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Displaying items by tag: highway safety
Displaying items by tag: highway safety
Displaying items by tag: highway safety
Governor Bill Haslam proclaimed April 4 - 8, 2011 Work Zone Awareness Week in Tennessee, joining states across the nation to remind motorists that safer driving creates safer work zones for everyone.
TDOT will spread that message across the state this week in an effort to improve safety in Tennessee's interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones. TDOT is also announcing the launch of the new TDOT SmartWay Mobile for smart phones.
"As we head into the busy construction season, motorists will encounter more maintenance workers, utility personnel, and construction workers on Tennessee's roadways," said Governor Haslam. "I want to remind all drivers to stay alert and focused and exercise caution and patience when driving through work zones across the state. Doing so will help ensure everyone stays safe."
The spring and summer months provide perfect weather for highway work, and there hundreds of work zones across Tennessee in downtowns, along interstates and in rural areas. Highway work zones can change frequently, making it even more important to pay attention to the road. Nationally, 85 percent of those killed in work zones are drivers and their passengers. Last year in Tennessee, eight people died in work zone crashes, all of them drivers or vehicle passengers.
TDOT offers motorists a number of tools to provide information about Tennessee's highway system, including construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes. Today, TDOT is unveiling a new website that will allow smart phone users to easily access the same information on their mobile devices. TDOT SmartWay Mobile also provides simple and easy access to TDOT's SmartWay cameras and messages displayed on the overhead Dynamic Message Signs.
"By incorporating new technology, we are arming motorists with up to the minute information, even when they're on the go," said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. "Drivers can adjust their travel times and routes, and be alert for road work ahead."
The new website works like an application. However, there is no download and no cost for its use. TDOT suggests motorists make the new website a favorite on their smart phones for ease of use. The URL is http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/. TDOT has also posted an instructional video at http://www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/mobile.htm
TDOT will draw attention to Work Zone Awareness Week by lighting several buildings in orange, including the State Capitol, Nashville Metro Courthouse, Bridgestone Arena, and TDOT Regional Offices in Jackson, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Nashville. Work zone safety messages will also be displayed on TDOT's overhead Dynamic Message Signs on interstates.
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Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation Governor’s Highway Safety Office, Tennessee Titans and Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security are once again teaming up to remind Tennessee football fans that real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk this Super Bowl weekend.
“If your Super Bowl game plan includes celebrating with alcohol make sure you have a sober, designated driver,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “Law enforcement officials will be working overtime to ensure that Tennessee’s roads are safe, so if you drink and drive this weekend, chances are you’ll be caught.”
Nearly 5,000 Titans fans promised to be the designated driver for friends and family during the 2010 season, making the Titans one of the top teams in the AFC South for designated driver pledges. Today, the Titans, TDOT’s GHSO and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security honored some of those designated drivers with an exclusive tour of LP Field.
“In addition to supporting the Titans this past football season, these fans made a very important commitment – one that saves lives,” said GHSO Director Kendell Poole. “By pledging to be a designated driver, they made sure their friends and family had a safe ride home from LP Field and did their part to keep Tennessee roads free of impaired drivers.”
This season, Titans fans joined more than 171,000 NFL fans in the Designated Driver program, which is a collaboration among all 32 NFL teams, 31 stadiums, concessionaires, beer distributors and brewers, broadcasters, law enforcement agencies, and traffic safety experts.
“We’re proud of our fans’ dedication to responsible behavior this season and we want all football fans to follow their leadership this weekend,” added Don MacLachlan, Titans Executive Vice President of Administration and Facilities. “Handing your keys to a sober driver or taking a cab will always make you a winner.”
“This Super Bowl Sunday, we want to see zero alcohol-related fatalities in Tennessee,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons. “Between the sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, undercover officers and concerned citizens, if you choose to drive impaired this weekend, we plan to catch you.”
According to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Troopers arrested 32 people for driving under the influence during the 2010 Super Bowl weekend. Between Friday, February 5, 2010 and Sunday, February 7 at 11:59 p.m. there were 10 people killed on Tennessee roadways. Four of those deaths occurred in alcohol related crashes.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott reminded football fans that drinking and driving is not worth the risk. “Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, the cost of a DUI conviction is significant. Violators face jail time, loss of their driver license, higher insurance rates, hefty legal fees, and many other expenses.”
“We want everyone to make the right call for the Super Bowl by passing their keys to a sober driver,” added Poole. “If you’re hosting a party, make sure your celebration doesn’t end in tragedy. Designate a sober driver and have phone numbers for local taxi services on hand for those who’ve had too much to drink.”
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NASHVILLE --- Preliminary figures indicate the number of traffic fatalities on Tennessee roadways has increased for the first time in five years, rising from 986 in 2009 to 1,030 in 2010, with 30 percent of the change attributed to pedestrian fatalities. Aiming to reduce that number, improve highway safety and save lives, the Tennessee Highway Patrol will once again participate in several enforcement initiatives in 2011.
“It is important that we remain vigilant in protecting our roadways and reducing fatal and injury crashes in Tennessee,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons. “Safer highways and byways is one of our top priorities. With enforcement initiatives to detect and remove impaired drivers from the roadways to education programs that focus on increasing safety belt usage, the Highway Patrol is making every effort to ensure the public’s safety and to save lives.”
Last year’s preliminary figure of 1,030 traffic fatalities rank as the second lowest number of deaths since 1963 when 941 people were killed in crashes on Tennessee roadways. Since 2004, Tennessee traffic fatalities have declined by 23 percent, including decreases in All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders (45% since 2008); pedalcyclist (56% since 2009); and large truck (48% since 2005) fatalities.
“There are some positive trends developing with fewer fatalities in several areas, including a decrease in fatal crashes involving a teen driver which dropped by over 50 percent since 1999,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “Our goal, with the support of local law enforcement agencies and highway safety advocates, is to continue making a positive impact on Tennessee roads.”
Funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distributed through the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO), and financial support from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has allowed the THP to continue its commitment to providing increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns for the safety and security on Tennessee roadways.
“Our partnership with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is essential to saving lives in Tennessee,” said Director Kendell Poole, Governor’s Highway Safety Office. “We will continue to support the vital efforts of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.”
Alcohol-related fatalities have declined in Tennessee, while statistics show safety belt usage has improved significantly since the introduction of the state’s Primary Safety Belt Law. Impaired driving deaths decreased from 377 in 2007 to 303 in 2009, representing 31 percent of the state’s traffic fatalities. According to 2010 data, the safety belt usage rate in Tennessee was 87.1 percent. However, despite increases, 54 percent of the total passenger vehicle occupants killed in fatal crashes were not buckled up.
“Unfortunately, far too many Tennesseans get behind the wheel of a car under the influence of alcohol and too many people still do not buckle up,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “There are no excuses. Drinking and driving is a crime, and wearing your seat belt takes two seconds and is the single most effective way to protect you in a crash. State Troopers are committed to enforcing the law and educating motorists, one stop at a time.”
As alcohol related crashes continue to be a paramount concern, the THP will participate in a campaign entitled “ASP” (Alcohol Saturation Patrols). Additional Troopers will be scheduled to patrol during certain times to reduce the occurrence of these types of crashes. Saturation Patrols and Sobriety Checkpoints will be scheduled throughout the year, many of which will be in support of national campaigns and during holiday periods. Funding from the GHSO will allow Troopers to work an additional 3,400 hours on this program.
Statistical data also reveals that a disproportionally large number of “under 21” drivers are involved in fatal crashes. As a result, the Strike Three Program was designed to address three issues that are prevalent among younger drivers; seat belt usage, underage drinking and graduated driver license violations. The THP will concentrate efforts in areas frequented by young drivers. Funding from the GHSO will allow Troopers to work an additional 4,000 hours on this program.
According to 2010 preliminary data, the number of teen drivers killed in car crashes dropped from 49 in 2009 to 47 in 2010. Preliminary statistics also indicate that overall 82 teenagers were killed on Tennessee roadways compared to 96 teenagers who lost their lives in 2009.
Goals of the Strike Three Program include:
· Improving safety belt usage by five percent to lessen the severity of crashes
· Facilitating community meetings involving citizens, local agencies and public officials to discuss underage drinking, Graduated Driver License laws, safety belt usage and Hazardous Moving Violations
· Enforcing the Graduated Driver License Law and alcohol/drug statutes to decrease the number of alcohol-related crashes
· Fostering safe driving habits among younger drivers
In addition to these initiatives, the THP will work to reduce both motorcycle rider and pedestrian fatalities in Tennessee. Since 1998, motorcycle rider deaths have more than tripled in the state, while pedestrian fatalities have increased by 55 percent in the last two years. Last year saw the highest number of pedestrian fatalities (93) since 2003 when 96 pedestrians were killed. Almost 70 percent of the 2010 pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas.
“Thanks to funding provided through our local and federal highway safety partners, the THP can continue educating the motoring public in responsible driving with additional man-hours dedicated to these programs,” said Colonel Trott. We will never stop until the number of deaths on our roadways reach zero.”
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will also participate in the national “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest,” “Click It or Ticket,” and “Booze It and Lose It” campaigns.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
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