Minnesota selected by National Governors Association to join effort that will help keep Minnesotans safer on the roads by improving traffic analysis and communications
Minnesota’s efforts have already reduced traffic fatalities by nearly 40 percent in the last 15 years
ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton announced today that the State of Minnesota has been selected to participate in a nationwide effort that will help keep Minnesotans safer on the road. The effort, led by the National Governors Association (NGA), aims to improve traffic safety and reduce fatalities and injuries by increasing access to accident-related data for state agencies and first responders.
“The State of Minnesota is strongly committed to reducing traffic fatalities and injuries, as evidenced by our ‘Toward Zero Deaths’ program,” said Governor Dayton. “I thank the National Governors Association for including Minnesota in this new national effort to provide first responders with better information and communications to prevent future tragedies.”
Minnesota has long pushed to reduce traffic fatalities through the
Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) program. Founded in 2003, TZD aims to bring a data-driven approach to reducing traffic fatalities. Prior to TZD, traffic fatalities were around 655 deaths annually; since its inception, traffic fatalities have been reduced to under 400 per year.
“Across Minnesota, law enforcement officers and other first responders are on the front lines of reducing traffic injuries and improving safety on our roads,” said Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman. “This new national effort will further equip our troopers, officers, and deputies with the tools they need to prevent these terrible crashes.”
The new NGA effort will help state agencies leading TZD understand how to use data more effectively to analyze traffic patterns, ensure better communication across agencies, and improve data access to better inform policy decisions.
“Our goal is to ensure that Minnesota’s transportation systems are safe and effective for all Minnesotans,” said Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “Building on our current efforts, this new national partnership will help us to further strengthen traffic safety in our state.”
The Minnesota Departments of Public Safety (DPS), Transportation (MnDOT), and Health (MDH), which have long collaborated on TZD, will lead Minnesota’s participation in the new NGA effort. Minnesota officials will attend a meeting of the new NGA effort in early February.
About Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths
Minnesota
Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) is the state’s cornerstone traffic safety program, employing an interdisciplinary approach to reducing traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths on Minnesota roads. While individual disciplines have a long history of successful traffic safety programs, TZD aims to tie these together with a common vision and mission for even greater success.
The TZD program uses data to target areas for improvement and employ proven countermeasures. Toward Zero Deaths provides technical assistance, materials, and guidance to local groups that are committed to reducing crashes and the fatalities and severe injuries that result from them.
