ideas, as well as mark spots on the map where they feel unsafe. This feedback is helping shape strategies and project recommendations in the plan.
A series of engagement pop-ups was also held in August and September 2025 to collect additional community feedback; please see below for details. Phase I has now concluded. Phase II of public engagement is scheduled to begin in December 2026.
- Open Air Market at the Grove – August 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Northside Food Co-Op – August 28, 6-8 p.m.
- Carolina Beach Farmers Market – August 30, 8:00 – 10 a.m.
- UNCW Market Day – September 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- New Hanover Co. Open House
- WMPO Office – September 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Feast of the Pirates – September 13, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Brunswick Co. Open House
- Navassa Community Center September 17, 4-6 p.m.
- Pender Co. Open House
- Pender Co. Library (Hampstead Branch) – September 25, 4-6 p.m.
- Canceled: Brunswick Heritage Riverside Ride – September 27, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Get Involved
Phase II of public engagement is scheduled to begin in December 2026. Check back here for opportunities to share your input and help shape safe streets in our region.
Stay Informed
To stay informed about the development of the plan, click below.