Governor Douglas Applauds Highway Safety Efforts

Press Release

For the third year in a row Vermont achieved its goal of sustaining a seat belt usage rate of above 85 percent. And as a result of the State's impaired driving countermeasures, Vermont attained the lowest alcohol-impaired fatality rate in the country in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA).

"We've worked hard to make our roads and highways safer through outreach and education," said Governor Douglas. "These results are thanks to our hardworking public safety professionals, as well as to Vermonters who are adopting safe driving practices every day."

In a letter to Public Safety Commissioner Tom Tremblay, NHSTA Regional Administrator Philip J. Weiser commended the Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP), in particular Coordinator Jeanne Johnson, on Vermont's progress maintaining a high seat belt usage rate and the lowest alcohol-impaired fatality rate in the country in the preceding year.

"While all Vermonters can be proud that we are recognized for our safety efforts, we must remain ever vigilant," said Jeanne Johnson. "Drivers should always obey the speed limit, buckle up, never drive impaired and keep focused on the road at all times."

As a secondary enforcement state, Vermont was able to maintain a seat belt usage rate of 85 percent for three years in a row due to annual high-visibility enforcement campaigns, as well as collaborative, data-driven efforts among state, county and local law enforcement agencies -- efforts that are also critical to reducing the number of alcohol-related fatalities and injuries.

"State, county and local law enforcement are all working together to build on past success and make our roads safer," said Commissioner Tremblay. "Strengthening our great collaboration is necessary so that we can continue to meet our highway safety goals."

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