By: Andrew Bennett, Zero Fatalities Program Manager
For the last decade, Nevada’s Zero Fatalities program has operated under one goal: eliminating fatalities on Nevada’s roadways. Why? Because when it comes to your loved ones, Zero is the only acceptable number. Reflecting on the past ten years, we’ve concluded that we can reinforce this goal even further by aiming to reach Zero by the year 2050. After all, a goal without a date is just an idea. The collective goal of Zero Fatalities by 2050 serves as the great equalizer across all demographics – we all must work together to save ourselves, and each other.
The road to Zero Fatalities is paved by doubling down on program efforts, prioritizing the safety of Everyone and leveraging technological advancements. In order to double down on program efforts, the Zero Fatalities program recently expanded its focus to 13 target behaviors: Bicyclists, Distracted Driving, Impairment, Intersection Safety, Lane Departure Safety, Micro-mobility, Motorcyclists, Occupant Protection, Older Drivers, Pedestrian Safety, Speed, Teen Drivers and Work Zone Safety. Additionally, over the last eight months, the program added Equity and Everyone to its six “E’s” of traffic safety to further ensure that our life-saving efforts are equally inclusive to all road users, of all demographics.
Remaining steadfast in its endeavors, Zero Fatalities aims to raise awareness and educate vulnerable road users across the state. The program will look to continue to incite cultural change through statewide multi-faceted behavioral campaigns across all mediums including social, earned and paid media platforms; strategic community partnerships; grassroots speaking engagements; and research. By tapping into the personal responsibility, accountability, respect for life and overall humanity of traffic safety we hope to both grow program awareness and influence behavioral change.
As of August 1, 2021, we have 10,000 days to reach Zero. Let’s get to work.
For more information about the Zero Fatalities Program, please visit zerofatalitiesnv.com.
