Arlington Once Again Achieves Exemplary Distinction in Our Driving Concern Texas Employer Traffic Safety Program Awards

By Office of Communications

Posted on August 17, 2023, August 17, 2023

The City of Arlington was once again recognized for its efforts to make its employees, residents and visitors safer when traveling through The American Dream City.

Arlington, one of nine recipients statewide, received the 2023 Exemplary Our Driving Concern Texas Employer Traffic Safety Program Award by the National Safety Council and the Texas Department of Transportation. The City also earned exemplary distinction in 2019.

“These Texas employers are showing that an investment in road safety is good for employees, communities – and good for business,” said Katie Mueller, the National Safety Council senior program manager leading the Our Driving Concern program. “They have saved money and lives through the implementation of evidence-based policies and comprehensive workplace safety programs. They are to be commended for their exceptional efforts.”

City of Arlington department managers use fleet-tracking reports to correct driver behavior and address safety issues in a variety of ways, including training. The City maintains a hotline for residents to report concerns. These and other ongoing safety efforts helped the City experience a 50% decrease in crash costs from FY21 to FY22 ($227,008 to $124,196).

In spring 2022, the City launched its Entry Level Driving Training program. Thirty-seven employees participated in the 30-hour theory class. Twenty completed the minimum five hours of closed behind-the-wheel and 15 hours of open-course training. Of the 20 new commercial learner’s permit and commercial driver’s license-holders, none were involved in a crash driving a city vehicle.

The City also promoted traffic safety at its National Night Out Kickoff in July, Back to School Bash in August, Career Day at Amos Elementary and National Night Out in October, reaching more than 10,000 people.

At the Arlington Employee Health & Safety Fair in October, many attendees participated in safety games designed to raise awareness of distracted, fatigued, and reckless driving.

To ensure traffic safety remains at the forefront, the City maintains an employee portal stocked with driver safety resources, including materials from the Our Driving Concern Texas Employer Traffic Safety Program.

These are just a few examples of the robust programs that focus on prevention of accidents for all drivers, with a focus on eliminating all fatal car crashes within the City, reducing property damage, protecting the safety of citizens, employees, and assets of the City.