The awarded Bidder will work with the Department in achieving its highway safety goals as stated in the most recent version of its Triennial Highway Safety Plan. These goals include: Reducing and eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries Unrestrained passenger fatalities (all seating positions) Alcohol impaired driving fatalities Speed related fatalities Motorcycle fatalities, including un-helmeted Young drivers (under 20) fatal crashes Vulnerable Roadway User fatalities Senior driver fatalities Distracted driving fatalities Traffic safety education should develop responsible and capable drivers by teaching state-specific traffic laws, safe driving practices, and responsible behaviors, ultimately reducing crashes, fatalities, and injuries. Education is important because it is a proactive solution. Helping people better understand safety rules in driving behaviors provides them with knowledge needed to make better driving decisions thereby addressing the root causes of crashes. Safe choices involve the acceptance and rejection of risk. To change behavior, people need to understand and evaluate the risks. For example, if we can make people more aware of the dangers of speeding, they will be more likely to obey speed limits. The same goes for the dangers associated with distracted driving by cell phones and driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, drugs or any combination thereof. The awarded Bidder will demonstrate solid knowledge and skills in teaching adults, teens, young drivers, and soon-to-be young drivers the principles of the rules of the road, including: Traffic Laws and Regulations – including the importance of understanding speed limits, right-of-way rules, proper merging and the meaning of road signs and signals. Defensive Driving Techniques – such as learning to anticipate potential hazards and taking proactive measures to avoid crashes, such as maintaining a safe following distance and scanning the road ahead. Hazard recognition – identifying potential dangers early, such as erratic drivers, road debris, and sudden changes in road conditions. Risk Management and Behavior Modification – understanding the risks associated with risky driving and making informed choices and decisions that minimize the danger of death or serious injury by assessing the risks accurately and taking steps to mitigate them. Traffic safety education should be a collaborative effort that involves community partnerships. Some examples of partnerships could include: Working with law enforcement to set up outreach events. Encouraging local businesses to fund traffic safety events for their employees and their community. Connecting with various health and safety organizations to promote safe driving and bicycling and walking. Attending and hosting school events, state fairs, festivals, concerts, safety days and booths that deliver information in an engaging and meaningful way.
