OHSP to Address Distracted Driving, Speeding, and Impaired Driving in 2010
The Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) enters 2010 with an emphasis on driving fatalities downward toward a goal of zero fatalities on Michigan roadways. OHSP has a long history of successful partnerships with committed traffic safety professionals across the state and the nation. Capitalizing on this “strength in numbers” philosophy will enable OHSP to make the most out of its efforts to decrease traffic deaths and injuries.
Over this next fiscal year, OHSP will be devoting a great deal of time and attention to the development of public information and education campaigns to address those traffic safety issues that not only show up in the data but have caused safety concerns among the motoring public. These issues include speeding, distracted, drowsy, and aggressive driving. OHSP will develop campaigns to address the dangers of text messaging and cell phone use while driving, particularly among young drivers.
Child passenger safety will continue to be promoted through public education, training, and car seat distribution programs. OHSP will launch a second phase of booster seat education for parents and caregivers and will expand distribution of car seats to the state’s low income populations.
High-visibility traffic enforcement will remain a key strategy in FY 2010. As seat belt use approaches 100 percent, focus will shift toward impaired driving, where much room for improvement still exists. Strict zero-tolerance enforcement supported by effective public messaging strategies have proven to change driver behavior and will continue to be employed. Support for the prosecution, adjudication, and treatment of drunk drivers is also an essential component to address this issue.
