NCDOT Executive Committee for Highway Safety

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AASHTO SHSP

NC Executive Committee for Highway Safety (ECHS)

Formation of the Committee

While major strides and enhancements have been made in the areas of highway safety within North Carolina, there is still much room for improvement. In 2003, there were 231,247 reported traffic crashes that resulted in 1,552 persons killed and over 134,000 injuries on our highways. Although it will be impossible to prevent all traffic crashes, North Carolina must continue to seek practical solutions by which to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes and injuries on our state’s highways.

After nearly ten (10) months of behind the scenes work, in an effort to coordinate the many safety initiatives both within and outside of the Department of Transportation, with an emphasis on efficiency of resources and the prioritization of programs, the N.C. Executive Committee for Highway Safety (ECHS) was formed and held its first meeting in April 2003.

The ECHS membership comprises experts in all disciplines related to highway safety. These members have access to current and potentially available resources to improve highway safety. The ECHS strives to identify, prioritize, promote and support all emphasis areas in the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) as well as emphasis areas not included in the AASHTO Plan for the coordinated North Carolina highway safety effort to save lives and reduce injuries.

Why Have a SHSP?

IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
The number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on North Carolina’s streets and highways continue to increase. North Carolina was 4th nationally in highway fatalities in 2000, with 1,563 fatalities.
Vehicle miles of travel are greatly exceeding lane mile growth, facility capacity and maintenance capabilities resulting in highway safety issues.
The FHWA, AASHTO, NHTSA and FMCSA have all established national goals to reduce the number of fatalities on our streets and highways. These goals also include reducing the number and severity of crashes.
Highway safety for the traveling public, our highway workers, emergency responders and law enforcement personnel is a top priority for NCDOT.
Transportation re-authorization proposals include requirements for a Strategic Highway Safety Plan that targets a “Significant and Sustainable” reduction in fatalities (AASHTO $1 Billion Eligibility).