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ABOUT
Unity brings us together, makes us stronger, and provides a collective mindset for enhanced safety. By emphasizing unity, United We Go brings together drivers, cyclists, passengers, pedestrians, and others to share the road. Unity doesn’t just save lives; it prevents putting them in danger in the first place.
United We Go, a message infused with pride and empathy, is a rallying cry for one to make safer choices on the road, resulting in an overall safer transportation ecosystem for all.
United We Go is the premier brand and campaign of the DC Highway Safety Office, which is housed under the District of Columbia's Office of the City Administrator.
Mission
Promote safe behaviors and shared responsibility among all road users in the District of Columbia
Vision
A safe and vibrant transportation ecosystem, free of traffic-related injuries and fatalities
Issue Areas
Drunk Driving
Between 2017 and 2021, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 30% of all traffic fatalities in Washington, DC, with 47 total deaths recorded. Local enforcement efforts and awareness campaigns aim to reduce impaired driving and protect road users.
Seat belts
Seatbelts are the number one line of defense for vehicle passengers in the event of a crash! Washington, DC has one of the highest seatbelt usage rates in the nation, with over 93% of front-seat passengers wearing seatbelts in 2024.
Pedestrian Safety
Washington, DC is a vibrant, walkable city, but pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain a concern. Initiatives like Vision Zero are working to improve crosswalks, slow vehicle speeds, and enhance enforcement to make streets safer for all.
Drugged Driving
Drug-impaired driving poses a growing and significant threat to road safety. Any substance, including cannabis, prescription medication, and others, can impair one's ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Car Seats
Proper child restraint is critical for young passengers. DC law mandates that children under 8 years old must be secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Programs like Project Safe Child provide free car seats and installation assistance for all residents to ensure compliance.
Bicyclist Safety
With a growing network of bike lanes and shared pathways, DC is committed to making cycling safer. Efforts to safe routes for bicyclists, enforce helmet laws, and promote awareness are key to reducing risks on the road.
Speed
Speed is a leading contributing factor in traffic crashes across Washington, DC. Increased speed leads to narrowed field of vision, making it difficult for the driver to view and process visual information on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving comes in many forms - visual, manual, auditory, and cognitive. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. Ultimately, any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving is a distraction.
Enforcement
The District implements both traditional and automated enforcement methods to enforce traffic laws. MPD regularly conducts checkpoints and other targeted traffic safety campaigns. With one of the most robust safety camera networks in the nation, DC also continues to see success through the collaborative work of DDOT, DPW, and DMV.
Staff
*Role is employed by a grantee of the Highway Safety Office
