California transportation chief urges residents to join ‘Go Safely’ campaign after spike in roadway deaths

California Transportation Secretary Tokes Omishakin on Monday appealed to residents to take part in a statewide road-safety effort, saying the state faces a "roadway safety crisis" and citing a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report that projected "more than 4400 fatalities in California in 2022." "This means that every day last year, 12 people left their homes and did not get to return," Omishakin said.

Omishakin framed the administration's response around four priorities—"safety, equity, climate action, and economic prosperity"—which he said are embedded in the "Go Safely" movement. He said the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) is working to reverse the recent upward trend in traffic deaths and that public input will shape the agency's next steps.

"Please visit online at gosafelyca.org and take a quick survey," Omishakin said, urging participation from individuals and communities. He said the California Office of Traffic Safety, known as OTS, "relies on your input" and that survey responses will help officials "determine what actions are needed to make roadways across California safer."

Omishakin emphasized that the crisis "affects all Californians," with "the biggest impacts on underserved communities and people who do not have equitable access to safe transportation options." He called for community participation, saying, "Become a traffic safety champion and share your thoughts on how we can create a safety culture together."

The remarks were a public call to action rather than a policy announcement with a formal vote or regulatory change. Omishakin closed by reiterating the campaign slogan: "Go safely, California."