Meeting Idaho’s goal of being the safest transportation system in the country requires strategy, leadership and collaboration. “We’re asking emphasis groups to generate fresh thinking and creative strategies in support of ‘Toward Zero Deaths, Every Life Counts’ – the foundational concept upon which the SHSP is built,” said Highway Safety Manager Brent Jennings. “The strategies within the SHSP are in line with ITD’s goals for improving safety, mobility and economic opportunity.”
Safety advocates in those small groups worked Thursday at the all-day workshop to identify strategies and discover solutions that will help eliminate traffic deaths and injuries. Their input will help ITD revise its Strategic Highway Safety Plan. “The charge before us is to implement strategies that help Idaho’s citizens arrive safely at their destination,” Jennings said. “Everyone has a role to play in traffic safety, and everyone can make a positive difference. Our safety partners help lead the way.” The guiding principles of Thursday's discussion include:
Last updated in 2009, the SHSP includes strategies to address driver behaviors, infrastructure improvements and enforcement countermeasures to eliminate crashes, traffic deaths, serious injuries and the economic losses associated with preventable traffic crashes. The goal is to reflect current safety issues and solutions in producing the SHSP update. Programs implemented by the focus groups include “Click It, Don’t Risk It!” to improve seatbelt use, “Put It Down” to counter distracted driving and Idahoteendriving.org to address teen driving behaviors. Details of the Strategic Highway Safety Plan workshop will follow next week. Published 11-30-2012 |