2019-2021 Georgia Strategic Highway Safety Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2019-2021
GEORGIA STRATEGIC HIGHWAY SAFETY PLAN

GOVERNOR'S LETTER

May 24, 2019
Dear Georgians: The 2019-2021 Governor's Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) documents our efforts to continue putting the safety of Georgians first by providing a comprehensive framework for reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Georgia's public roads. In the mission of "Striving Towards Zero Deaths," this plan integrates engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency medical services. This multidisciplinary approach allows for data-driven statewide highway safety goals and priorities. Demonstrated in this document are the combined initiatives of Georgia's Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Georgia's Highway Safety Plan (HSP), and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan (CVSP). This coordination allows Georgia to identify and strengthen partnerships throughout the state. Georgia will use this document to guide decisions, strategies, and countermeasures, in our effort to implement initiatives that focus on saving lives and preventing injuries of residents and visitors. In 2018, our state legislature passed House Bill 673: Better known as the "Hands-Free Law," the passage of this bill has allowed Georgia to promote safe driving behavior, reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities, on our roadways. I encourage you to reflect on how you can meet the challenge of "Striving Towards Zero Deaths" in your own communities. By working together, we will make a difference and continue to see improvements that put the safety of our roads and citizens first.
Sincerely,
Brian P. Kemp Governor

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Vision, Introduction & History 4

Current Environment 5 Department of Public Health-OASIS (Population Numbers for Georgia) Department of Driver Services (Number of Licensed Drivers by age) Department of Motor Vehicle (Number of Registered Vehicles by type)

Data Sources 6 FARS Fatality Analysis Reporting System GEARS - Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System DDS Data Reports - Department of Driver Services DPH ED/Hospitalization - Department of Public Health FMCSA A&I - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration GDOT Daily Fatality Report Georgia Department of Transportation

Safety Performance Measures/Goals 9

Emphasis Areas/Task Teams 12

Impaired Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Occupant Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Serious Crash Type

Intersection Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Roadway Departure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Age-related Issues



Young Adult Drivers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Older Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Non-Motorized Users

Pedestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Bicycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Vehicle Type

Heavy Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma 30

Georgia Traffic Records Program 34

Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System 36 Risk Analysis & Evaluation Team

Traffic Incident Management Enhancement (TIME Task Force) 37

Existing Highway Safety Plans40 Governor's Office of Highway Safety: Highway Safety Plan Georgia Department of Transportation: Highway Safety Improvement Plan Department of Public Safety: Commercial Vehicle Plan Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Other Safety Partners 42 Georgia Operation Lifesaver GDOT Railroad Safety Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Appendix 44 SHSP Update Process HRRR Evaluation

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VISION
Every Life Counts Strive towards Zero Deaths and
Injuries on Georgia Roads.

4 Safety E's
ENGINEERING
EDUCATION
ENFORCEMENT
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

INTRODUCTION
The Georgia Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) is a data-driven, comprehensive, multidisciplinary plan that integrates the "4 Safety E's"- engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency medical services. This plan establishes statewide performance goals, objectives, and emphasis areas that describe program strategies to reduce or eliminate safety hazards on Georgia roads.
HISTORY
The Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) organized and implemented the first Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) agreement in November 2005. The SHSP is a critical part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which is a core Federal-aid program designed to achieve significant reductions in traffic fatalities and serious injuries. It requires a datadriven strategic approach to improving traffic safety.
The SHSP has been included in three of the most recent transportation bills which provide funding for transportation across the U.S., including the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which continues the requirement for States to develop, implement, evaluate, and update an SHSP "that identifies and analyzes highway safety problems and opportunities on all public roads."
Successful SHSP development and implementation requires leadership, collaboration, and communication. Georgia's SHSP brings together leaders from a diverse group of professions; engineers, planners, law enforcement officers, education officials, emergency medical service personnel and many others.

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GEORGIA BY THE NUMBERS
POPULATION IN 2017
10,429,379

CURRENT ENVIRONMENT

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Online Analytical Statistical Information System - (OASIS)

*VALID DRIVER'S LICENSES IN 2018

REGISTERED VEHICLES IN 2018

= 50,000 PEOPLE

7,420,815

9,639,655

NUMBER OF VALID DRIVER'S LICENSES BY AGE GROUP

Age Group 16-17 18-20 21-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85+ Total

2017 186,740 352,201 498,370 1,281,397 1,224,678 1,319,132 1,191,504 814,352 349,994 93,273 7,311,641

2018 187,445 361,084 505,158 1,310,667 1,234,127 1,308,035 1,208,739 836,694 372,635
96,231 7,420,815

*Count excludes drivers<16 years old, drivers with suspended driving privileges, and drivers with privileges expired less than 2 years. Source: DDS and DMV

NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES BY TYPE

Vehicle Type 2018

Passenger Vehicles

6,224,215

Trucks

1,958,941

Trailers

1,221,107

Motorcycles

199,550

Buses

35,621

Other

221

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DATA SOURCES

Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) is a nationwide census providing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Congress and the American public yearly data regarding fatal injuries suffered in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Georgia uses the raw data set (individual records for the state of Georgia) to design specific queries that are used to identify geographic regions where fatal crashes occur; specific population groups that are disproportionately affected, and identify risk factors associated with specific crashes.
4 For FARS data, visit: nhtsa.gov/research-data/ fatality-analysis-reporting-system-fars
Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System (GEARS)
The Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System (GEARS) is developed and maintained by Lexis Nexis on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to serve as a portal into the State of Georgia's repository for traffic crash reports completed by Georgia law enforcement agencies.
The GEARS online services provided by LexisNexis are for the exclusive use of law enforcement, approved agencies, and other authorized users in the state of Georgia.

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Data Reports
DDS Data Reports are the gateway to statistical information produced by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Information Technology (IT) Department.
The Monthly Valid Driver Summary Report shows aggregate totals of Georgia Drivers by age, gender, license category (commercial, non-commercial, card, and permit), and license class.
The DUI Data Reports show the total count of Administrative License Suspensions (ALS), Refusals (implied consent), and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within a calendar year, summarized by process year and by county.
The DDS Distracted Driver Reports show a count of distracted driving convictions. Convictions are itemized by conviction legal code, process date, violation date, and county where the violation occurred.
The Move Over Report shows a count of convictions for failure to move over one lane when an emergency or utility vehicles were operating.
The DDS Reckless Driving Report shows a count of reckless driving convictions itemized by process date.
4 For DDS data reports, visit: dds.georgia.gov/dds-reports

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Georgia Department of Public Health Hospitalization & Emergency Room Data
Hospitalization/Emergency Room data is discharge data that is constructed from data supplied to billing institutions such as insurance companies. Data is sourced from all non-federal acute care hospitals in the state of Georgia, through the Georgia Hospital Association. Hospitalization data includes those cases where a person was discharged as an Inpatient. Emergency Room Data includes everyone seen and discharged from the Emergency Room. For hospital data, the admission source can be the ER and may be concluded that Hospitalization data includes injuries that are generally more serious than those in ER data.
Important fields include diagnosis and procedure codes, discharge status, admission and discharge dates, residence geography locators, age, race, sex, person identifier, length of stay, charges, admission source, marital status, facility (hospital) and payer.
Motor vehicle crash data is a subset of hospitalization /Emergency Room data. A record is classified as MV Crash-related if the principal (first) diagnosis is an injury code(S- or T-code) and there is a subsequent diagnosis that is a V-code. This is based on the ICD10-CM system of disease classification. Classified records are analyzed in the Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS) by age, race, place, time, and sex. Measures such as discharge counts, populationbased rates (crude and age-adjusted) and percentages of total discharges are calculated. In the OASIS, these measures may be dynamically queried and presented in the form of tables,

maps, trend charts, animated population pyramids and a Community Health Needs Analysis dashboard. The data is also used to produce reports and Fact Sheets from the Office of Injury Prevention, to support the Trauma Surveillance program and registry, and to answer ad hoc data requests from various agencies. Motor vehicle related injuries and deaths are listed under external causes/motor vehicle crashes 4 For OASIS information, visit:
oasis.state.ga.us
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Analysis and Information Online System
Analysis & Information Online is America's source for reliable, proven data analysis on FMCSA safety programs and large truck and bus industry compliance. The tools and reports in A&I inform datadriven safety decisions to improve FMCSA effectiveness and large truck and bus safety on our Nation's roads. Explore the resources available to learn more about industry safety trends, agency progress, and the in-depth analysis that effects real change for safety. 4 For A&I reports, visit:
ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/default.aspx

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DATA SOURCES
GEORGIA TRAFFIC DEATHS
YEARLY TOTAL AND COMPARISON
GDOT Office of Traffic Operations | Fatalities as of 12/31/2018

YTD SEAT BELT FATALITIES
55% 45%

2017

62% 38%

2018

n No/Unknown n Yes

YTD FATALITIES BY ROUTE TYPE

YTD FATALITIES BY EMPHASIS TYPE

1000

946 915

800

833 762

600 400 200
0

259 249

216

137 143

135

14 30

4 10

273 273
52 41

508
422 385

260

251

221

n 2017 n 2018

Interstates

219 197

Other State Routes

765 722

NonState Routes

562 525

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
n 2017 n 2018

Pedestrians CommeMrocViteaolhricclMByieoclktseeorss RoadLawInanyetAAeDgDrgAeeeAsegsegppsecaae1T2strrrsi55tta>--iouu<2156rrnn5s455see

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SAFETY PERFORMANCE MEASURES

2019-2021 Safety Performance Measures and Goals
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) established seven national performance goal areas in MAP-21 that were affirmed by the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, one of which is safety. USDOT issued final rulemakings in March 2016 on Safety Performance Management (Safety PM) and the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The Safety PM rule detailed the requirements for safety target setting. Annual safety targets are required for five performance measures, expressed as a fiveyear rolling average, and applicable to all public roads:
1. Number of fatalities. 2. Rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT). 3. Number of serious injuries. 4. Rate of serious injuries per 100 million VMT. 5. Number of non-motorized fatalities and non-motorized serious injuries.
Beginning in FY 2014, the NHTSA Uniform Procedures for State Highway Safety Grant Programs Interim Final Rule required States to include performance measures and datadriven targets for each measure. This requirement continues under the FAST Act and is reaffirmed in the NHTSA Interim Final Rule issued in May 2016. Three of the 15 required performance measures for SHSOs are common to those required for State DOTs: number of fatalities, fatality rate, and number of serious injuries. FHWA and NHTSA required identical targets for the three common measures. Annual target setting methods are coordinated with the SHSP multiyear goal setting approach.

Annual safety targets are required for five performance measures, expressed as a five-year rolling average, and applicable to all public roads.

Georgia's Governor's Strategic Highway Safety Plan
FFY2019-2021 CORE PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND GOALS

To maintain the 5-year moving average traffic fatalities under the projected 2,050 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average traffic fatalities

BASELINE
2016 1,304

ESTIMATE
2017 2018 1,376 1,501

2019 1,652

GOALS
2020 2021 1,835 2,050

To maintain the 5-year moving average serious traffic injuries under the projected 24, 229 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average serious traffic injuries

BASELINE
2016 22,179

ESTIMATE
2017 2018 23,126 23,904

GOALS
2019 2020 2021 24,324 24,432 24,229

TRAFFIC FATALITIES SERIOUS TRAFFIC INJURIES

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SAFETY PERFORMANCE MEASURES

SERIOUS TRAFFIC INJURIES TRAFFIC FATALITIES

To reduce the 5-year moving average serious traffic injuries for every 100 million vehicle miles travelled by 18% from baseline 19.6 (2012-2016) 5-year average to 16.1 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average serious traffic injuries for every 100M VMT

BASELINE
2016 19.6

ESTIMATE
2017 2018 19.8 19.6

2019 18.9

GOALS
2020 2021 17.7 16.1

To maintain the 5-year moving average traffic fatalities per 100M VMT under the projected 1.51 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE BASELINE

5-year moving average

2016

traffic fatalities per 100M VMT 1.14

ESTIMATE

2017 2018

1.17

1.23

2019 1.31

GOALS
2020 2021 1.40 1.51

UNRESTRAINED TRAFFIC FATALITIES

To maintain the 5-year moving average unrestrained traffic fatalities under the projected 631 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average unrestrained traffic fatalities

BASELINE
2016 399

ESTIMATE
2017 2018 423 459

2019 507

GOALS
2020 2021 564 631

ALCOHOL RELATED FATALITIES

To maintain the 5-year moving average alcohol related fatalities under the projected 658 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average alcohol related fatalities

BASELINE
2016 319

ESTIMATE
2017 2018 357 410

2019 478

GOALS
2020 2021 561 658

SPEED RELATED FATALITIES

To maintain the 5-year moving average speed related fatalities under the projected 396 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average speed related fatalities

BASELINE
2016 225

ESTIMATE
2017 2018 245 272

2019 306

GOALS
2020 2021 347 396

MOTORCYLIST FATALITIES
10

To maintain the 5-year moving average motorcyclist fatalities under the projected 164 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average motorcyclist fatalities

BASELINE
2016 142

ESTIMATE

2017 2018

143

147

2019 151

GOALS
2020 2021 159 164

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To reduce the 5-year moving average un-helmeted motorcyclist fatalities by 50% from baseline 8 (2012-2016) 5-year average to 4 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average un-helmeted motorcyclist fatalities

BASELINE
2016 8

ESTIMATE

2017 2018

7

6

2019 6

GOALS

2020 2021

5

4

To maintain the 5-year moving average young drivers involved in fatal crashes under the projected 543 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average young drivers involved in fatal crashes

BASELINE
2016 164

ESTIMATE

2017 2018

169

176

2019 186

GOALS
2020 2021 394 543

UN-HELMETED MOTORCYLCIST FATALITIES
YOUNG DRIVERS

To maintain the 5-year moving average pedestrian fatalities under the projected 285 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average pedestrian fatalities

BASELINE
2016 186

ESTIMATE
2017 2018 205 228

2019 251

GOALS
2020 2021 270 285

PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES

To maintain the 5-year moving average bicyclist fatalities under the projected 31 (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average bicyclist fatalities

BASELINE
2016 23

ESTIMATE

2017 2018

23

25

2019 27

GOALS

2020 2021

29

31

BICYCLIST FATALITIES

Increase the 5-year moving average seatbelt usage rate from 95.8% (20122016) to 97.7% (2017-2021) 5-year average by December 2021.

PERFORMANCE MEASURE
5-year moving average seatbelt usage rate

BASELINE
2016 95.8%

ESTIMATE
2017 2018 96.9% 97.4%

2019 97.8%

GOALS
2020 2021 97.9% 97.7%

SEATBELT USAGE

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EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS

Emphasis Area Task Teams
The SHSP emphasis area task teams identify the top factors contributing to crashes in Georgia. Each emphasis area has one or more corresponding task team(s) and members consist of multiple safety "E" participation (education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical services). Task teams develop comprehensive safety recommendations along with corresponding programs to achieve crash reductions, injuries, and fatalities. Having this type of structure in place provides for immediate consideration of emerging safety trends, effective countermeasure approaches, and potential funding.

Impaired Driver Task Team
Description The Impaired Driver Task Team is comprised of various State, Local and Regional Government entities along with various community based groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), American Automobile Association (AAA) and several corporate based partners such as Lyft and Uber. We utilize data driven/evidence based programming to develop countermeasures that place an emphasis on impaired driving. We utilize a variety of social media and statewide media agencies to deliver our message.
Problem Identification Impaired driving in Georgia continues to be an ongoing problem. In 2017, there were 366 fatalities attributed to a DUI driver in Georgia. This accounted for 24% of the fatalities in Georgia. Of the 366 fatalities, 248 was with a fatal crash involving a driver with a BAC of over .15. In 2017, 21% of the male drivers in a fatal crash had a BAC of over 0.08. (FARS) There were 22,955 DUI convictions in Georgia in 2017, 85% were first time DUI convictions. There were also 11,325 refusals in 2017. There was 6.7% decline in DUI convictions from 2016 to 2017. (DDS)

25%

Drivers in Fatal Crashes by Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC .08+) and Sex: Georgia, 2013-2017

20%
20%
15%
10%!"
8%
5%

19% 18%
13% 10%

18% 13%

21% 11%

366
fatalities attributed to a DUI driver in Georgia
24%
of all fatalities in Georgia
248
of the 366 fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol level over .15
22,955
DUI convictions in Georgia in 2017
6.7%
decline in DUI convictions from 2016 to 2017.

Percent of Drivers in a Fatal Crash

12

0%
2013
SOURCE: FARS 2013-2017

2014

Male

2015 Female

2016

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Impaired Driver Objectives & Strategies
OBJECTIVE Investigate opportunities to improve blood collection procedures
S T R AT E G Y Support use of municipal and county EMS personnel for blood collection (on-scene or at jail) through publication of model policies and education to EMS management partners.
OBJECTIVE DUI Prevention: position impaired driving as negative and encourage DUI prevention
S T R AT E G I E S Research and determine effectiveness of mandated DUI programs (DUI Defensive
Driving Schools). Work with the Department of Education and Department of Public Health to initiate
a review of health curriculum regarding teen driving. Work with the Department of Revenue- Alcohol and Tobacco Division to develop
training for underage consumption. Research and implement roadway countermeasures that correspond with impaired
driving.
OBJECTIVE Improve/Update DUI training for Law Enforcement
S T R AT E G Y Investigate methods to increase officer buy-in on DUI enforcement efforts.
OBJECTIVE Revise the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) process
S T R AT E G Y Identify what aspects of the ALS process need to be revised.

We utilize a variety of social media and statewide media agencies to deliver our message on impaired driving.

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EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS

Occupant Protection Task Team

Description

The Occupant Protection Task Team (OPTT) is comprised of several key agencies and

organizations in Georgia committed to reducing deaths and injuries in all individuals

from motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). The Governor's Office of Highway Safety in

partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health, Trauma, EMS, Georgia's

Georgia Passenger Vehicle Restraint Use Rate: Georgia, 2013-2017

Department of Transportation, Shepherd Center, Children's Hospital of Atlanta, Emory University and several others support the ultimate goal of vision zero. The Occupant

Protection Task Team focuses on evidence-based

100.0%

95.5%

97.3%

973%

97.2%

97.1%
awareness campaigns, law enforcement partnerships, and

90.0%

targeted data analysis. The OPTT's goal is to ensure that

80.0%

83.3%

83.1%

82.9%

82.5%

83.3%

all vehicle passengers are safe on Georgia's roadways

70.0%

and are taking the best actions to protect them and their

60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0%

43.1%

47.3%

48.4%

46.1%

46.3%

families.

Problem Identification

In 2017, there were 1,057 passenger vehicle occupants

20.0%

killed on Georgia roadways. Of the 1,057 passenger vehicle

10.0%

occupants killed, 489 were unrestrained (43.8%) (FARS).

0.0%

For passenger vehicle occupants, 83.3% of all occupants

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

involved in a crash were either wearing a seatbelt or in

Observed

All Crash Occupants

Source: NOPUS, GDOT GA Crash data, FARS: 2013-2017

Fatal Occupants

a child safety seat compared to 46.3% of the occupants killed.

Occupant Protection Objectives & Strategies
OBJECTIVE Increase seatbelt use on Georgia roadways
S T R AT E G I E S
Assist the GOHS during Child Passenger Safety Caravan events with representatives from each of the occupant safety focus grants and local representatives. OPTT wants to improve CPS public information, improve education programs and decrease child safety restraint misuse to communities most at risk.
Work with law enforcement in GA on their campaigns and education relating to occupant protection. Training will occur for L.E. to increase their ability to identify gross misuse violations. OPTT will participate in statewide campaigns regarding occupant safety (Hands Across the Border, Buckle Up America Month, Child Passenger Safety Month and Click It or Ticket).
Provide seatbelt messaging that targets high-risk groups and locations through the use of different channels. Partner with minority outreach organizations to enable stakeholder engagement.
Collaborate with other agencies involved in collecting and reporting on MVC deaths and injuries to establish better outcome data to support strategies in occupant safety. Data will be utilized to create a revised occupant protection fact sheet. Multiple training workshops will be facilitated to update law enforcement on the new reporting requirements.

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Promote EMS-C activities as they incorporate occupant protection. Conduct joint task team meetings with Older Driver and Young Adult Task Teams
OBJECTIVE Maintain child restraint use on Georgia roadways
S T R AT E G I E S Implement and organize a revised system for uploading car seat inspection
information to GOHS's and NHTSA's websites because of the additional support it provides for caregivers. Support the DPH CORE grant activities as they relate to occupant protection Support the CHOA CHIPP activities as they relate to occupant protection Support the Emory IPRCE activities as they relate to occupant protection Support the GIPAC activities as they relate to occupant protection Hold joint meetings with Older Driver and Young Adult Task Teams
OBJECTIVE Support Occupant Protection programmatic activities in Georgiays
S T R AT E G Y Support the all Governor's Office of Highway Safety grantees including: Child Occupant Safety Project, Bryon Police Department, Camden County Sheriff's Office, DPH Older Driver, and Atlanta Fire and Rescue.
OBJECTIVE Promote safe alternatives to transportation throughout the state
S T R AT E G Y Recruit Uber/Lyft to execute an awareness campaign with safety messaging about the importance of adult occupants always buckling up in the back seat.

1,057
passenger vehicle occupants were killed on Georgia roadways in 2107
489
of the 1,057 fatalities were unrestrained. (43.8%)

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EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS

Distracted Driving
Description The Distracted Driving Task Team (DDTT) was formed in 2015 and is comprised of members with diverse backgrounds and disciplines including public agencies, universities, law enforcement, engineering, media, law firms and other key organizations. The DDTT meets monthly and engages in discussions and research about how to effectively increase awareness of distracted driving and improve healthy driving behaviors. Each member is committed to working together to significantly reduce distracted driving as well as reducing overall vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Problem Identification
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as "a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention away from the driving task to focus on another activity". As technology has evolved over the last ten years, the nation has experienced an epidemic of handheld phone usage which has greatly contributed to increased distracted driving. Georgia's case is exceptional. By 2016, auto insurance premium hikes has well exceeded the national average, reaching the attention of Georgia House Representative John Carson (R, Cobb). By 2017, a Georgia House Study Committee on Distracted Driving was assembled and a concise report was produced to quantify the reasons behind the unprecedented insurance premium hikes. (http://www.house.ga.gov/Documents/ CommitteeDocuments/2017/Distracted_Driving/Final_Report_DistractedDriving.pdf)
As a result, the Study Committee supported the need to adopt a more clearly written, enforceable and robust law, and the House Study Committee report made it defensible. It was time to no longer accept the cultural norm of prolific distraction in Georgia, along with the alarming fatality rate. Thus, the Georgia Hands-Free law was enacted.

Distracted Driver Convictions Reported to DDS by Process Year:

Georgia, 2013-2017

12000

11354

11000

10000 9000

9130

Number of Reported Convictions

8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000

4813

5663

6237

2000

1000

0
2013

2014

Source: DDS Rports, dds.georgia.gov

2015

2016

2017

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S T R AT E G I E S Support an ongoing effort to provide law enforcement officers with regard to
distracted driving. Facilitate training on Georgia's revised crash incident report to include
identification of distraction as a casual crash factor. Map collision data for any reported crashes where distracted driving was a known
contributing factor. Collect baseline driver behavior data through observational driving study. Identify funding sources for infrastructure improvements. Ensure regulation of roadside distractions to include animated advertising and
message boards. Create distracted driving resource guide for parents of young drivers and adults. Create a unified distracted driving campaign. Establish a network of victims/and or perpetrators of distracted driving to bring
awareness to the general public. Provide distracted driving kit to judges with fines and penalties.
G OV E R N O R ' S O F F I C E O F H I G H WAY SA F E T Y

As technology has evolved over the last ten years, the nation has experienced an epidemic of handheld phone usage which has greatly contributed to increased distracted driving.
17

EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS
Serious Crash Types Intersection Safety Task Team
Description The Intersection Safety Task Team's vision is to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes at intersections along all routes in the state of Georgia. The team works to identify low cost, high impact projects that will reduce the number of injuries and fatalities occurring at locations identified through a data driven approach that pose the greatest threat. The Intersection Safety Task Team is comprised of Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) safety personnel, state safety professionals and other safety advocates. The purpose of the team is to identify and implement safety strategies using the 4 safety "E" approach; engineering, education, enforcement and emergency medical services. Problem Identification Because vehicle paths cross at intersections, a disproportional number of crashes occur at intersections as opposed to other places on the roadway network. Intersection crashes account for over a quarter of the fatal crashes on Georgia's roads. This percentage has fluctuated; but has had an upward trend over the past couple of years. Additionally, intersection related crashes account for 75% of total crashes in Georgia, up from 54% since 2013. The task team's main focus is reducing the number of fatal and injury crashes at Georgia's intersections. However, mitigating these crashes also has an economic impact as intersection related crashes cost the state millions annually in personal injury and property damage as well as contribute to Georgia's insurance rates being some of the highest in the nation.
Location: Non-Intersection vs. Intersection Georgia, 2013-2017
Proportions of all crashes and fatal crashes by year and location

Proportion of Intersection vs Non-Intersection Crashes Source: GDOT Crash Data: 2013-2017

All Crashes and Fatal Crashes by Year

18

S T R AT E G I C H I G H WAY S A F E T Y P L A N // 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 1

Intersection Safety Objectives & Strategies
OBJECTIVE Move to a more data driven approach to choosing safety projects by developing tools to rank intersections by safety metrics
S T R AT E G I E S Pull Crash Data for last 5 years from GEARS for the entire State. Generated ranked lists of intersections that can be sorted by county, GDOT
district and city. Create GIS mapping component that can assist in choosing intersections for
improvement. Use the data developed in strategies 1-3 to develop a better understanding of
crash causes and ways to mitigate crashes.
OBJECTIVE Safety Audit of Existing Intersections
S T R AT E G I E S Perform a safety audit of existing signalized intersections to determine safety
performance and possible safety improvements. Perform a safety audit of existing roundabout intersections to determine safety
performance and possible safety improvements. Make recommendations for improvements based on strategies 1-2, including
maintenance requests and quick response projects to be provided to the GDOT districts. Research into signal timing including pedestrian intervals, enforcement during special events, review of setback loops, all red/yellow intervals and supplemental signals to determine possible areas for improvement.
OBJECTIVE Implement Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) Policy
S T R AT E G I E S Review existing ICE policy and submit updates for approval and publication. Review existing ICE tool and continue to develop the efficiency and functionality
of the tool. Continue maintenance and support for ICE tool. Conduct training on ICE policy and tool for GDOT internal and external audiences
including, consultants, local governments, developers, regional commissions etc. Introduce ICE to elected officials, to include searching out opportunities to
present at mayor's and county commissioner's association meetings.

75%
Percentage of all crashes that are intersectionrelated.
21%
Increase in all intersectionrelated crashes from 2013-2017.

G OV E R N O R ' S O F F I C E O F H I G H WAY SA F E T Y

19

EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS

Intersection Safety Objectives & Strategies (cont.)
OBJECTIVE Investigate enforcement and EMS opportunities to mitigate intersection related safety issues
S T R AT E G I E S Have discussions with law enforcement and discuss their perspective on
violations at traditional intersections. Have discussions with law enforcement regarding citations at roundabouts
and explore outreach and educational opportunities for officers regarding roundabouts and alternative intersections. Work on outreach, recruitment, and membership on the task team for law enforcement and EMS such as though presentations at conferences such as the Chief's Conference. Investigate opportunities for strategies relates to EMS such as safety for personnel working intersection related crashes.

OBJECTIVE Training on alternative intersections
S T R AT E G I E S Develop GDOT specific guidelines for roundabouts, including additional details. Develop computer lab training course on roundabouts that will be taught
quarterly. Work with LTAP to provide a training course for local agencies. Work to advertise opportunities for training including courses taught by GDOT,
courses taught by others, and webinar opportunities. Host a summit for contractors on alternative intersections to gain a better
understanding of the challenges of staging and constructing alternative intersections and to brainstorm and document best practices.

20

S T R AT E G I C H I G H WAY S A F E T Y P L A N // 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 1

Roadway Departure Task Team
Description The Roadway Departure (RWD) Task Team is a multi-disciplinary team tasked with developing safety improvement recommendations and to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury roadway departure crashes along all routes in the state of Georgia. The team is comprised of several key agencies and organizations in Georgia and incorporate the 4 safety "E" approach into recommendations. The team works to create and maintain a consistent dialogue of idea sharing and cross disciplinary education regarding RWD crash prevention.
Problem Identification Each year roadway departure crashes account for more than half of the highway fatalities in the United States and nearly half in Georgia. FHWA defines a roadway departure crash as: A crash in which a vehicle crosses an edge line, a center line, or otherwise leaves the traveled way. Three emphasis areas account for more than 70 percent of all roadway departure fatal crashes: overturns, opposing direction, and fixed objects. While only about 20 percent of all motor vehicle crashes are roadway departure; typically, more than 40 percent of the state's fatality crashes are roadway departures.
Location: On Roadway vs. Roadway Departure Georgia, 2013-2017
Proportions of all crashes and fatal crashes by year and roadway departure

Each year roadway departure crashes account for more than half of the highway fatalities in the United States and nearly half in Georgia.

Source: GDOT Crash Data: 2013-2017 Proportion of Roday Departure Crashes

All Crashes and Fatal Crashes by Year

G OV E R N O R ' S O F F I C E O F H I G H WAY SA F E T Y

21

EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS

Roadway Departure Objectives & Strategies
OBJECTIVE Continuously evaluate Georgia's Roadway Departure Safety Implementation Plan to determine if strategies and approaches should be modified or updated
S T R AT E G Y Assemble a multi-discipline task team who can review the SHSP plan from their
unique perspectives and offer their critique as well as new ideas. Recruit volunteers from these state offices and private sector: GDOT Roadway Design; GDOT District Maintenance; GDOT Materials and Research New Product Evaluation; Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team; private sector transportation forensics engineers etc.
OBJECTIVE Develop timeliness for the re-evaluation if roadway departure crash totals after project completion.
S T R AT E G I E S Stay in contact with GDOT district offices and/or project managers to stay abreast of
sharp curve treatment project completions dates, as well as the completion of quick, low cost countermeasure implementation by GDOT district maintenance offices, so that crash data before and after completion dates can be determined. Determine a measure of effectiveness scoring system that would be used in a before and after comparison.
OBJECTIVE Evaluate Georgia's moderately used countermeasures. These countermeasures include but are not limited to the following: florescent yellow warning signs and inlaid pavement markings in advance of curves; lateral transverse grooves on poorly drained concrete pavements; traffic calming countermeasures; and use of raised thermoplastic rumble strips in urban areas.
S T R AT E G I E S Create a list of contacts containing Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team
(SCRTs) officers from GSP as well as the local county and city police agency officers who would have access to detailed RWD fatality accident reports and make them available to the RWD task team and GDOT Encourage law enforcement to include more `contributing factors' information in crash reports. Such as: DUI info; distracted driving circumstances; vehicle malfunction or tire tread conditions
OBJECTIVE Outreach
S T R AT E G I E S Coordinate joint task team meetings with Older Driver, Young Driver, Occupant
Protection, Distracted Driving and Impaired driving Engage the community on work being done by the task team

22

S T R AT E G I C H I G H WAY S A F E T Y P L A N // 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 1

Age Related Issues Young Adult Driver Task Team
Description The Young Adult Driver Task Team (YADTT) is comprised of several key agencies and organizations in Georgia committed to reducing young adult morbidity and mortality due to motor vehicle crashes. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety in partnership with the Department of Driver Services, Trauma, EMS, AAA, The Department of Public Health, the Department of Transportation and Shepherd Center subscribe to the ultimate goal of vision zero. With an emphasis on evidence-based programming, this task team recognizes the increased risk of death and injury young drivers face. We also strive to communicate effectively with the population we are looking to protect by using social media and mass media campaigns.
Problem Identification Teens are a vulnerable population when it comes to driving- as car crashes are the biggest killer of young adults. High-risk behavior, texting while driving, impaired driving, peer pressure, inexperience, limited use or no use of occupant safety devices, lack of proper driving information and education are a few of the problems that our youth face while driving on Georgia's roadways. While roadway fatalities had been decreasing for the last decade, there has been a significant uptick nationwide and at home in the last few years, especially in Georgia. In 2017, there were a total of 202 fatalities in Georgia that involved young drivers ages 15-20, this represents 13% of all fatalities. Over the years, this number has increased by 15% from 175 fatalities in 2013. In Georgia, this represents 13% of all fatalities. The number of drivers between 15 and 20 years of age involved in fatal crashes in 2017 was 187. Male young drivers age 18 and 20 had the highest fatality crash rate per 100,000 license driver.
Fatal Crashes involving a Young Adult Driver Fatality Rate by Sex and Driver Age: Georgia, 2017
70.0
Age 16-20
60.0

Fatal Crash rate per 100,000 License Drivers

50.0

40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0 16-17

18-20

Source: FARS 2017, GDOT Crash data 2017, DDS June2017

21-24

25-34
Male

35-44 45-54 55-64 Driver Age

Female

Both Sexes

65-74

75-84

85+

13%
Fatalities in Georgia that involve young drivers.

G OV E R N O R ' S O F F I C E O F H I G H WAY SA F E T Y

23

EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS

High-risk behavior, texting while driving, impaired driving, peer pressure, inexperience, limited use or no use
of occupant safety devices, lack of proper
driving information and education are a few
of the problems that our youth face while driving on Georgia's
roadways.

Young Adult Task Team Objectives & Strategies
OBJECTIVE Change teen norms around texting, and other forms of distracted driving using peer programs, and positive social norm campaigns- Teens in the Driver's Seat, Cinema Drive, AutoCoach, SADD
S T R AT E G I E S Identify new evidence-based programs Continue to support schools/community groups enrolled in Teens in the Driver's Seat Continue to support Cinema Drive in schools throughout GA
OBJECTIVE Improve data available for analyzing young driver crashes and eventually evaluating the effectiveness of occupant protection, injury prevention and driver education programs
S T R AT E G I E S Develop a relationship and partner with State and local agencies to collect and
monitor data on YAD such as DDS, GOHS, YRBS, CDC, OASIS/ Dept. of Public Health Map the data to identify hot spots for YAD crashes Identify questions/ review data on YRBS Create and periodically update a Young Adult Driver Fact Sheet
OBJECTIVE Increase parental involvement and increase compliance on GDL S T R AT E G Y Promote evidence-based parent involvement programs, AutoCoach, CDC's Parents are the Key, Checkpoints, PRIDE, and Share the Keys
OBJECTIVE Social Media S T R AT E G I E S Identify existing platforms for social media messaging Use Social Media to target teens, using social norms messaging
OBJECTIVE Outreach S T R AT E G I E S Coordinate joint task team meetings with Older Driver, Occupant Protection,
Distracted Driving and Impaired driving Engage the community on work being done by the task team

24

S T R AT E G I C H I G H WAY S A F E T Y P L A N // 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 1

Percentage of All Fatalties

Older Driver Task Team
Description

Fatal Crashes involving an Older Driver
Fatality Rate by Sex and Driver Age: Georgia, 2017
12.0

The older driver task force is part of the Georgia older

driver safety program. The task force goal is to reduce

10.0

Rate per 1,000 Crashes

older driver injuries and fatalities through safer roadways, 8.0 education and training, and improved

mobility options. The program utilizes 6.0 a public health approach to develop

collaborative relationships and

4.0

processes to determine appropriate

educational, environmental, and

2.0

policy interventions for health and

safety professionals, as well as the public.
Problem Identification

0 55-64
Source: FARS 2017, GDOT Crash data 2017

65-74 Male

75-84 Driver Age

Female

Both Sexes

85+

Ten thousand baby boomers turn 65 each day. One in

Pedestrian Fatalities and Percentage of All Fatalties:

five Americans will be age 70 or older by the year 2050. Georgia is anticipated to havGeeorgia, 2013-2017

300
one of the largest populations of residents, 65 years of age and older, in the Southeast

18%
16%

Region. The changing demographics of the U.S. aging population and ra15p%id population

15%

16%

growth

in

Georgia

pose

significant

implications

for

highway

250
safety and

mobility

o14f %an

14%

253

14%

aging population.

200

232 12%

Number of Fatalities

Older adults in the U.S. live longer, spend more time driving, and travel more often than 176
previous generations. In Georgia, drivers age 65 and older had a 715%0 increase in th16e3
number of license drivers from 2015 to 2017 (DDS). With more licensed drivers on the
road, it is critical to address the potential safety issues for the agi1n00g population. The
general decline of physical health (e.g., reduced bone density), vision and motor skills (e.g., reaction time) associated with aging can make it difficult to 5n0avigate the roadways
safely. These declines are complicated by additional declines in cognition from disease or medication and increases 55+ road users' susceptibility to injury0 or d2e01a3 th in a 2c0r14ash.

194 10%

VISION 8%
Georgia will take decisive and sustain6e% d

action toward zero 4%

deaths

2%

0%

2015 M I S S2I0O16 N

2017

Georgians: In 2017, 13% of the fatal crashes in Georgia involved a driver age 65 older Source: FARS 2013-2017 and 9% of all Pedestrian Fatalities Percentage of Fatalities

motor vehicle crashes. This resulted the with the highest fatality crash ratBeicpyeclris1t,F0a0ta0lities and PerGceenttatgienogf AOlllFdatearlt,ies:

crashes for those drivers involved in a fatal crash, increasing with 3a5ge. Males over 85 Georgia, 20G13e-2t0t1i7ng Wiser,

16%

years of age had the highest fatality crash rate. Nearly two thirds (62%) of the older

Staying Mobile

drivers age 65 and older that were involved in a fatal crash died o3n0 Georgia roadways,

14%

even though they had the highest restraint use rate of 72%. In compariso28n, only 46% of the drivers age 55-64 died that were involved in a fatal crash. 25

G O A L29 12%
To reduce older

Percentage of All Fatalties

Number of Fatalities

20

19

Older Driver Task Team Objectives

15

Promote safe driving among aging road users

10

Work with partners to address older adult mobility issues and impro2v%e access to

mobility options for Georgia.

5

2%

23 driver injuries and 10%

fatalities through sa8f%er

roadways, education

15
and training, and

6%

improved mobility 4%

2% option2%s.

2%
1%

Address the knowledge gaps regarding older driver safety amo0ng traffic engineers

0%

and highway designers.

2013
Source: FARS 2013-2017

2014

2015

2016

Bicyclists

Percentage of Fatalities

2017

Improve data and data analysis

Foster partnerships & collaboration, increase knowledge about olderCdormivmeerrcsiaalfMeotytor Vehicle Fatalties and Fatality Rate

per 100 Million Total VMT, Georgia: 2012-2016

concerns and available resources.

250

0.165

00 Million Total VMT

of Fatalities

G OV E R N O R ' S O F F I C E O F H I G H WAY SA F E T Y

0.16 200

199 188

25

173

0.155

150

158

162

EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS

Non-Motorized Users

Rate per 1,000 Crashes

253Fatal Crashes involving an Older Driver Fatality Rate by Sex and Driver Age: Georgia, 2017
12.0
Pedestrians were killed on Geor1g0.0ia roadways in 2017.
44% 8.0
Inc6r.e0ase in pedestrian fatalities from 2013-2017.
4.0

2.0

0 55-64
Source: FARS 2017, GDOT Crash data 2017

65-74 Male

75-84 Driver Age

Female

Both Sexes

85+

Pedestrian Safety Task Team

Number of Fatalities

Pedestrian Fatalities and Percentage of All Fatalties:

Georgia, 2013-2017

300

18%

16%

15%
250

14%

14%

15%
232

16%

253

14%

200

12%

194

176

10%

150

163

8%

100

6%

4% 50
2%

0 2013
Source: FARS 2013-2017

2014

2015

2016

0% 2017

Pedestrian Fatalities

Percentage of Fatalities

Bicyclist Fatalities and Percentage of All Fatalties:

Georgia, 2013-2017

35

16%

Percentage of All Fatalties

Description The pedestrian safety task team is a multi-disciplinary group of professionals and citizens dedicated to learning and conversing about ways to make the state of Georgia safer and more accessible for pedestrians. The team also develop the vision, goals, and strategies for pedestrian safety in the SHSP and is the key stakeholder group for the development of the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP).
Problem Identification From 2013-2017, a total of 1,018 pedestrians were killed on Georgia roadways. In 2017, Pedestrian occupants accounted for 16% of the fatalities in Georgia, but less than 1% of all traffic occupants. Pedestrian deaths are trending upwards from 2013-2017, rising by 44% over the 5-year period.

30
28 25

Number of Fatalities

20

15

10
2% 5

26

0 2013
Source: FARS 2013-2017

Percentage of All Fatalties

Pedestrian Sa14f%ety Task Team Strategies

29
Conduct road safet1y2% audits and implement pedestrian improvements on

streetscape

23

10%

Develop procedures for incorporating pedestrian safety improvements into

19

maintenance projec8%ts on high risk pedestrian corridors.

Develop meth15odolo6%gy to identify midblock crossing locations and treatments to

increase pedestrian safety and compliance.

4%

Allocate target level of HSIP, 402, 405b, regional, and local funds to pedestrian

2%

2%

safe2%ty projec1%ts. 2%

2014

2015

2016

Bicyclists

Percentage of Fatalities

0%
2017

S T R AT E G I C H I G H WAY S A F E T Y P L A N // 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 1

Commercial Motor Vehicle Fatalties and Fatality Rate

Percentage of All Fat

Number of Fatalities

200 176
150
100
50
0 2013
Source: FARS 2013-2017

194 163

2014

2015

2016

Pedestrian Fatalities

Percentage of Fatalities

2017

12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0%

Bicycle Safety Task Team
Description

Bicyclist Fatalities and Percentage of All Fatalties:

Georgia, 2013-2017

35

16%

The bicycle safety task team is a multi-disciplinary group of professionals and citizens dedicated to learning and conversing about ways to make the state of

30
28 25

14%
29
12%

Percentage of All Fatalties

Number of Fatalities

Georgia safer and more accessible for bicycles. The 20
team also develop the vision, goals, and strategies for

bicycle safety in the SHSP and is the key stakeholder

15

group for the development of the Bicycle Safety Action

23 19

10%

8%

15

6%

Plan (BSAP).
Problem Identification Bicycle crash data provides valuable information that

10 4%

2%

5

2%

2%

2%

2%

1%

can inform safety objectives and actions taken as a part of a statewide plan. When and where casualties and fatalities are occurring, who is being hit, and other pieces

0 2013
Source: FARS 2013-2017

2014

2015

2016

Bicyclists

Percentage of Fatalities

0%
2017

of crucial information can assist with making important

Commercial Motor Vehicle Fatalties and Fatality Rate

determinations concerning appropriate counter-measures and solutions.pFerro10m0 M2i0lli1o3n-T2o0ta1l7V, MT, Georgia: 2012-2016

a total of 114 bicyclists were killed on Georgia roadways. In 20172,5015 bicyclists were killed

0.165

Number of Fatalities

and accounted for 1% of the fatalities in Georgia.

0.16

200

199

188

Bicycle Safety Task Team Strategies 150 158

173

162

0.155

Conduct road safety audits and implement bicycle improvements on

0.15

streetscape

100

0.145

Develop and implement procedures for incorporating bicycle safety

improvements into maintenance projects on corridors iden5t0ified by crash data

0.14

as high-risk for bicyclists.

Use data on injury outcomes of bicyclists involved in collisio0 ns w20h12o are ta2k0e13n to 2014 hospitals and trauma centers to guide safety improvements. Source: FMCSA/USDOT/FHWA, Highway Statistics (annual series); FARS

114 2015

2016

0.135

Develop and implement targeted campaign on the "3ft passing law" and include questions on this law in the drivers permit test.

Bicyclists were killed on Georgia roadways between 2013-2017

Fatality Rate per 100 Million Total VMT

Photo by: Laura Sandt

G OV E R N O R ' S O F F I C E O F H I G H WAY SA F E T Y

27

Per

100

6%

Nu

4%

50

2%
EMPHASIS AREA TASK TEAMS

0

0%

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Source: FARS 2013-2017

Pedestrian Fatalities

Percentage of Fatalities

Bicyclist Fatalities and Percentage of All Fatalties:

Georgia, 2013-2017

35

16%

30
28 25

14%
29
12%

Percentage of All Fatalties

Number of Fatalities

23

10%

20

Vehicle Type

19

8%

15

Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety (Heavy Trucks)

Motor

15
Carrier

C6o% mpliance

Division

10

4%

2%

Description

5

2%

2%The Geo2r%gia Departmen2t% of Public Safety (DPS) is the lead agency for the Motor Car-

1%

rier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) in Georgia. The Department of Public Safety's

0

0%

2013

2014

2015Motor C20a1r6rier Co2m01p7 liance Division (MCCD) is responsible for the implementation of, and

Source: FARS 2013-2017

Bicyclists

Percentage of Fatalities

compliance with, the MCSAP guidelines in the state of

Commercial Motor Vehicle Fatalties and Fatality Rate

per 100 Million Total VMT, Georgia: 2012-2016

250

0.165

Georgia.
Problem Identification Georgia has experienced unparalleled economic and

Fatality Rate per 100 Million Total VMT

Number of Fatalities

industry growth in recent years. Growth in the logistics

0.16

200

and transportation sector has added new demands on

199

188

an aging infrastructure and overcrowded roads. The

173

150

158

162

0.155
expansion of the Savannah Port, which is already the

0.15

second busiest port on the East Coast, is expected to

100

increase truck traffic by 50% in less than 10 years.

0.145

In 2016, Georgia accounted for 199 commercial motor

50

vehicle (CMV) fatalities that included large trucks and

0.14

bus crashes on Georgia roadways (FMCSA). Vehicle

0

100 Million Miles Traveled (VMT) data shows Georgia
0.135

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

experienced a 10% increase in VMT from 2012 to 2016.

Source: FMCSA/USDOT/FHWA, Highway Statistics (annual series); FARS

Georgia was ranked 4th in the Nation for fatal crashes

involving commercial motor vehicles.

Motor Carrier Compliance Division Strategies

Traffic enforcement violations have increased 20% since 2014.
Inspection activity has increased 20% since 2014.
A new analytics program, currently in beta testing, maps crash locations and puts real-time crash data in the hands of region commanders so they can schedule resources when and where crashes are happening.
Enforcement personnel recruiting focuses on hiring experienced officers and new training program, will provide MCCD officers with a level of training not previously available.
MCCD has put commercial motor vehicle safety in spotlight for the

2019 Georgia SHSP by taking an active role in the development of the plan.
Perform judicial outreach functions with those who are in authority to adjudicate citations on CMV drivers who are engaged in unsafe driving behavior.
Added a CMV component to the new crash report training to educate other law enforcement officers on properly identifying CMVs on crash reports.
Established a quality control team to perform internal audits of inspections and make training recommendations based on the team's findings.
Offer CMV awareness and

enforcement training, free of charge to city and county law enforcement agencies.
Revamp Public Information Education (PIE) materials with plans for greater outreach opportunities.
Participates actively in Operation Safe DRIVE, a multistate high visibility, crash elimination effort on a major interstates such as: I-95, I-85, I-75, and I-20.

28

S T R AT E G I C H I G H WAY S A F E T Y P L A N // 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 1

Number of Fatalities Percentage of all Fatalities

Motorcycle Safety Task Team
Description

Motorcycle Fatalities and Percentage of All Fatalties:

Georgia, 2013-2017

200

14%

The Motorcycle Safety Task Team is comprised of

180

educators, public safety officials, emergency and

160

12%

12%

172

11%

11%

medical personnel, and private citizens dedicated to

10%

152

improving the safety of motorcyclists and reducing the

140

137

9%

10%

139

number of injuries and fatalities of the same.

120

8%

116

Problem Identification

100

The year 2016 saw 172 motorcycle fatalities in Georgia.

80

6%

In 2017, that number decreased to 139. From 2013 to

2017, motorcycle fatalities in Georgia account for on

60

4%

average 10% of all motor vehicle fatalities. However, according to the Department of Revenue, 2% of registered motor vehicles in Georgia are motorcycles. Thus, motorcyclists make up 2% of the driving population, and account for 10% of the total motor

40
20
0 #!'(
Source: FARS 2013-2017

2%

0%

#!'$

#!')

#!'%

#!'*

Motorcycle Fatalities

Percentage of Fatalities

vehicle fatalities. These numbers point to a continuing

issue with motorcycle safety in Georgia.

139

Motorcycle Safety Task Team Strategies
Develop specific and desirable public information and education materials for targeted audiences.
Identify specific problems and target the audiences most effected by the issue and create appropriate public campaigns to educate accordingly.
Utilize passive education by using all Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Centers (CSCs), Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), and other Public Health & Safety agencies to disseminate literature to target audiences.

Motorcyclists were killed on Georgia roadways in
2017.
10%
of all motor vehicle fatalities were motorcycle
fatalities.

Increase participation in motorcycle classes by all motorcyclist.

G OV E R N O R ' S O F F I C E O F H I G H WAY SA F E T Y

29

GEORGIA OFFICE OF EMS AND TRAUMA

415
Licensed Service Providers
3,631
Licensed Aircraft/ Vehicles
40
Aircraft Piloted By 5 Air Ambulance Services
2,579
Ground Ambulances Used By 302 Services
995
Response Vehicles Used By 98 First Responder Services
20
Neonatal Specialty Care Ambulances Providing Care Through
10 Services
22,903
Active Licensed Medics
30

Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma
The mission of the Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma is to encourage, foster, and promote the continued development of an optimal system of emergency medical and trauma care which provides the best possible patient outcome. To accomplish its mission, the Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma utilizes ten regional EMS offices to provide statewide coordination and leadership for the planning, development, and implementation of Georgia's prehospital care system.
The Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma responsibilities include: The development of regional zoning plans for the distribution of requests for emergency
ambulance service received through public safety answering points; The development and review of statewide standards of prehospital EMS and trauma
center designations; and The designation and re-designation of trauma centers to ensure compliance with the
minimum standards established by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.
The Georgia Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma licenses 415 service providers and 3,631 licensed aircraft/vehicles: Air ambulance services - 5 services with 40 aircraft. Ground ambulance services - 302 services with 2,579 ambulances. Medical first responder services - 98 services with 995 response vehicles. Neonatal ambulance services - 10 services with 20 specialty care ambulances.
Additionally, the Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma has 22,903 active licensed medics, with 1,000-2,000 new medics licensed every year.
The Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma also secures and administers the on-going funding needed to collect and aggregate Georgia's EMS and trauma registry data. In support of its mission and responsibilities, the Georgia Office of EMS and Trauma has implemented the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Information System (GEMSIS), and upgraded it to the latest version of the National Emergency Medical Services dataset (Version 3.4). https://dph.georgia.gov/EMS
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Georgia Emergency Medical Services Information System
GEMSIS, Georgia's statewide Emergency Medical Services data system, is an electronic system that provides timely, accurate and efficient data from the EMS patient care reports. The goal of GEMSIS is to develop an effective and efficient statewide infrastructure, data collection and reporting, evaluation and quality improvement initiative that focus on Emergency Medical Services as an integrated component of the overall healthcare system. EMS providers can enter their Patient Care Reports (PCR) directly into a database or transmit aggregated PCR data files online into the state GEMSIS database.
Emergency Medical Services for Children is also a specific consideration; GEMSIS provides the methodological and data foundations needed to advance this important area. This system directly supports the analysis of statewide data and supports Emergency Medical Services for Children Grant initiatives.
Timeline of Data Reporting Requirements to GEMSIS/GEMSIS Elite

The goal of GEMSIS is to develop an effective and efficient statewide infrastructure, data collection and reporting, evaluation and quality improvement initiative that focus on Emergency Medical Services as an integrated component of the overall healthcare system.

New, webbased GEMSIS implemented

Mandatory electronic reporting to GEMSIS for
all EMS agencies

GEMSIS Elite (v3.4 of NEMSIS) becomes
available

Required upgrade to v3.4 of NEMSIS for all
EMS agencies

2006

2011

2016

2018

GEMSIS is an ambitious plan with clear priorities for infrastructure improvement. Objectives achieved to date include electronic reporting patient care reports and web based direct entry.
There are nearly 21 million records in GEMSIS and over 1.6 million in GEMSIS Elite. For 2018, GEMSIS contains 388,712 records, and GEMSIS Elite contains 1.69 million. GEMSIS Elite allows for more consistent and real-time data reporting, as well as the ability to apply business validation rules that allow for a more robust data set.
The provision for web-based content, information, and web-based information dissemination are in place and being utilized by the EMS agencies. Each EMS agency has the ability to use the reports on GEMSIS/GEMSIS Elite to present to their local county commissioners or to obtain funding for needed equipment. The best way to reach our goal of accurate, reliable data is for those submitting it to actually use it. If the data has value to them then they will correct it. GEMSIS Elite produces a secondary benefit of ensuring database stability. If the EMS providers use the data, they will be sure to continue submitting and correcting their data. At this time almost 65 percent of the EMS and First Responder agencies are routinely using GEMSIS reports either for PCR quality review or for agency needed activities. Our goal is to increase data usage by EMS providers each year to ultimately have 75 percent of the reporting agencies actively utilizing GEMSIS reports thus greatly increasing database accuracy.

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Trauma is the number one killer
of Americans between the ages of one and 44, and the number three cause
of death across all age groups.

Severe, Likely Fatal, Fatal Motor Vehicle Collisions for 2018, as Reported in GEMSIS Elite
As the only source for EMS data in Georgia, GEMSIS has been able to provide information to a number of researchers and agencies including the Georgia Trauma Commission. Through GEMSIS the number and severity of injuries as well as the response times for those injuries was made available to them. In addition we are exploring collaboration with the Georgia Department of Transportation to provide them with clinical information on the severity of the injury for motor vehicle crash injuries.
Funding for the support of GEMSIS/GEMSIS Elite has been awarded by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety and the Georgia Department of Transportation. This allows for the continuation of GEMSIS/GEMSIS Elite and periodic improvements to increase data accuracy and timeliness.
The Georgia Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma began utilizing Digital Innovations, formally National Trauma Registry American College of Surgeons (NTRACS) in 2002, at 31 designated trauma centers and specialty care centers as well as several non- designated hospitals. The State of Georgia also submits data to the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). The Georgia Trauma Registry has been recognized statewide, as well as nationally, as a leader in validated injury data. Georgia is one of only a few states that utilize a single registry for all of the participating trauma centers. Performance improvement within the designated trauma centers is driven by data collected in the trauma registry.
The Georgia Trauma Registry needs to expand so that all acute care health facilities that receive injured patients that meet trauma criteria can participate in an optimal system of patient care and provide data. Expanding the system in Georgia offers a tremendous opportunity for protecting the health of every Georgia resident and visitor in our State. Trauma is the number one killer of Americans between the ages of one and 44, and the number three cause of death across all age groups. Trauma survivors, regardless of age, often face intensive rehabilitation, lifelong disabilities, and increasingly expensive long term care.

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Georgia Trauma Commission
In 2007, the Georgia Legislature through Senate Bill 60 established the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission ("The Trauma Commission"). The bill charges the Trauma Commission to create a trauma system for the State of Georgia and to act as the accountability mechanism for distribution of trauma system funds appropriated each fiscal year by the legislature.
In February 2009, the Trauma Commission approved a vision for the Georgia Trauma System and identified steps to move forward over a five-year period from 2009 through 2014. Pursuant to review of Georgia's trauma system plan that defines the system, its subsystems and structure, and establishes procedures and standards for implementation, monitoring and system performance improvement. It is also essential that the Georgia Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma support the trauma system plan through established trauma system rules and regulations providing for system accountability, oversight and compliance to a statewide standard of care.
The Trauma Commission's vision also identifies the need for a statewide trauma regionalization system. It is envisioned that each region will represent a trauma service area, which will accommodate overlapping and traditional patient catchment areas, transfer patterns, long-standing geographical service regions, and the locations of the state's major trauma centers.
Each regional trauma system will operate accordingly to a Regional Trauma System Plan developed by the Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (RTAC) and approved by the Trauma Commission and monitored by the Georgia Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma. The plan will organize existing and identify additional resources needed to provide a comprehensive trauma care system to care for trauma patients from the moment of injury through rehabilitation. The Committee will develop data driven injury prevention programs appropriate for the local community and provide regional system performance improvement and system plan maintenance.
A regional plan is to be developed by each Committee using the guidance provided in the Regional Trauma System Planning Framework. The Framework is a planning guide for the development of regional plans. Within the Framework is guidance on the components, organization and function of regional trauma systems, as well as an appendix on the suggested Plan development process.
As of January 2019, there are Regional Trauma Advisory Committee approved plans in EMS Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. EMS Region 7 is in a developmental stage.

In 2007, the Georgia Legislature through Senate Bill 60 established the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission ("The Trauma Commission".)

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GEORGIA TRAFFIC RECORDS PROGRAM

Georgia Traffic Records Program
The Georgia Traffic Records Program mission is to maximize the overall quality of safety data and analysis based on State traffic records data across all six core systems: crash, vehicle, driver, roadway, citation & adjudication, and injury surveillance. There are also six performance attributes to measure data quality of traffic records data: timeliness, completeness, accuracy, uniformity, integration, and accessibility.
The Georgia Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC) was created for the purpose of having the top executives of all state agencies and other stakeholders in highway safety collaborate to set policies and guidelines for the future of the TRCC and Georgia's traffic records systems.
The TRCC is comprised of an executive level and an operational level (referred to as the TRCC Technical Committee) as recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This structure allows a working group of highway safety professionals to identify issues and potential collaborations and forward them to the executive level for policymaking and priority setting.
Program Goals
Increase the percentage of law enforcement agencies using the revised MMUCC compliant crash report for the performance period to 90% by performance period ending Dec 31, 2019.
Improve access to crash data to support our shared vision of zero deaths.
Problem Identification
Motor vehicle traffic in Georgia reflects the State's unprecedented population growth and increases in the numbers of vehicles on the roads. Changes in Georgia's crash death rate per vehicle miles traveled yields a more comprehensive understanding of the State's crash problems.
There is a need to improve the state's motor vehicle crash report in order to support the necessary research to support our Vision Zero mission. The improved crash report will support further development and maintenance of our GEARS crash database. By working with our entire safety community we will develop a repository of timely and

ANNUAL DATA

Performance Measures

2007

Number of fatalities

1641

Number of serious injuries 12,620

State ADVMT

305,327,543

Fatality rate (per HMVMT)

1.472

Serious injury rate (per HMVMT) 11.324

Pedestrians Fatalities

154

Pedalcyclist Fatalities

15

Other Fatalities

3

Non Motorized Serious Injury 350

Non Motorized Total

522

172

2008

2009

2010

2011

1495

1292

1247

1226

11,729

12,482

14,696 17,898

297,362,000 298,892,000 306,056,000 295,733,000

1.377

1.184

1.116

1.136

10.807

11.441

13.155 16.581

147

152

168

130

20

21

18

14

5

5

6

8

350

350

472

586

522

528

664

738

172

178

192

152

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accurate motor vehicle crash data. This information is vital to the planning and programmatic functioning of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), governmental entities, highway safety advocates, and community coalitions. As the state's crash deaths and vehicle miles traveled increase, and the resources and funding for programs become more limited, the need for accurate well defined data is critical. With the revision of the state's motor vehicle crash report completed, the complete dissemination to all law enforcement agencies is vital.
The goal remains to assure that all highway safety partners can access accurate, complete, integrated, and uniform traffic records in a timely manner. This capability is crucial to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of highway safety programs. It provides the foundation for programs to ensure they are appropriately prioritized, data driven, and evaluated for effectiveness. Further, in order to support jurisdiction-level improvement programs, the system must have the capacity to produce reports and analyses at the local level. This capacity is now available through the GEARS web portal. The site is managed by a vendor via contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The TRCC is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the state's traffic records activities. The State Traffic Records Coordinator, along with the TRCC, operates from a strategic plan that guides the Committee's mission. This includes a long-range plan, support of the Traffic Records Coordinator, improvements in the process of crash location, better communication to reporting agencies, and support of the Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System.
In the next year, the TRCC will maintain and refine the progress achieved with several programs, and develop other core data system elements. Additionally, the TRCC will work with the state's law enforcement agencies to improve the quality and timeliness of motor crash data. A joint effort with the state's vendor, GDOT, and Public Health representatives has begun to address issues including duplicate and incomplete reports. The TRCC has begun to review the data submitted by each RMS vendor to identify data elements that may have inadvertently changed due to software changes and officers familiarizing themselves with the updated report. This will support efforts to identify and correct errors and prompt improvement in the completeness and/or accuracy of the reports at the origin.

2012 1192 19,909 291,005,000 1.122 18.744 167
17 4 690 878 188

2013 1180 21,022 299,020,177 1.081 19.261 176
28 5
657 866 209

2014 1164 20,993 305,054,428 1.045 18.854 163
19 1
686 869 183

2015 1430 24,573 323,046,521 1.213 20.840 203
23 2
774 1002
228

2016 1560 24,398 333,087,637 1.283 20.068 234
29 2
737 1002
265

2017 1549 24,648 341,735,327 1.242 19.760 260
14 1
878 1153 275

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CRASH OUTCOME DATA EVALUATION SYSTEM

Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System
It is the mission of the CODES (Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System) project to better understand the populations at greatest or least risk for different types of injuries, the hospitalization charges associated with specific types of crashes and vehicles, the characteristics of driver and occupant behavior that resulted in crashes, and more.
What is CODES?
No single data set gives a complete picture of the risk and protective factors for crashrelated injuries and fatalities. By linking crash data, vehicle data, and data on risk (i.e. DUI) and protective (i.e. Driver education) factors to their medical and financial outcomes, a more comprehensive view of crash injuries is created and opportunities for prevention can be identified.
CODES uses linked electronic data to track persons involved in motor vehicle crashes from the scene through the health care system to determine crash outcome in terms of mortality, injury, severity, and health care costs.
CODES uses probabilistic techniques to link crash and other injury data.
The Georgia Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) project is funded by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). CODES bring together multiple agencies and highway safety data owners to identify opportunities for crash prevention by linking and analyzing crash, vehicle and behavioral characteristics to medical and financial data. This improves the completeness and integration of the state's traffic records data in direct support of NHTSA's performance measure criteria. This provides a path for Public Health, highway safety, and other partners to collaborate on the prevention of these crashes. CODES in Georgia has developed and maintain relationships with data owners, users, and injury prevention stakeholders through the establishment of two groups, the CODES Board and CODES Data Subcommittee.

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TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT ENHANCEMENT TASK FORCE

Traffic Incident Management Enhancement Task Force
The TIME Task Force started in 2002 to facilitate a dialogue of inter-agency coordination and cooperation amongst agencies responding to highway emergencies such as Police, Fire, Haz-Mat, Towers, etc. The TIME Task Force is dedicated to creating opportunities for multi-agency training that promotes teamwork and serves as a platform for participants to develop common operational strategies and a better understanding of other agencies' roles and responsibilities.
TIME's mission is to develop and sustain a statewide incident management program that facilitates the safest and fastest roadway clearance, lessening the impact on emergency responders and the motoring public. The purpose of the TIME Task Force is three-fold:
1. To continue the dialogue on ways to improve inter-agency coordination and cooperation.
2. To create an opportunity for multi-agency training that promotes teamwork.
3. To serve as a platform for participants to develop common operational strategies and a better understanding of other agencies' roles and responsibilities.
The underlying objectives of TIME's programs and outreach are in line with the widely accepted National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management responder safety; safe, quick clearance; and prompt, reliable and interoperable communications. TIME has worked with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to obtain federal funding to assist in completing its training and outreach program objectives. The following goals represent the ongoing efforts pursued by TIME's Board of Directors, Committee Chairmen and volunteers:
COMMUNICATIONS
Meeting Attendance - Increase attendance at TIME functions - Offer hour-long training before or after quarterly meetings to boost attendance
Link to TIM Organizations - Coordinate promotion of TIME with likeminded TIM organizations, including promotion of website
E911 / Dispatcher Outreach - Secure training opportunities / outreach covering TIME, TIM, TRIP
TIME Video - Update TIME promotional video
TIME Newsletter - Issue newsletter quarterly
TIME Website - Update as needed
Other - Promote TIME at other organizations' conferences/meetings
OPERATIONS
Secondary Incidents - Compile available data for review / comparison - Propose actionable solutions aimed at limiting impacts (including fatalities / injuries)
Freight / TIM - Coordinate the integration of TIM and related safety initiatives with freight carriers and logistics providers with the Georgia Trucking Association
National TIM Outlook - Ensure TIME programs / initiatives sync with national TIM efforts
TIM Teams
- Develop a process to create and operate a TIM team - Reach out to rural areas to get more agencies involved.

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Open Roads Policy - Review the ORP and update if necessary
Survey - Conduct Strategic Vision survey among members
Outreach - Develop template for TIME and TRAG collaboration - Coordinate with EMA Directors
PROGRAMS
Conference - Assist in conference planning - Create dynamic program to involve unique training (as requested by survey respondents)
National TIM Opportunities - Seek local and national opportunities for TIME speakers / reps to participate
TIME Membership - Establish defined TIME membership, including incentives and Open Roads signing requirements
Private-Sector Involvement - Establish lists and make contact with private-sector organizations to contact for funding, sponsorship and speaking opportunities (including quarterly meetings, annual conference)
National TIM Outlook - Ensure TIME programs / initiatives sync with national TIM efforts
Executive Breakfast - Provide breakfast to agency executives and educate them regarding TIME
TRAINING
Agency Outreach - Engage officers in law enforcement, fire, HERO, EMS, E911 / dispatchers, & CHAMP - Secure more SHRP2, TIM training opportunities (including TIM Teams) - Secure support from command staff at all involved agencies
Training Funds - Continue to pursue available federal and private funding to support TIME training initiatives
Freight / TIM - Coordinate the integration of TIM and related safety initiatives with freight carriers and logistics providers
Other - Vehicle Extractions Training - BERP Bovine Training - Cable Barrier Training
OTHER TIME INITIATIVES
Open Roads Policy - Expandmetro-areasignees - Extend to secure signees outside of metro Atlanta
Equipment Giveaways - Give away equipment at training meetings to incentivize attendance
Extend TRIP - Extend TRIP training and performance standards to areas outside metro Atlanta (without recovery incentive)

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SPILLS POLICY TIME issued guidelines for the mitigation of non-cargo motor vehicle fluid spills to serve as a supplement to the Georgia Traffic Incident Management Guidelines. These guidelines were developed by TIME to clarify the goals, objectives and processes for clearing the highway of spilled non-cargo motor vehicle fluids resulting from crashes and other vehicle incidents. This document has been endorsed by Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association and reviewed by the National Fire Protection Association.
OPEN ROADS POLICY TIME continues to promote adoption of the Georgia Open Roads Policy, which boosts efforts to reduce traffic congestion while increasing driver safety. The Georgia Open Roads Policy states that whenever a roadway or travel lane is closed or partially blocked by a traffic incident, the Georgia State Patrol, Department of Transportation, local law enforcement and other public safety agencies will re-open the roadway as soon as possible and in an urgent manner. Safety of the public and responders is the highest priority and will be preserved.
TOWING AND RECOVERY INCENTIVE PROGRAM (TRIP) In 2007, the Task Force concentrated on developing a towing incentive program to improve the clearance time of large commercial vehicle incidents on the freeways within Metro Atlanta. This Towing and Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP) was implemented in January 2008 to allow pre-approved, highly trained operators with specialty equipment an opportunity to receive a monetary bonus of up to $3,500 for clearing commercial vehicle wrecks within 90 minutes. TIME worked to implement and maintain TRIP by approving qualified tow companies, inspecting equipment, working with numerous agencies to facilitate program cooperation and conducting after incident reviews of TRIP activations to ensure the success of the program. TRIP has resulted in a cumulative congestion savings in clean-up time for commercial vehicle incidents. In addition, the TRIP program has reduced each incident's roadway clearance time.
TIM TEAMS TIME is actively engaged with traffic incident management (TIM) teams in metro Atlanta. Currently, there are 12 TIM teams throughout the state in various stages of participation from all first responder groups. Outreach efforts are underway to encourage team development in non-Atlanta areas.
TIME is seeking to overcome the ongoing challenge of maintaining strong ties and interest in the teams by establishing "champions" to help support growth. Unfortunately with job transfers, retirements and promotions, the champions move on leaving a void in the team's goals. The teams receive free training and the meetings, usually held quarterly, discuss pertinent issues that impact the response of all emergency responders including new and innovative ideas from around the country in TIM.

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E X I ST I N G H I G H WAY SA F E T Y P L A N S

Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
Annual Highway Safety Plan
The mission of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (HSP) is to educate the public on traffic safety and facilitate the implementation of programs that reduce motor vehicle related crashes, injuries and fatalities on Georgia roadways.
Georgia's Highway Safety Plan is directly aligned with the goals and strategies in the Georgia Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and includes a wide variety of proven strategies as well as new and innovative countermeasures. The Highway Safety Plan is used to justify, develop, implement, monitor and evaluate traffic safety activities for improvements throughout the federal fiscal year. National, state and county level crash data along with other information, such as safety belt use rates and are used to ensure that the planned projects are data driven with focus on areas of greatest need. All targets and objectives of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety are driven by the agency's mission statement.

Georgia Department of Transportation
Highway Safety Improvement Program
The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core Federal-aid program with the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. As per 23 U.S.C. 148(h) and 23 CFR 924.15, States are required to report annually on the progress being made to advance HSIP implementation and evaluation efforts. The format of this report is consistent with the HSIP MAP-21 Reporting Guidance dated February 13, 2013 and consists of four sections: program structure, progress in implementing HSIP projects, progress in achieving safety performance targets, and assessment of the effectiveness of the improvements.
The purpose of the Georgia Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is to provide for a continuous and systematic procedure that identifies and reviews specific traffic safety issues around the state to identify locations with potential for improvement. The ultimate goal of the HSIP process is to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities by eliminating certain predominant types of crashes through the implementation of engineering solutions.

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Georgia Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division
Commercial Motor Vehicle Plan
The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the lead agency for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) in Georgia. The Department of Public Safety's Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) is responsible for the implementation of, and compliance with, the MCSAP guidelines in the state of Georgia.
It is the mission of the agency to reduce the number of fatal and injury related crashes on Georgia's highways by the effective and fair regulations of the commercial motor carrier industry and to raise awareness of the general public about sharing the roads safely with commercial motor vehicles.
The 2018 - 2020 Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Plan (CMVSP) goal is to reduce the fatal crash rate by the end of FY 2020 by 6% or 2% per year. MCCD will continue the goal of improving the quality of data so that proper identification can be made of high risk carriers, vehicles and highways within the State.

The Georgia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations
GAMPO
The FAST Act continues the Metropolitan Planning program. The program establishes a cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive framework for making transportation investment decisions in metropolitan areas. Program oversight is a joint Federal Highway Administration/Federal Transit Administration responsibility.
The Georgia Association of MPOs (GAMPO) provides a forum for the metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in the State of Georgia to exchange information and experiences, enhance the practice of metropolitan planning, provide educational opportunities, and discuss issues relative to local, state and federal policies and requirements for transportation planning. The association also provides a forum for state and federal transportation agencies to provide information and guidance on transportation planning to the MPOs in a collective manner.
The Georgia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations was officially formed in July 2008 through adoption of bylaws. The 15 member Board of Directors is made up of a designated representative from each of the 15 MPOs in the State of Georgia.

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OTHER SAFETY PARTNERS

Operation Lifesaver is a national, non-
profit education and awareness program dedicated to ending
tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade
crossings and on railroad rights of way.

Other Safety Partners
Georgia Operation Lifesaver Railroad Safety Education Program
Operation Lifesaver is a national, non-profit education and awareness program dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way. To accomplish its mission, Operation Lifesaver promotes 3 E's of safety:
1. Education: Operation Lifesaver strives to increase public awareness about the dangers around the rails. The program seeks to education both drivers and pedestrians to make safe decisions at crossings and around railroad tracks.
2. Enforcement: Operation Lifesaver promotes active enforcement of traffic laws relating to crossing signs and signals and private property laws related to trespassing.
3. Engineering: Operation Lifesaver encourages continued engineering research and innovation to improve the safety of railroad crossings.
Georgia Operation Lifesaver began in 1974, under the auspices of the Georgia Safety Council, until 1988 when a full-time state coordinator was retained to re-organize the state program. Georgia Operation Lifesaver is now incorporated in the state of Georgia as a non-profit, tax-exempt, educational organization for highway-rail grade crossing safety and trespass prevention.
Currently, there are over 70 active affiliate members including federal, state and local governmental agencies; businesses (including the state's railroads); civic and service organizations; and other volunteer groups dedicated to safety at grade crossings and around tracks.
Free programs are presented to schools, businesses and civic organizations as well as specialized programs for school bus drivers, professional drivers, law enforcement and emergency responders. Over 100 Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteers (OLAVs) facilitate free presentations to educate children and adults about rail safety.

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The Georgia Department of Transportation
Office of Utilities' Railroad Safety Team
The Georgia Department of Transportation, Office of Utilities' Railroad Safety Team administers the federally funded Section 130 program to evaluate and fund railroadhighway grade crossing safety improvements at public at-grade railroad crossings throughout the state of Georgia. "Georgia currently ranks in the top 10 states for highest number of grade crossing collisions." As a result, Georgia was required to develop a State highway-rail grade crossing action plan. There are nearly 5,300 public crossings statewide (2,391 Active/ 3,043 Passive). Improvements under this Program may include the installation of new or upgraded train activated warning devices (bells, gates, and flashing lights); signing and pavement marking upgrades; elimination of redundant or unnecessary crossings; and other measures to enhance the safety and operational characteristics of Georgia's public railroad-highway at-grade crossings. The Department routinely partners with local road authorities for provision of roadway improvements or other modifications needed to accommodate the warning device installations.
Crossings are added to the program based on several factors including but not limited to: hazard index formulas, accident history, vehicular traffic, train traffic, school bus traffic, truck traffic, sight distance, consolidation opportunities, traffic/economic growth, and roadway conditions at a crossing. The program consists of a living list of potential projects, being reprioritized as crossing conditions change. Cost and scheduling play a role in where a project may fall in the program.
The RR Safety team also reviews and interprets State and Federal Laws as it relates to RR Safety, hosts Diagnostic Team Meetings, reviews and provides comments for Quiet Zone requests, maintains railroad inventory information as required by FRA and also manages a State funded Crossing Surface program when funds are available.

2,391
Number of active public railroad crossings statewide.
3,043
Number of passive public railroad crossings
statewide.

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APPENDIX

SHSP Update Process 2019-2021
Update Process
Successful SHSP development and implementation requires leadership, collaboration, and communication. The Georgia SHSP structure provides the essential organizational support to advance a comprehensive highway safety plan. Georgia follows the Integrated Safety Management Process (ISMP) model established by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program. The ISMP promotes the executive level direct involvement, working group technical support and implementation, data analysis and evaluation, and the specialized safety area task team efforts.
Consultative Process
The State of Georgia consults with stakeholders early in the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) update process via emphasis area task team meetings, task team leader meetings, the SHSP Executive Leadership Board Meetings, and the annual SHSP Safety Summit. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) works closely with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to develop the SHSP. The SHSP is implemented through the Highway Safety Improvement Plan (HSIP).
Emphasis area task teams are identified based on analysis of available safety data and include representation from the 4 E's of safety (engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency medical). Task teams meet 3 to 12 times per year and are instrumental in developing specific emphasis area objectives, strategies, and countermeasures.
At least one leader/champion is assigned to each of the emphasis area task teams. Leaders provide enthusiasm and support for the SHSP and present group recommendations to the Executive Leadership Board for final approval.
The SHSP Executive Leadership Board meets at least twice per year and gives higher level input; vote on action items related to SHSP, and give agency and transportation updates. The following agencies makeup the SHSP Executive Leadership Board:
Georgia Department of Transportation Governor's Office of Highway Safety Department of Public Safety Department of Public Health Department of Public Health (Injury Prevention) Department of Driver Services Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Federal Highway Administration National Highway Traffic Administration (Ex-Officio) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Georgia Municipal Association Georgia Hospital Association Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Brain & Spinal Injury Trust Fund Georgia Department of Revenue Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia Georgia Sheriff's Association
Existing highway safety plans are aligned and coordinated with the SHSP. The plans include the GOHS Highway Safety Plan (HSP), GDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan (CVSP), the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO's) and local agencies' safety plans.
Data-Driven Process
Georgia's SHSP is a data-driven process and make effective use of State, local and regional data. When developing, implementing and evaluating the SHSP, the best available data is analyzed to identify critical highway safety issues and safety improvement opportunities on all public roads and for all road users. Data is obtained through multiple databases which include:
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) - this is a nationwide census providing National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA), Congress and the American public yearly data regarding fatal injuries suffered in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
Georgia Crash Reporting System (GEARS) - The GEARS online services provided by LexisNexis are for the exclusive use of law enforcement, approved agencies, and other authorized users in the state of Georgia. Queries can be pulled to identify geographic regions where crashes occur, specific population groups that are disproportionately affected, and identify risk factors associated with specific crashes.
Crash Outcomes Data Evaluation System (CODES) - CODES uniquely uses probabilistic methodology to link crash records to injury outcome records collected at the scene and in route by emergency medical services, by hospital personnel after arrival at the emergency department or admission as an inpatient and/or, at the time of death, on the death certificate.

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Georgia Emergency Medical Services Information System (GEMSIS) This database is an electronic system that provides timely, accurate and efficient data from the EMS patient care reports. The goal of GEMSIS is to develop an effective and efficient statewide infrastructure, data collection and reporting, evaluation and quality improvement initiative that focus on Emergency Medical Services as an integrated component of the overall healthcare system.
Safety data collection is a complex process that requires collaboration among various agencies, organizations, and modes of transportation. The SHSP consider the safety needs of, and high-fatality segments of, all public roads including non-state owned public roads. Georgia's collaboration efforts are accomplished through the Traffic Records Coordinating Committee (TRCC). The state also utilizes Road Safety Audits (RSA) findings to identify common countermeasure recommendations for systemic improvements.
Emphasis areas are selected based on the top factors contributing to crashes in Georgia. The data analysis team review statewide data to determine emphasis areas and corresponding task teams.
Performance-Based Approach
Georgia utilizes safety data to identify emphasis areas and establish strategic goals, objectives, and set performance measures. Setting performance measures for Georgia is coordinated through the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The Safety PM Final Rule establishes five performance measures as the five-year rolling average to include:
1. Number of Fatalities
2. Rate of Fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
3. Number of Serious Injuries
4. Rate of Serious Injuries per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
5. Number of Non-motorized Fatalities and Non-motorized Serious Injuries
Multi-year SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely) objectives are set for each emphasis area task team, which encourages monitoring of the status and progress of SHSP implementation efforts. The comprehensive SHSP implementation focuses on the task team efforts to develop detailed action plans. Important task team activities require regular meetings and progressive development of program specific implementation plans. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety and relevant agencies are involved with developing SHSP goals and objectives to create consistency among safety plans and programs.
Strategy Selection
The highway safety emphasis areas are based on the top factors contributing to crashes in Georgia. Each emphasis area has one or more corresponding task team. Emphasis area task teams are working groups that establish implementation plans based on current data and includes common goals and objectives. Once goals and objectives have been identified, strategies and countermeasures for achieving each objective is established and put into the task team implementation plan document.
The implementation plan document that we use in Georgia includes at least one strategy for each objective and have the following categories listed below:
2017 SHSP (Task Team) STRATEGIES

VISIONGeorgia will take decisive and sustained action Toward Zero Deaths...

GOAL:

Strategy

Five E

Champion 2015 Priority Status Next Steps

Category

(as of date) (as of date)

OBJECTIVE 1:

Strategy 1

Strategy 2

Timeline

Funded

Update Schedule
Georgia submitted its most recent SHSP update to the FHWA Division Administrator in 2015. Georgia will update the SHSP document every three years as agreed upon by the SHSP Executive Leadership Board. The next update to Georgia's SHSP will occur in 2018 and the document will be released in 2019.This document serves as the process for which we use to update the plan and is consistent with the requirements of section 148 (a) (11) and 148(d) of title 23, United States Code, and with the HSIP Implementing regulations at 23 CFR Part 924.

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APPENDIX
Evaluation
Georgia's SHSP is evaluated on a regular basis to ensure the accuracy of the data and priority of proposed strategies. The SHSP process logic model was developed to organize the process evaluation and related safety program inputs. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify the programs associated with the SHSP and align the program activities according to the four safety E's. SHSP evaluation will seek to:
Conduct data analysis to confirm the validity of emphasis areas or if they should be modified based on the results.
Measure progress in meeting SHSP goals and objectives (reduction in the number and rate of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries in the SHSP emphasis areas).
Review strategies and actions to determine their effectiveness and help to determine if strategies should be modified in the SHSP update.
Determine if new research and data were considered in the strategy selection.

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Memorandum

__________________________________________________________________

Subject:

High Risk Rural Road Definition and Methodology

Date: June 20, 2017

From:

Eshon Poythress Governor's Office of Highway Safety Strategic Highway Safety Plan

In Reply to: 23 U.S.C 148(a) (1)

To:

Division Administrator

Federal Highway Administration

Purpose and Background:
The purpose of this errata memorandum is to amend the Georgia Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) to include the High Risk Rural Road (HRRR) definition per 23 U.S.C 148 (a) (1) as Georgia defines it and the methodology for defining "significant safety risks".
High Risk Rural Road- The term "high risk rural road" means any roadway functionally classified as a rural major or minor collector or rural local road-
A. On which the crash rate for fatalities and incapacitating injuries exceeds the statewide average for those functional classifications or roadway; or
B. That will likely have increases in traffic volumes that are likely to create an accident rate of fatalities and incapacitating injuries that exceeds the statewide average for those functional classifications of roadway; and

C. Have characteristics that will likely constitute significant safety risks.

Significant Safety Risk- Georgia identifies HRRR definitions for "significant safety risk" below and may be used singularly or in combination.
1. Define high risk rural roadway characteristics that are correlated with specific severe crash types, such as cross section width, lack of shoulders, substandard alignment, hazardous roadside, etc. This is more systemic in nature.
2. Use information gathered through means such as field reviews, safety assessments, road safety audits, and local knowledge and experience. Using information from observations in the field can identify high risk locations that may not be identified through data analysis or by identifying roadway characteristics. This is both a combination of working with local governments and performing a benefit cost calculation.

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