Local stakeholder participation is vital in implementing the vision of Destination Zero Deaths. To accelerate the SHSP’s project implementation at the local level, Louisiana established nine Regional Transportation Safety Coalitions through an agreement between DOTD and the designated Regional Planning Commission (RPC) or the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The DOTD has District Offices that work closely with the MPOs and State Police Troops. Each coalition is led by a full-time coordinator who liaises between the state and local partners from all 4E’s of Safety: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Emergency Medical Services.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system
Impaired Driving Safety Team
Louisiana's rates of alcohol and drug-related fatalities have been higher than the national average, and the same holds for the capital region.
Occupant Protection Safety Team
The coalitions' strategies to encourage proper usage of seat belt equipment have mostly been targeted toward increased enforcement and education.
Bike & Pedestrian Safety Team
The city of Baton Rouge has been deemed by the Federal Highway Administration as a focus city due to the high number of fatal bike and pedestrian crashes.
Infrastructure & Operations Safety Team
Regional coordinators work with DOTD and the Louisiana Transportation Research Center to identify road segments with high rates of roadway departure and intersection crashes resulting in fatal or serious injuries.