Overview

While major strides and enhancements have been made in the areas of highway safety in Vermont, there is much more that could be done. In 2005, there were a total of 14,365 reported traffic crashes that resulted in 73 persons killed and over 481 more seriously injured on our highways. To continue reducing fatal and serious injury crashes significantly, a new approach to highway safety is needed.	Quick Links Mission Goals Data Analysis Critical Emphasis Areas Implementation Functions
This comprehensive way of looking at this issue acknowledges that no organization in Vermont is solely responsible in the quest for highway safety.  Reducing highway deaths and injuries is the responsibility of all those involved with safety, working in unison; including law enforcement, state and town engineers, emergency personnel, and educators.
On December 20, 2006, Governor Douglas transmitted the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) to FHWA. The SHSP focuses on the seven critical emphasis areas that have been identified by over 100 safety partners as having the most potential for reducing the number of fatal and serious injuries in Vermont.
Safety professionals throughout Vermont continue to join forces as the SHSP is moved towards implementation.  A functional approach is being followed by safety partners to initiate the implementation of many of the strategies listed in the SHSP.

"Every year, this country experiences a national tragedy that is as preventable as it is devastating."
US Transportation Secretary Mineta
April 19, 2006