Innovating for Transportation Safety and Stimulating Economic Growth
Safety21 is a US DOT-sponsored National University Transportation Center (UTC) for Safety. This National UTC is led by Carnegie Mellon University in partnership with five other academic institutions, including a community college. Safety21 works closely with federal, state and local government entities as well as industry. Safety21 undertakes research, development and deployment (R&D&D) projects motivated by real-world requirements and challenges to keep our roads safe.
Our Focus
Technological and policy innovations to make surface transportation safer through autonomous and intelligent systems, and integrating digital and physical infrastructure.
Making an economic impact by spinning out companies that commercialize Safety21 advances.
Deployment and validation of innovations in collaboration with partners.
Influencing safety-related policies at the federal, state and local levels.
Creating workforce and education programs.
What we Do
What's Happening
Things are always moving at Safety21. Keep up with the latest news and announcements here. See More >
Karen Lightman joined the Digital Corridors Initiative (DCI) Coalition, Joint Workshop between AASHTO Anchor States and the Data Collection, Quality and Validation Working Group on October 9, 2026. The DCI...
Karen Lightman, Executive Director of Safety21, has been appointed as adjunct courtesy faculty in Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The appointment will create additional opportunities for...
On October 7, 2026, Karen Lightman participated in the monthly PennSTART Construction Committee meeting. The PennSTART track is expected to be fully constructed this year and paved next spring. The...
Karen Lightman joined the Digital Corridors Initiative (DCI) Coalition, Joint Workshop between AASHTO Anchor States and the Data Collection, Quality and Validation Working Group on October 9, 2026. The DCI...
Karen Lightman, Executive Director of Safety21, has been appointed as adjunct courtesy faculty in Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The appointment will create additional opportunities for...
On October 7, 2026, Karen Lightman participated in the monthly PennSTART Construction Committee meeting. The PennSTART track is expected to be fully constructed this year and paved next spring. The...
On October 1, 2026, Karen Lightman attended the “Co-creating tomorrow: Community Driven Engineering for a Resilient Future” webinar series that explored the critical intersection of community wisdom and engineering expertise....
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