Stephen Hasner | | April 23, 2024
SAVANNAH, Ga. — In efforts to enhance road safety, the City of Savannah has initiated a campaign aimed at significantly reducing traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The Vision Zero Savannah project strives to achieve zero road deaths by 2027 through rigorous enforcement and interactive public engagement. Georgia drivers recently ranked fifth worst in the nation, and the city experiences an annual average of 146 serious injuries due to traffic incidents.
During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, officials have highlighted the critical need to minimize distractions such as mobile phone usage while driving, reinforcing the potential lethal consequences of such behaviors. Mayor Van Johnson has been a vocal advocate for this initiative, promoting settings on electronic devices that help drivers resist the urge to text or call while behind the wheel.
Vision Zero Savannah employs multiple tools, including interactive workshops, online exercises, and consistent communication with residents to foster a collaborative approach to road safety. The program underscores the belief that community involvement is vital in the shared goal of preventing injuries and fatalities on Savannah’s streets.
Recent studies commissioned by the city have revealed that intersection-related incidents, distracted driving, and impaired driving are the leading causes of fatal crashes in Savannah. From 2016 to 2021, the city witnessed over 51,000 crashes within its limits, with more than half occurring at intersections.
Source: Fox28 Savannah