Jackson celebrates $80K in development funds awarded to Indiana House District 1

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced that Indiana House District 1 will receive aid in urban road safety development. State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) represents Hammond and parts of East Chicago, both receiving $80,480 and $240,000, respectively. The Biden-Harris administration’s Safe Streets and Roads from All Grant Program is designed to decrease the steadily-rising rate of traffic-related accidents. 

“If there’s one thing I know about Indiana, our roads are not known for being the safest,” Jackson said. “Indiana has seen a spike in fatal car accidents - 639 deaths from fatal car accidents in 2020 jumped to 699 deaths in 2021. With this in mind, Jackson is pleased her district was given the grant for a comprehensive safety action plan and is hopeful that it will improve road safety in Hammond and East Chicago.  

This investment comes at a critical time, seeing as how in 2021, there was a 16-year high in traffic accidents across the country. In response, the USDOT developed a comprehensive plan to improve road safety, aiming to reach zero roadway fatalities. Sound impossible? Jackson doesn’t believe so. “I am committed to making the roads in Hammond safer for drivers and pedestrians. With USDOT’s 5-step plan, we will reach the goal of zero casualties,” Jackson said.

The money will be allocated towards safer roadway designs, appropriate speed-limit settings, and improved post-crash care, among other strategies over the course of five years. 

Jackson praised the administration for their efforts to create safer roads - and in turn - safer communities. “I greatly appreciate the inclusion of Hammond in this nationwide initiative. I look forward to a future where the citizens of Hammond can cross the street, drive and cycle on the roads safely,” Jackson added.