In 2002, NHTSA identified 13 Strategic Evaluation States (SES) that had especially high numbers and/or rates of alcohol related fatalities and made a commitment to focus on this problem. In particular, these States made a commitment to conduct highly visible enforcement during Crackdown periods and on a sustained basis throughout the year.
In FYs 2003, 2004 and 2005, Congress supported this program by providing dedicated funding for enforcement and/or paid media activities. In FY 2003, Congress appropriated $11 million for paid media. In FY 2004, Congress appropriated $14 million for paid media and $2.75 million for high visibility enforcement activities. In 2005, Congress appropriated $14 million for paid media nad $6 million for high visibility enforcement activities.
In 2003 (during the first year of this program), the Nation experienced the first significant reduction in alcohol related fatalities since 1999. The numbers declined by 511 (nearly 3 percent); 75 percent of that decline occurred in the 13 Strategic Evaluation States.
In 2005, two additional States were added to the SES program. In March 2005, NHTSA hosted a workshop with teams from each of the original 13 States and from the two new States representing highway safety leadership, law enforcement, prosecutors, communications experts and evaluators, to plan future activities.
The States now include Missouri and South Carolina, along with the 13 original States - Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia.
Strategic Evaluation States Meeting - March 6, 2005
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