Louisiana SHSP Summary and Overview by LTAP Center (January 2019)

LTAP's Call to Action: Join Louisiana's journey toward reaching zero deaths on all roads. www.destinationzerodeaths.com

Louisiana

Strategic Highway Safety Plan Summary & Overview January 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview ................................................................................ 1 Local Road Safety Issues ........................................................ 2 Roadway Departures ............................................................. 4 Intersection Safety

............................................................. 6

Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety .................................................. 8 Impaired Driving ................................................................... 10 Occupant Protection ............................................................. 12 Crashes Involving Young Drivers ......................................... 14 Distracted Driving .................................................................

16

SHSP Regional Safety Coalitions ......................................... 18 This informational material was developed by Louisiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) to help inform local public agencies, parishes and cities about the Louisiana's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and the overall vision of reaching Destination Zero Deaths on all public roads.

All local agencies are encouraged to participate in this life-saving initiative. Join our journey toward reaching zero deaths!

This document and the information contained herein is prepared solely for the purpose of identifying, evaluating and planning safety improvements on public roads which may be implemented utilizing federal aid highway funds; and is therefore exempt from discovery or admission into evidence pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 409.

Louisiana Strategic Highway Safety Plan Destination Zero Deaths (DZD) is more than just a tag line for Louisiana’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP).

It is our overall vision that drives roadway safety programs and activities aimed at eliminating deaths and serious injuries on Louisiana's roads.

Louisiana has nearly 17,000 miles of state highways and 44,000 of local roads that are used by over 2.9 million licensed drivers.

The SHSP was first adopted in 2006. It is a collaborative, data-driven and strategic planning document that is updated every five years.

The vision is Destination Zero Deaths.

The measurable goal is to reduce fatalities by 50% in 2030. Is this goal realistic? Yes, it is!

It takes a 5E Approach to reach our zero goal.

This 5E includes:

Enforcement officers enforcing the law

Engineers deploying safety solutions Educators teaching safety behaviors EMS responding to emergencies Everyone embracing safe driving behaviors

We encourage parishes and municipalities to develop and implement Local Road Safety Plans that will prioritize efforts to get us to zero deaths.

Please browse through this SHSP Summary & Overview document. The succeeding pages provide information about Louisiana’s top traffic safety issues (emphasis areas) as well as the different strategies being implemented through a collaborative and data-driven process.

Save a life. Join the journey!

www.destinationzerodeaths.com How many people are killed on America’s roads each year?

There were over 37,000 lives lost on U.S. roads in 2016, an increase of 5.6% from 2015. About 50% of these deaths ocurred in rural areas. (Source: USDOT’s NHTSA) How many people died in Louisiana due to motor vehicle crashes?

Since 2012, motor vehicle fatalities in Louisiana have increased: by 2.1% from 2016 to 2017, and by 13.8% from 2011 to 2017. In 2017, there were 771 people who died on Louisiana’s roads, compared to 677 fatalities in 2011. (Source: LSU Highway Safety Research Group or HSRG)

What are the leading causes of vehicle crashes?

The 2017 data indicate that roadway departures, intersection crashes, impaired driving, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, and crashes involving young drivers are the top causes of Louisiana’s motor vehicle crashes. Issues related to bicycle and pedestrian safety are also a concern in some areas of the state.

What can you do to help Louisiana reduce the numbers?

Join the Destination Zero Deaths initiative.

Adopt a zero goal in your parish or city, and implement a Local Road Safety Plan.

Get involved with one of the nine regional safety coalitions. Please visit www.destinationzerodeaths.com.

See back cover page for contact information.

1

LOCAL ROAD SAFETY ISSUES

Data Source: SHSP Dashboards by LSU HSRG

157

172

164 148

130

2

Developed by Louisiana LTAP for informational and planning purposes only

www.louisianaltap.org

Louisiana's strategies to improve Local Road Safety

In Louisiana, over 20% of the fatalities occurred on parish and city roads. This is not surprising as there are more roadway miles on locally owned roads compared to state-owned roads.

In 2017 alone, 24% of the fatal crashes and 45% of the injury crashes occurred on local roads.

Of the 172 fatal crashes on local roads, 70% resulted from roadway departures, 32% were on intersections, and 40% were due to drunk driving.

Louisiana addresses these numbers through a proactive and data-driven approach of developing and implementing Local Road Safety Plans. The SHSP Infrastructure & Operations Emphasis Area team works hand in hand with LTAP to engage the parishes and municipalities in making targeted investments for safety improvements on locally owned roads.

Louisiana has identified the "Top 20 Parishes" with the highest number of fatalities, where road safety improvements may be prioritized.

These parishes are: Acadia, Ascension, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, St. Landry,St. Martin, St. Mary, www.destinationzerodeaths.com St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Terrebonne.

3

ROADWAY DEPARTURES Data Source: SHSP Dashboards by LSU HSRG

490

431

461

445

436

4 Developed by Louisiana LTAP for informational and planning purposes only

www.louisianaltap.org

Louisiana's strategies to address roadway departures

Latest statistics shows that about 61% of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana resulted from roadway departures, 27% of which occurred on local roads. Louisiana defines a roadway departure crash as a single vehicle crash which departed the road and did not occur at an intersection, or a multiple vehicle crash where one vehicle crossed the median. The SHSP uses a data-driven safety analysis that combines predictive and systemic approaches to implement proven safety countermeasures on high-crash locations.

The LTAP Center is working with parishes and municipalities in developing Local Road Safety Plans to help prioritize safety projects that address roadway departure issues on local roads.

Slow down on curves. Drive safely.

Roadway departure issues are addressed under the Infrastructure & Operations (IO) Emphasis Area (EA).

Statewide Team Leaders:

Karla Courtade, DOTD, karla.courtade@la.gov Steve Strength, LTAP, steve.strength@la.gov

www.destinationzerodeaths.com

5

INTERSECTION SAFETY Data Source: SHSP Dashboards by LSU HSRG

172

124

6

140

Developed by Louisiana LTAP for informational and planning purposes only

165 144

www.louisianaltap.org

Louisiana's strategies to improve intersection safety

Intersection safety is a national, state and local priority. Latest statistics shows that about 20% of fatalities in Louisiana resulted from intersection crashes. From 2013 to 2017, there were 745 fatalities and 2,587 serious injuries, almost 30% happened on locally owned roads.

The SHSP uses a data-driven safety analysis that combines predictive and systemic approaches to identify and prioritize the deployment of proven effective countermeasures on high-crash intersections, both signalized and unsignalized.

Obey the signs. Drive safely.

Intersection safety issues are addressed under the Infrastructure & Operations (IO) Emphasis Area (EA).

Statewide Team Leaders:

Karla Courtade, DOTD, karla.courtade@la.gov Steve Strength, LTAP, steve.strength@la.gov

www.destinationzerodeaths.com

7

BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Data Source: SHSP Dashboards by LSU HSRG

110

8

122

142

Developed by Louisiana LTAP for informational and planning purposes only

150

140

www.louisianaltap.org

Louisiana's strategies to address Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities in Louisiana have increased over the years. In 2017 alone, there were 117 pedestrians and 23 bicyclists killed.

The 23 bicyclists killed showed an increase by 4.5% from 2016. The 117 pedestrians killed accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities that year.

Despite not being identified as an "emphasis area", bicycle and pedestrian safety is being strategically addressed under the Infrastructure & Operations Emphasis Area.

Education and engineering solutions are being implemented to improve the safety of these non-motorized users, particularly in areas where people walk and bike to public places.

Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety may not be a separate emphasis area in the statewide SHSP, but issues involving them are being addressed in the Infrastructure & Operations Emphasis Area.

A few of the regional coalitions have picked this as a separate emphasis area. www.destinationzerodeaths.com

9

IMPAIRED DRIVING Data Source: SHSP Dashboards by LSU HSRG

346

348

307

10

Developed by Louisiana LTAP for informational and planning purposes only

332 311

www.louisianaltap.org

Louisiana's strategies to prevent impaired driving

Over the last decade, 40% of the total traffic fatalities in Louisiana involved alcohol and drugs.

This is despite legislation and enforcement efforts that make it illegal to drive while intoxicated or drink if under 21 years old.

The SHSP combines high visibility enforcement with education and media efforts to address this issue. The No Refusal Policy is implemented to heighten public safety awareness that DWI is a crime, not just simply a traffic offense.

Drive sober or get pulled over.

Impaired Driving Emphasis Area Team examines crash statistics involving alcohol and drugs.

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Statewide Team Leaders:

Sgt. Robert "Shawn" Owens, LSP, Robert.S.Owens@la.gov Norma Dubois, Jefferson Parish DA's Office, ndubois@jpda.us Cathy Childers, LHSC, catherinechilders@yahoo.com

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OCCUPANT PROTECTION Data Source: SHSP Dashboards by LSU HSRG

290 265

240

261

263

12

Developed by Louisiana LTAP for informational and planning purposes only

www.louisianaltap.org

Louisiana's strategies to improve occupant protection

Did you know Louisiana has a primary seat belt law and an all-passenger (rear and front) law?

The primary law allows a police officer to stop and ticket a driver if they observe a safety belt violation.

Despite achieving an all-time high in seat belt usage rate of 87%, there’s more work to do to achieve 100%.

Louisiana formed the LA Passenger Safety Task Force (LPSTF) that works with law enforcement agencies to highlight the importance of adult and child occupant protection. A major factor in children under age 6 being killed in crashes is that child safety seats are not used or improperly used.

Buckle up. It's the law!

Occupant Protection Emphasis Area Team examines crash statistics on adult and child occupant protection.

Statewide Team Leaders:

Dortha Cummins, LHSC, dortha.cummins@la.gov Sgt. Kevin Allen, LSP, kevin.allen@la.gov

www.destinationzerodeaths.com

13

YOUNG DRIVERS Data Source: SHSP Dashboards by LSU HSRG

211

200 192

210

184

14 Developed by Louisiana LTAP for informational and planning purposes only

www.louisianaltap.org

Louisiana's strategies to educate young drivers

Like most states, Louisiana’s young drivers are overrepresented in fatal crashes. In 2017 alone, young drivers (15 to 24 years old) accounted for 27% of all fatalities and 29% of all serious injuries.

The SHSP combines high visibility enforcement with education and media efforts to address this issue, including strategies to standardize the Drivers Education Program and improve the Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) process.

Learn the 6 Rules for the Road: no cell phones while driving, no speeding, no drowsy driving, no talking with passengers, no alcohol, and always buckle up.

Young Drivers Emphasis Area Team examines crash statistics involving young drivers ages 15 to 24.

Statewide Team Leaders:

Bridget Gardner, UMC, bridget.gardner@lcmchealth.org Kenny Martin, LSP, kenny.martin@la.gov

www.destinationzerodeaths.com

15

DISTRACTED DRIVING Data Source: SHSP Dashboards by LSU HSRG

172 156

168

156 137

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Developed by Louisiana LTAP for informational and planning purposes only

www.louisianaltap.org

Louisiana's strategies to prevent distracted driving

While collection of distracted driving data remains a challenge, Louisiana takes this issue seriously.

In 2017, distracted driving represented 22% of all fatalities and 34% of severe injuries in Louisiana.

A distracted or inattentive driver is one who is actively engaged in any activity that diverts his/her attention away from the task of driving. Distraction goes beyond just using the phone behind the wheel. It could be manual, visual, or cognitive and be inside or outside the vehicle. Examples of distraction are texting, eating, talking to passengers, inputting GPS information, and even daydreaming.

Eyes on road, hands on wheel. Pay attention.

The Distracted Driving Emphasis Area Team examines crashes involving distracted or inattentive driving.

Statewide Team Leaders:

Ron Whittaker, LADOTD, rwhittaker@live.com Jessica Bedwell, LHSC, jessica.bedwell@la.gov

www.destinationzerodeaths.com

17

JOIN OUR JOURNEY TO ZERO. SIGN UP WITH YOUR AREA COALITION.

To accelerate the SHSP's implementation at the local level, Louisiana established nine Regional Transportation Safety Coalitions through an agreement between DOTD and the designated Regional Planning Commission (RPC) or the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

The DOTD has District Offices that work closely with the MPOs and State Police Troops. Each coalition is led by a full-time coordinator who serves as liaison between the state and local partners from all 4E’s of Safety: Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services.

CONTACT THE REGIONAL COALITION COORDINATOR IN YOUR AREA: Acadiana Transportation Safety Coalition Ashley Moranl amoran@planacadiana.org Capital Region Transportation Safety Coalition Kenyatta Robertson KRobertson@crpcla.org CenLA Highway Safety Coalition Destiny Kunefke destiny@rapc.info New Orleans Regional Traffic Safety Coalition Dan Jatres djatres@norpc.org North Shore Regional Safety Coalition Nelson Hollings nhollings@norpc.org Northeast Louisiana Highway Safety Partnership Susan Mitchell susan@northdelta.org Northwest Louisiana Transportation Safety Coalition Shelly Barrett shelly.barrett@nlcog.org South Central Regional Safety Coalition Cassie Parker cassie@scpdc.org Southwest Louisiana Regional Safety Coalition Amber Ashworth amber@imcal.la

CONTACT DOTD HIGHWAY SAFETY SECTION

SHSP Manager Autumn Goodfellow-Thompson autumn.goodfellow-thompson@la.gov

CONTACT LOUISIANA LTAP CENTER

LTAP Training Manager Steve Strength steve.strength@la.gov Local Road Safety Program (LRSP) Manager Leo Marretta leo.marretta@la.gov

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