While making our roads safer is a top priority here at DOT, we know we can't do it alone. As National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland says, "We rely on the continued leadership of safety practitioners across the country to help tackle the most dangerous driving practices."
One of the most productive opportunities for our road safety partners to exchange information is the Lifesavers Conference held by the National Conference on Highway Safety Priorities. And this year's meeting--the group's 30th--was no exception.
Among the many topics conference panels covered, I'm particularly pleased that Lifesavers 2012 featured several sessions on Distracted Driving.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Chief Safety Officer (CSO) Jack Van Steenburg spoke at one of those workshops, "Enlisting Employers in the Effort to Stop Distracted Driving." CSO Van Steenburg discussed DOT's initiatives to help the nation's 500,000 trucking companies keep their drivers road-focused.
And Administrator David Strickland was at Lifesavers to announce NHTSA's Public Service Awards to 15 advocates and organizations.
Each year, NHTSA recognizes safety leaders from around the country for their outstanding contributions. With roadway deaths at historic lows, it's clear we're making real progress in improving safety for motorists. And that success is thanks in no small part to the contributions made by this year's honorees. They exemplify the highest level of professionalism and dedication to saving lives every single day.
Our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude go out to:
- Sonja Atkins Coordinator, Safe Kids Greater Sacramento Coalition
- Chief John R. Batiste Washington State Patrol
- State Senator Shirley Breeden Nevada Senate
- Dia Gainor Executive Director, National Association of State EMS Officials
- Kevin Greene Chief, Ground Safety 436 AW/SEG Dover Air Force Base
- Captain Bill Hisle Shawnee, Kansas, Police Department
- Ludorum, PLC Corporate Owner of the Chuggington Children's TV and Web Media
- Kenneth L. Morckel Col. (Ret.), Former Director, Ohio Department of Public Safety
- Lowell M. Porter Former Director, Washington State Traffic Safety Commission
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Stephen K. Talpins CEO National Partnership on Alcohol Misuse and Crime
- State Senator John Tassoni Rhode Island General Assembly
- Stewart Wang, M.D., Ph.D., FACS Director, International Center for Automotive Medicine
- State Representative Katherine M. Watson Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- State Representative Anastasia Williams Rhode Island General Assembly
You can learn more about the contributions made by this year's Public Service Award winners at www.nhtsa.gov.
Thanks to everyone who attended the 2012 Lifesavers Conference for dedicating themselves to improving safety for everyone who uses our roadways. Together, we can save lives.
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