Traffic Safety Roundup
A compilation of traffic safety e-news, resources, tools and links
brought to you by Louisiana Center for Transportation Safety
Volume 2 / Issue 1 -    January 25, 2016

Dear Safety Partner,

The Louisiana Center for Transportation Safety (LCTS), also known as the Safety Center , shares this compilation of valuable information and e-news that you might find useful in enhancing your transportation safety initiatives that help save lives!
Highlights in this Issue
Safety Message Corner:
Move Over for Emergencies. It's the Law!
During the week of January 25th, remind your colleagues, families and friends about Louisiana's Move Over law. State law requires drivers approaching any stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, not including tow trucks, traveling in the same direction, to vacate the lane closest if possible to do so, or slow to a reasonably safe speed. Read more.
 
   
Mardi Gras Safety Message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
From January 29 to February 9, state and local police officers in Louisiana will be cracking down for DWI checkpoints and saturation patrols to catch drunk drivers and ensure the safety of Mardi Gras revelers. Everyone is encouraged to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Make a Difference! Be a Traffic Safety Champion
yourself. 
To learn how, contact the Regional Safety Coalition Coordinator in your area.

 
 
Check out Destination Zero Deaths Calendar   
to view the schedule of statewide and regional coalition meetings.
 

CALENDARS & RESOURCES

 

Roadway Safety Foundation

 

 

 

Hot Off The Press

2016 Outlook: NHTSA, Automotive Safety, Cybersecurity

2016 will likely be an active year for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and increased enforcement actions and new technology and privacy measures are expected. There are four things to keep in mind. Read more.
 

The Debate continues: Seat belts on school buses
 
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - An ongoing debate about seat belts on school buses has school leaders talking. There are many factors to possible requirements for seat belts on every bus, but it's anyone's guess as to an exact cost for upgrades. Read more.  

 

Local News 
 

Louisiana's highway safety partners are encouraged to participate in Distracted Driving survey. Click here.

 

Acadiana Safety Coalition supports Northside High's road safety fatal vision M.E.T.H.O.D program. Read full story.

 

LHSC's Colonel LeBlanc: Take a stand for your highway safety in 2016. Read full commentary.
 

Safety Experts: Traffic signaling system  might have prevented 5 deaths at Iberia Parish railroad tragedy. Read full story.

North Shore Coalition's Loranger High School awarded by Verizon for PSA on texting and driving.  View the PSA here. 

New Orleans seeks public input on making Claiborne Corridor safer for all. Read story on WDSU. 

South Central Coalition to discuss safe walking and biking at the Vulnerable Road Users Work Group Meeting on February 4 in Houma. Inquire about it. 

Capital Region to hear public input on proposed Nicholson streetcar project. Read full story.

Safety partners to launch Destination Zero Deaths effort in the North West Region of LA at a Kickoff Meeting tomorrow. Inquire about it.
Research and Beyond

AAA releases study on weather-related traffic deaths
AAA - According to a study conducted by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, bad weather is a factor in more than 2,000 deaths every winter based on new research. Read more.
 
Countermeasures That Work latest edition released

GHSA -  The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) encourages local and state highway safety stakeholders to check out NHTSA's 8th edition of the highway safety guide titled "Countermeasures That Work". This is a reference for selecting programs and projects proven to be evidence-based and effective.   Click here. 

Study: Night shift workers face dangerous risks on the drive home
Scientists are finding that night shift work comes with a range of particular health risks, from heart disease to diabetes to breast cancer. This month, another study joined the pack - this one on the risk of traffic crashes among those who head home from work at sunrise. Read more.
 
Vehicle Recall Safety Campaign Materials now available
NHTSA -  Campaign materials for Vehicle Recall Safety are now available. Click here.

Upcoming Events
 
Jan. 29 to Feb 9, Drive Sober Campaign on Mardi Gras
LHSC spearheads this enforcement crackdown where state and local police agencies conduct DWI checkpoints to catch drunk drivers around Mardi Gras. Everyone is advised to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, no excuses.  Read more.
  
Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, ATSSA Annual Convention and Traffic Expo in New Orleans, LA
This annual event is organized by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) to bring together business leaders, government officials, manufacturers and corporate roadway department personnel involved in every aspect of roadway safety. Read more.
  
Feb. 3, 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM, Webinar Viewing Session on "Outcomes from the 2015 HSIP Scan Tour", TTEC Room Room 175, Baton Rouge, LA
The LCTS will host a viewing session of this webinar which will provide an overview of the notable practices identified during the 2015 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) National Scan Tour.  Inquire about it.

Feb. 28 to March 2, Louisiana Transportation Conference at the River Center in Baton Rouge, LA
Themed as "Transportation: Making Connections that Matter", this conference is the largest gathering among Louisiana transportation professionals. Read more.
   
March 2-4, 2016, Louisiana American Planning Association Conference, Courtyard Marriott, Houma, LA
Themed as " "Planning on the Edge", this 3-day conference will feature mobile workshops and plenary sessions on topics such as implementing a master plan, expansion of zoning and infrastructure projects, coastline mapping and sustainability, and more. Mobile workshops include "Up da Bayou" and "Down da Bayou" tours. Read more.

April 3-5, 2016, Lifesavers Conference in Long Beach, California 
This is the largest national gathering of highway safety professionals that brings together a unique combination of public health and safety professionals, researchers, volunteers, and practitioners who are committed to sharing best practices, research, and policy initiatives that are proven to work. Read more.