Allowing for local flexibility, LaDOTD developed an innovative approach to implement the State Highway Strategic Safety Plan (SHSP) with the creation of nine regional safety coalitions all working toward the common vision of Destination Zero Deaths (DZD).
Local stakeholder participation is vital in implementing the vision of Destination Zero Deaths. To accelerate the SHSP’s project implementation at the local level, Louisiana established nine Regional Transportation Safety Coalitions through an agreement between DOTD and the designated Regional Planning Commission (RPC) or the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The DOTD has District Offices that work closely with the MPOs and State Police Troops. Each coalition is led by a full-time coordinator who serves as liaison between the state and local partners from all 4E’s of Safety: Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services.
The Northwest Louisiana Transportation Safety Coalition encompasses the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River, and Webster. The Safety Coalition focuses on five emphasis areas: impaired driving, occupant protection, infrastructure and operations, young drivers, and distracted driving. Each emphasis area aligns with national safety campaigns such as "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket."