The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), alongside its safety partners, has officially launched a new Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) aimed at significantly reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the state’s roadways. This ambitious initiative is designed with the ultimate goal of achieving zero deaths on Tennessee roads. The SHSP, which is revised every four years, outlines a proactive approach to traffic safety for the period spanning 2025 to 2029.
A notable feature of this updated plan is the inclusion of the inaugural Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Safety Assessment. This assessment focuses on the safety of individuals who utilize non-motorized forms of transportation, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and others who are particularly at risk in traffic situations. Recognizing their increased vulnerability, the plan emphasizes the need for specific safety measures to protect these users.
TDOT has already begun to make meaningful progress in enhancing traffic safety, particularly for VRUs, although there remains a considerable amount of work to be done. Encouragingly, the data shows a decrease in fatalities among pedestrians and cyclists, with 37 fewer deaths reported in 2024 compared to the same period last year. Over the past five years, TDOT has implemented more than 300 safety initiatives, with a total investment of $239 million, utilizing strategies outlined in the SHSP. Notably, approximately 15% of these initiatives have been specifically targeted at improving the safety of vulnerable road users, reflecting a dedicated effort to address the unique challenges they face on the road.
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