State of Tennessee strategic highway safety plan

NHTSA · 2007 · ROSA P / Tennessee. Strategic Highway Safety Committee

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Summary

The State of Tennessee Strategic Highway Safety Plan (2007) addresses the critical public health and economic burden of motor vehicle crashes in Tennessee. Motivated by high fatality rates exceeding the national average and significant economic losses estimated at over $4.6 billion annually in 2002, the plan aims to reduce the state’s fatality rate by 10 percent by the end of calendar year 2008, based on 2002 data. This goal projects the saving of 127 lives. The plan seeks to integrate engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency response initiatives through a coordinated organizational structure involving state transportation agencies, health departments, law enforcement, and federal partners. The plan outlines eight enhanced emphasis areas with specific strategies and lead agencies. First, it focuses on improving decision-making processes and information systems, notably through the development of the Integrated Roadway Information Safety System (IRISS) to enhance crash data accuracy and accessibility. Second, it targets lane departure crashes, which accounted for approximately 66 percent of fatalities in 2005, proposing engineering solutions like rumble strips, median barriers, and clear zone improvements. Third, it addresses intersection safety, particularly at unsignalized rural intersections. Fourth, it aims to improve work zone safety through enhanced traffic control, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement against speeding. Fifth, it targets motor carrier safety, focusing on high-crash counties and implementing increased inspections and targeted enforcement. Sixth, the plan addresses driver behavior, specifically alcohol impairment, aggressive driving, and occupant protection. In 2005, alcohol was involved in 36.5 percent of fatalities, and 61 percent of fatalities involved unrestrained occupants. Strategies include sobriety checkpoints, aggressive driving enforcement units, and public education campaigns. The plan also includes specific initiatives for young drivers, who are over-represented in fatal crashes, and older drivers, whose physical and cognitive changes require tailored roadway designs and retraining programs. Seventh, it outlines legislative priorities, such as strengthening seat belt laws, booster seat requirements, and DWI penalties. Eighth, it emphasizes educational programs for law enforcement and engineering personnel to ensure effective implementation of safety measures. The significance of this plan lies in its comprehensive, data-driven approach to reducing highway fatalities and injuries. By coordinating multiple agencies and focusing on specific crash types and driver behaviors, Tennessee aims to lower its fatality rate from 1.80 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2005 to meet the 2008 target. The plan also highlights the potential for reducing healthcare costs associated with crash injuries, particularly for TennCare, by preventing crashes through proactive safety interventions. The implementation of these strategies is monitored by the Tennessee Strategic Highway Safety Committee, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in highway safety outcomes.

Key finding

The Tennessee Strategic Highway Safety Plan sets a target to reduce the state's traffic fatality rate by 10 percent by the end of 2008 to save 127 lives.

Methodology

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Provenance

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Topics

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• incidence prevalence
• regulatory evaluation
• fatality injury trends
• comparative international

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation, policy recommendations
• Empirical Findings: crash risk outcomes