ATSSA Signal November December 2020

American Traffic Safety Services Association 38 Member Engagement Transportation Conversations California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Director Toks Omishakin was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2019. Previously, he served for eight years with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) as commissioner for environment and planning. Before that, he served as director of Healthy Living Initiatives in the mayor’s office in Nashville. The Tennessee native is pursuing a doctorate in engineering management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Toks Omishakin, Caltrans Director Q A & Q: What do you consider your department’s biggest successes in roadway infrastructure changes or policy? A: California is consistently dedicated to improving both active transporta- tion and roadway infrastructure. For infrastructure management, Caltrans implemented a fully performance-driven asset management framework that emphasizes measured outcomes. This approach was being implemented when additional funding was made available through the passage of California’s Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. Asset management allows Caltrans to maximize the benefits achievable with the funding available. Safety is our foremost priority. Caltrans is committed to reducing the number of transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries. Our Toward Zero Deaths initiative is the right goal, and this includes eliminating deaths for anyone who uses or works on our transportation system. Presently, four individuals die every day on our state highways. We can do more, including better protecting our most vulnerable users such as those who bike and walk— at least two of whom lose their lives on our state highways each day. Caltrans has embarked on a programmatic review of safety and how best to make posi- tive improvements in this area. New technologies such as wrong-way-driver alert systems are being implemented along with other proactive measures. Results were recently announced high- lighting Caltrans’ collaboration with the University of California, Davis on a three-year, wrong-way-driver colli- sion prevention program. Analysis indi- cates that installing two-way reflective markers with red color in the direction of the wrong-way driver, significantly reduced the number of drivers enter- ing the roadway in the wrong direc- tion. Reflective markers placed on the road surface offer drivers a bold, easily visible reminder of their directionality, particularly during nighttime travel. Since the pilot began in 2016, Caltrans has installed these two-way reflective markers on hundreds of miles of high- ways. Wrong-way driving incidents in San Diego County decreased by 44% after the reflective markers were installed. Tomake the greatest possible impact to improve safety, Caltrans must partner with other agencies that have a primary responsibility to educate drivers and provide enforcement. Industry changes are also ushering in significant safety improvements. Connected and auto- mated vehicles, laden with sensors and vehicle control capability, hold signifi - cant longer-term promise to improve travel safety. Similarly, technologies such as brake assist, lane departure warnings, external vehicle cameras, and other safety tools are making a difference today.

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