The New Hampshire Department of Transportation wants to see the number of traffic fatalities go to zero.
The department is partnering with other state agencies, organizations, and businesses to create the ‘New Hampshire Driving Toward Zero Coalition.’ The coalition launched the ‘Driving Toward Zero’ campaign today.
New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner, Chris Clement, says he’s often asked whether an effort to reduce accident fatalities to zero is even possible.
The short answer is yes. It’s going to take us time to get there, but you have to start somewhere.
New Hampshire has made strides toward safer driving in recent years; in 2010 there were 128 fatalities, the following year, that number dropped to 90. So far this year, 40 people lost their lives on New Hampshire roads.
Clement says one lost life is too many, and that the more the public gets engaged, the more lives will be saved.
People have to start thinking differently about how they drive. That’s where it starts. We’re going to back that up with education, enforcement, engineering, and also emergency management as well.
The ‘Driving Toward Zero’ coalition will focus on the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, distracted driving, speeding, not using helmets and seatbelts, and driving aggressively.
