JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It's Dangerous Driving Week here on Action News, but the North Florida Transportation Planning Organizaton is hoping to make our roadways safer.
They have put out a study called the Regional Strategic Safety Plan, and its goal is to save lives, time and money.
"The study was done overlooking crash information statistics over a five year period," Marci Larson, the public affairs manager, said. "Overall it was declining but not where things shouldn't be considered for remedies over the next 5-10 years."
The study identified four major factors in crashes in Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Lane departure crashes topped the list from people merging with traffic.
"One of the other reasons is driver's inattention," she said.
Other major factors included intersection crashes, careless or distracted driving and aggressive driving. As Action News reported yesterday, the area of Blanding Boulevard from Argyle Forest to I-295 is considered the most dangerous. But to create change takes money.
"When it was determined after the circulation study that some of the engineering solutions that might have been considered that there wasn't funding available, the next best thing was, well maybe we could do an education campaign."
The campaign was successful over the several months it covered.
"It did bring about a reduction in accidents during that short term period. But you have to keep promoting the message and reminding people."
Teen driving and impaired driving also made the list, but at a much lower percentage.
