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Pasco MPO adopts 2025 safety targets aiming for 10% reductions in crash metrics
Summary
After a presentation from Urban SDK, the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization adopted highway safety performance measure targets for 2025 that represent a 10% reduction from the most recent five‑year rolling averages; staff and consultants said the targets are intended to be measurable and achievable while supporting FDOT's Vision Zero goal.
The Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization on Feb. 13 adopted its 2025 highway safety performance measure targets, endorsing a goal of roughly a 10% reduction from the most recent five‑year rolling averages for fatalities, serious injuries and non‑motorized (pedestrian and bicycle) serious outcomes.
The targets were presented by Andrew Larter of Urban SDK, who reviewed Pasco County crash data from 2019–2023, explained the federal/state framework for safety performance measures and recommended the 10% reduction methodology that the MPO committees had already endorsed.
The targets matter because federal law requires state departments of transportation to set annual safety performance measures and then gives MPOs up to 180 days to adopt local targets. FDOT set statewide targets for 2025 of zero fatalities and serious injuries — an aspirational Vision Zero objective — but Urban SDK and Pasco staff said local targets framed as a 10% reduction are more measurable and attainable for tracking progress in Pasco County.
Urban SDK's analysis showed Pasco recorded 507 fatalities on the county transportation network and 4,276 serious injuries in the 2019–2023 five‑year period; the consultant also reported 584 fatalities and serious injuries involving non‑motorized users during that span. Larter said the county's raw counts and rates have trended downward in recent years even while vehicle miles traveled increased, which staff called a commendable result and a rationale for the proposed targets.
Board members discussed whether a 10% reduction measured against a five‑year rolling average was realistic in the near term. Board member Jack Mariano questioned whether the rollout could result in too‑ambitious expectations because the rolling average can be slow to reflect year‑to‑year gains; Pasco staff and Urban SDK replied that the 10% methodology is intended to produce clear, empirically tracked goals and that several MPOs are meeting similar targets.
After discussion, a motion to adopt the 2025 safety performance targets was made, seconded and approved by the board.
Pasco MPO staff noted the targets align with ongoing county and regional safety programs, including the FHWA recommended Safe System approach, the MPO's project prioritization methodology that favors safety‑improving projects, and the county's forthcoming Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) work. Staff also said the MPO will continue coordination with FDOT, local jurisdictions and law enforcement as the targets are tracked and projects prioritized.
Pasco MPO committees had reviewed the targets in advance: the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee unanimously recommended adoption, the board record shows. Urban SDK and MPO staff said they will provide higher‑resolution crash maps and additional breakdowns (for example, motorcycle involvement) on request to help jurisdictions and project sponsors target interventions.
