Last week, in 90 countries around the world - from Argentina to Tanzania – and in 30 cities across our nation, people of all ages held events to celebrate the launch of the first UN-sanctioned Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020). The symbol of the Decade of Action is a yellow road safety “Tag” and elected officials, celebrities and leaders everywhere - from U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood to Sesame Street’s Grover - have been sporting the Tag.

Grover is the new Sesame Street Road Safety Ambassador.

(You can also watch a video of Grover as a Road Safety Ambassador.)

In the spirit of Decade of Action for Road Safety another exciting announcement was made: the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials joined the National Center for Safe Routes to School, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, and the Governors Highway Safety Association, to release a first-ever Safe Routes to School Noteworthy Practices Guide, designed to support the federal program at the community level.

So how does this relate to helping more American kids and families to get out and get active? It is estimated that we will lose 5 million people and 50 million more people will suffer debilitating injuries in the next 10 years if we do nothing. And many of these will be children who just want to get to school safely. The Decade of Action for Road Safety designates the next 10 years as a time to focus on the importance of being able to walk, bike, and drive safely.

Let’s Move! is working with the Safe Routes to School program to encourage American students and families to get out and get moving in the community – on the way to school, at school, and in the greater community. 

How can you get involved in the Decade of Action? Consider organizing or participating in a local Walk to School Dayevent with a safety focus. It’s a great way to get moving this October. Learn more about the Decade of Action, put on your Tag, and encourage your community leaders and elected officials to get involved. 

David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator,speaking at Decade of Action Congressional Launch Event in Washington D.C.

Let’s work together and let’s move…safely!