About Toward Zero Deaths (TZD)

Establish a culture of shared responsibility where traffic deaths and serious injuries on South Dakota roadways are recognized as preventable and not tolerated.

Eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on South Dakota roadways.

Traffic deaths and serious injuries are sudden, traumatic events with lasting impacts on families, friends and communities. The good news is that they are largely preventable.

Every person who uses South Dakota roads plays a role in safety. Whether driving, riding, walking or biking, choices matter. Wearing a seat belt, driving sober, following posted speed limits, staying focused and watching out for others can save lives.

Toward Zero Deaths uses a Safe System Approach to improve roadway safety across the state. This approach recognizes that safety must be built into the transportation system itself. A Safe System works by strengthening multiple layers of protection, so crashes are less likely to happen and far less likely to result in death or serious injury.

The Safe System Approach includes:

• Safe road users: Encouraging responsible, attentive behavior by everyone on the road.

• Safe roads: Designing and maintaining roadways that reduce crash risk and protect all users.

• Safe vehicles: Supporting vehicle designs and technologies that help prevent crashes or reduce harm.

• Safe speeds: Managing speeds so crashes are more survivable.

• Post-crash care: Ensuring fast, effective emergency response and medical care when crashes occur.

Toward Zero Deaths progress happens through a combination of:

• Education and outreach

• Roadway and infrastructure improvements

• Enforcement and policy

• Vehicle safety

• Emergency response and post-crash care

When these strategies work together and when individuals take personal responsibility for their safety traffic, deaths and serious injuries can be prevented.

Zero is not a slogan. It’s the goal, and it’s achievable.

Toward Zero Deaths is a collaborative effort, and community involvement matters. If you have questions or ideas, please contact us below to start the conversation.