Governor’s Highway Safety Program
Overview
Services
Important Notes
Since late 2016, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office has been at the forefront of improving road safety throughout Southern West Virginia through the West Virginia Coalfields Highway Safety Program (WVCHSP).
Funded by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the WVCHSP spans six counties (McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Summers, and Wyoming), coordinating a comprehensive network of law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and first responders dedicated to reducing traffic fatalities, injuries, and crashes. We achieve this through data-driven enforcement, specialized training, public education, and community outreach, all aimed at creating safer roads for everyone.
Our Mission
Our mission is to save lives and reduce injuries on West Virginia roadways. We achieve this through a multi-faceted approach:
- Data-Driven Strategies: We meticulously analyze crash reports, citations, and conduct traffic surveys to pinpoint high-risk areas and tailor our enforcement and education efforts accordingly.
- Advanced Technology: Our state-of-the-art mobile message board displays vital safety messages and collects traffic speed data, helping us identify and address speeding concerns in specific areas.
- Proactive Traffic Enforcement: We target high-risk driving behaviors, such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations. Our Traffic Enforcement Unit, a specially funded position, focuses on peak crash times and locations, making a tangible impact on road safety.
- Drug Recognition Expertise: We have four certified Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) in our region, two of whom are employed by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. These officers are highly trained in detecting and evaluating drug-impaired drivers, contributing to safer roads for all.
- Community Partnerships: We collaborate with local police departments, sheriff’s offices, family resource providers, and fire departments to maximize our reach and promote safe driving practices throughout the region.
Proven Results
The WVCHSP’s data-driven approach and focused enforcement efforts are producing positive results. In the first half of 2024, our dedicated Traffic Enforcement Officer made a significant impact:
- Over 95 drivers with revoked or suspended licenses were taken off the roads.
- Two stolen vehicles were recovered.
- Numerous felony and misdemeanor arrests were made, along with DUI arrests and hundreds of other citations.
- While the overall number of crashes has remained relatively stable, there has been a slight decrease in fatal crashes.
Contact Us
For questions or to report traffic concerns, please contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
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Use the form below to reach out to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. Select the reason for your contact from the dropdown so your message can be received by the correct division.
Frequently Asked Questions