Louisiana DOTD receives AASHTO Safety Leadership Award
Monday, October 31, 2011 at 12:30:27 PM

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) was recently presented with the Safety Leadership Award by the AASHTO Standing Committee on Highway Traffic Safety (SCOHTS) at the annual Board of Directors Meeting in Detroit, Michigan.

DOTD was recognized with the award for its leadership among states in making great strides to improve traffic safety through innovative safety initiatives, and for strategic planning and partnerships.

"We are honored to accept this award," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "Safety is a top priority for our Department, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance our roadways to make them safer for the traveling public. While DOTD received the award, it is a reflection of the efforts of all our safety partners, including the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) and the Louisiana State Police (LSP)."

The initiatives include the complete streets policy, roadway departure improvements, the Intersection Safety Program, the Local Roads Safety Program, the Road Safety Assessment Program, and the Highway Safety Manual Implementation. Additionally, DOTD was recognized for the Louisiana Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), a comprehensive data-driven plan led by DOTD in collaboration with the Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, and others to establish safety-related goals, objectives, and performance measures for a list of high-priority emphasis areas.

"This award highlights DOTD’s many safety achievements," said Dan Magri, DOTD’s Highway Safety Administrator. "We are extremely proud of our safety initiatives and to be recognized with AASHTO’s Safety Leadership Award."

Each year, the SCOHTS presents the Safety Leadership Award to a member state that has demonstrated itself as a safety champion through actions designed to drive down serious injuries and fatalities.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).