Which state agency has primary responsibility for traffic safety?
No single agency has general responsibility for all traffic safety functions. Instead various Government agencies on both state and national levels are involved in the design, regulation, legislative, awareness and enforcement processes for traffic safety in the U.S. Learn More

How can I get the statistical information I need for a news article or report?
Statistical information is available in the Data & Analysis portion of the Research page. Learn More

What is the most critical single traffic safety issue today?
There is no single cure-all traffic safety problems. A comprehensive approach where all traffic safety issues and countermeasures are given fair consideration and resources are allocated in a balanced way to save as many lives as possible is the goal. Most governmental funds for traffic safety have general restraints legislated, but the agencies have latitude for specific allocations.

Why has distracted driving been given so much emphasis?
Distracted driving is a growing hazard with the increasing use of cell phones, texting, and other electronic devices. The term “distracted driving” has almost become synonymous with the use of electronic devices, although any distraction can lead to lethal results. Unlike safety belt usage, electronic device use can be very difficult to detect and counter, and the only hope at this point seems to be a general change in our culture where these practices are just not acceptable. At some point, there will probably be a routine check in all crashes to see if the causal driver was on a cell phone or texting, as is currently done in fatal crashes. All drivers should be aware of the extreme liability that they face should their intentional use of these devices result in injury or fatal consequences.

What is TZD and how is it different from the many past traffic safety programs?
Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) is a program developed by the FHWA that has a primary objective to be totally inclusive of not only organized traffic safety efforts but to reach out to establish a new culture of safety in our society. One of its major characteristics is the concept that we should not be satisfied until we have eliminated fatalities from our highways altogether. Until that time, we should continue to innovate new creative approaches as well as expanding those programs that have proven their value in the past.

What qualifies a service group to be featured on SafeHomeAlabama?
The group must have a formal organization and charter and that charter must have as its primary goal some aspect of traffic safety within Alabama.