One fatality is one too many

The Georgia Department of Transportation is pleased to announce highway fatality rates in the last year have dropped by 2% in Georgia, thanks in part to an increased effort targeted at providing safer highways and raising motorists' awareness.

Between 2005 and 2006, the number of traffic casualties occurring on the highway fell about two percent, from 1,729 to 1.693. "We are pleased about the decrease in fatalities. Much remains to be done. One fatality is one too many!" said Georgia DOT Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl.

Georgia DOT has developed several safety programs geared to reduce fatality rates in Georgia to 1.0 per million vehicle miles traveled by 2008. Achieving this goal by 2010 would save 511 Georgians. Safety programs identify problems, provide alternative strategies to remedy the problems and measure Georgia's progress.

One of the strategies is the use of new bumper stickers reading, "Slow Down. It Won't Kill You." They now appear on all Georgia DOT work truck units throughout the state reminding motorists to drive carefully through construction work zones. In addition, smart work zone systems with variable message signs are in place at various points of several projects to advise motorists to take specific actions according to the location and amount of congestion on the highway.

Other safety enhancement measures include the installation of light emitting diodes (LED) and application of thermoplastic striping. LED-based signals are a series of lights rather than one big bulb with a much longer lifetime between replacements. They provide brighter illuminations to motorists in direct sunlight, fog and during inclement weather. Thermoplastic striping is a brighter environmentally safe, and more durable alternative to painted strips.

"The loss of any life on our roads is unacceptable. We will continue to strive to eliminate all crashes, injuries and fatalities with highway safety lifesaving efforts," said Linnenkohl.

For general or project information, visit the website at www.dot.state.ga.us.