New Jersey DOT (NJDOT) officials last week hosted the first of what will be three safety summits to develop the New Jersey 2020 Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP).
The goal of the SHSP is to reduce the number of crashes and eliminating deaths across state and local road systems. The unifying theme for the plan will be Driving Toward Zero Deaths.
The development of the 2020 SHSP is a collaborative effort between state and local transportation agencies, law enforcement, emergency response, academia, healthcare, and other public and private sector transportation organizations working together. The summit aims to establish a comprehensive, forward-thinking plan that includes educational strategies to build public awareness of enhanced traffic and highway safety practices and offer ideas for potential infrastructure improvements.
“Safety is our top priority,” NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said in a statement. “In order to continue the goal ‘toward zero deaths’ on all of New Jersey’s roads, we need a blueprint for strategic action. The three summits provide the opportunity to create partnerships and collaborative efforts toward improving safety and reducing injuries and fatalities on our highways.”
This month's summit brought together the leaders of six state agencies and other transportation professionals. New Jersey residents were also invited to share their insight.
The Federal Highway Administration mandates that every five years the SHSP plan be reevaluated. The prior plan was completed in 2015, and the new plan will be implemented statewide to increase safety and reduce roadway deaths over the next five years.
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SOURCE: New Jersey DOT
