Plan Overview

Why is the Safety Action Plan important?

Traffic deaths and serious injuries are taking place at an alarming rate across New Mexico and the US. There is a real problem in Doña Ana County as well:

  • There were more than 21,000 crashes across Doña Ana County from 2018-2022. While most of those crashes took place on I-10 and I-25, there were more than 4,300 crashes in the SAP study area.
  • A total of 100 people died in crashes in Doña Ana County from 2018-2022, including 42 in the study area. This means that while only 20% of total crashes in Doña Ana County took place in the study area, 42% of fatal crashes took place in the study area.

DAC crashes

Comprehensive strategies are needed to address this issue, ranging from roadway design to enforcement and driver education. Completion of the SAP will establish priorities and allow Doña Ana County to qualify for major federal grants.

What will the plan focus on?

A comprehensive approach

The SAP takes a comprehensive approach to roadway safety by considering changes to the design of critical roadways, enforcement opportunities, and programs to encourage safe driving behavior.


Project recommendations

The SAP will include specific roadway project recommendations to create safer transportation infrastructure across Doña Ana County. The identification of priority projects will allow Doña Ana County to qualify for major federal grants that can make plan implementation easier.


All modes

The SAP will evaluate the needs of all roadway users, including people walking, biking, and driving.

While residents in Doña Ana County primarily travel by private vehicle, modest household income levels and relatively high numbers of households without any vehicles mean it is important to consider the most vulnerable users. People walking and biking are also at much higher risk of serious injury when a crash occurs. In addition, there is a growing economy around outdoor tourism that will benefit from safer modes for people walking and biking.


How can you help shape the
Safety Action Plan?

The SAP will feature two phases of community outreach and participation opportunities. The project team will hold public meetings, open houses, pop-up events, and online input opportunities during each phase to provide details on the project, identify general safety issues and concerns, and consider potential improvements.

  • Phase 1: Existing Conditions and Safety NeedsJuly-August 2024
  • Phase 2: Strategies and RecommendationsLate 2024

See the Get Involved tab for specific opportunities to participate.

Plan Schedule
Schedule