Below is a resolution supporting the efforts of the Robeson County Vision Zero Task Force

WHEREAS, For many years, Robeson County consistently has been ranked the worst county in North Carolina for overall vehicle crash statistics, according to the Mobility and Safety Division of the N.C. Department of Transportation;

WHEREAS, a total of 234 people were killed and 462 seriously injured in vehicle crashes in Robeson County from 2015 through 2019, according to the Mobility and Safety Division;

WHEREAS, for a five-year period ending in 2019, an average of 47 people died annually on Robeson County roadways;

WHEREAS, speeding, failing to buckle up and drunk driving are contributing factors to fatal crashes, and in Robeson County, those factors are more common than the state average;

WHEREAS, a broad base of Robeson County leaders has established the first countywide Vision Zero Task Force in North Carolina, holding its first meeting on Feb. 15, 2018, at UNC-Pembroke, declaring that these deaths are unacceptable and launching a comprehensive approach to change driving behavior and eliminate roadway deaths and serious injuries; and the task force continues to meet about five times a year;

WHEREAS, the total number of traffic deaths in Robeson County has dropped for two consecutive years – from 53 deaths in 2017 to 48 in 2018 to 43 in 2019;

WHEREAS, activities and initiatives promoted by the task force to date include informational rack cards; the seat belt diversion program; a comprehensive safety study of N.C. 711 and Great Marsh Church Road; the DWI treatment court; and a seat belt bus ad campaign;

WHEREAS, NCDOT and the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program are among the partners assisting the Robeson County Vision Zero Task Force with grants, technical assistance and other expertise; and

WHEREAS, the state’s transportation secretary, J. Eric Boyette, has made safety a top priority and considers this task force to be a pilot in which its successful initiatives could be a model for other areas of the state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT (Local Government) DOES HEREBY:

1. Endorse the efforts of the Robeson County Vision Zero Task Force.
2. Affirm that a collaborative effort is needed to address the challenges of transforming the driving culture of this county.
3. Recognize the importance of driving more safely and the dangers of driving while drinking, speeding, texting or not wearing a seat belt.
4. 4. Help promote, in any way that is deemed feasible and appropriate, the mission of the Vision Zero Task Force.
5. This resolution shall take effect upon adoption.