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Executive Directive Two (2018)

Establishing The Governor’s Executive Leadership Team on Highway Safety

 

Importance of the Initiative

Motor vehicle crashes present a clear and significant threat to the safety and well-being of those who use Virginia’s roads.

In 2017, there were 843 fatalities on Virginia’s roadways. This represents a 20.4 percent increase in fatalities from 700 deaths in 2014. Of the 843 fatalities, 308 involved motorists not wearing seatbelts, 318 were speed related, 248 were alcohol related, and 208 involved distracted driving. In addition, the number of people ages 15 to 20 who died not wearing seat belts during motor vehicle crashes doubled from January 1 through June 30, 2018, compared to the same time period the prior year.

Those who work in transportation and public safety view every crash as preventable and are committed to the vision of zero fatalities on our roadways.

The Transportation Secretariat and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretariat, in partnership with other public and private entities, have undertaken a concerted effort to stop the upward trend in fatalities and strive for a meaningful and continuous reduction in fatalities. 

Therefore, I am establishing an Executive Leadership Team on Highway Safety (Team) to address this critical public safety concern. This Team shall have the mission of reducing motor vehicle crash related fatalities.

The Team will be led by the Deputy Secretaries of Transportation and Public Safety and Homeland Security. In addition, the Team shall be comprised of designated leadership from the following state agencies:

  • Department of Education;
  • Department of Health;
  • Department of Motor Vehicles;
  • Department of Transportation; and
  • Virginia State Police.

Key Objectives

To meet its mission, the Team will work with the Commonwealth’s many partners to:

  • Prioritize key safety strategies and actions using the emphasis areas identified in the Virginia Strategic Highway Safety Plan and in consideration of Vision Zero and other government and private partner safety efforts;
  • Use a data-driven approach to target areas of immediate focus and determine ways to support current highway safety efforts to provide the most significant return on investment;
  • Identify resources to assist with the implementation of action plans to promote highway safety and reduce motor vehicle accident-related deaths, injuries, and crashes;
  • Implement coordinated multi-agency campaigns to strengthen and support efforts to reduce motor vehicle deaths, injuries, and crashes; and
  • Make recommendations on strategies, and report progress to the Governor.

The Team shall convene as necessary to accomplish these objectives and meet with stakeholders to gather information and report on efforts.

Staffing 

The Team shall be staffed by existing staff in the Office of the Secretaries of Transportation and Public Safety and Homeland Security and any other Secretariats, agencies, or offices as designated by the Governor.

 

Effective Date

This Executive Directive shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect unless amended or rescinded by future executive order or directive.

Given under in my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 4th day of December, 2018.

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