Destination Zero Deaths

Highway Safety Partner since 2015

Louisiana is driving towards Destination Zero Deaths, with the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) as its vehicle to reduce motor vehicle-related fatalities and serious injuries. The plan is multidisciplinary, data-driven, and constantly evolving. It is a living document updated every five years with input from a broad array of stakeholders and with leadership from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), Louisiana State Police (LSP), and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC).

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 serves as liaison between the state and local partners from all 4E’s of Safety: Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services.

DZD Northeast Region comprises agencies throughout the parishes of Caldwell, East Carroll, Jackson, Franklin, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll.want more information.

The 4-E Approach

Utilizing the 4-E Approach (Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Medical Services), our Northeast Regional Safety Coalition partners work together to analyze data, identify strategies, prioritize resources, and implement data-driven action steps from our emphasis areas.

DZD Emphasis Areas

1. Distracted Driving
2. Impaired Driving
3. Infrastructure & Operations
4. Occupant Protection

How You Can Help

The NELA Regional Safety Coalition holds quarterly meetings in February, May, August, and November. We also have emphasis area focus group meetings scheduled throughout the year for those interested in working on a specific area of highway safety. Contact Susan Mitchell if you would like to join our coalition or want more information.

Buckle Up, Phone Down

Buckle Up, Phone Down (BUPD) is a statewide initiative, started by the Missouri Department of Transportation, to encourage drivers to buckle up and put their phones down while driving.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development partnered with Destination Zero Deaths, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), AAA, and Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force (LPSTF) to encourage drivers to participate in BUPD.

We are challenging EVERYONE to take the BUPD Challenge!