Feature Story

FHWA and RSF Begin Planning
2003 National Highway Safety Awards

Yes, the highly acclaimed National Highway Safety Awards program, introduced as a biennial program in 2001, will take place again in 2003! Aimed at recognizing outstanding safety achievements by various entities around the country, the program will be conducted by the Federal Highway Administration Office of Safety in conjunction with the Roadway Safety Foundation.

One of the outstanding by-products of the upcoming program will be identification and assembly of a host of "best practice" programs relating to the physical characteristics of roadways that have been addressed on the state and local level to reduce fatalities, injuries, and property damage.

The scope of the program is being reviewed and is expected to be broadened for 2003 to recognize more of the excellent programs around the country that are aimed at remedying deterrents to roadway safety.

Currently, plans are underway to draft materials to officially launch the campaign, and to invite applicants from the safety community, including state and local governments, and other entities. The opening of the official application period is expected in March with a tentative closing of the application period on May 31, 2003. A panel of safety professionals will review all applications and select award recipients. The outstanding entries will be announced nationally and recipients will be awarded a National Highway Safety Award plaque later in the year.

More details will be available from FHWA and the Roadway Safety Foundation in the coming months.

(See article elsewhere in this issue of the Roadway Safety Reporter on the PennDOT "Tailgating Treatment Program." PennDOT was an honoree in the 2001 National Highway Safety Awards program conducted by FHWA and RSF.)