Market Research Report: Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS)

Background

Overview

The Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) is a state agency dedicated to enhancing road safety across Georgia. Its mission is to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by providing data-driven analyses and supporting communities in implementing effective programs that promote safe driving behaviors. The agency operates under the leadership of Director Allen Poole and Deputy Director Jimmy Sumner.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To educate the public on safe driving behaviors and implement highway safety campaigns and programs that reduce crashes and eliminate injuries and fatalities on Georgia roadways.

Vision: To achieve zero traffic deaths in Georgia through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies.

Primary Area of Focus

GOHS focuses on various aspects of highway safety, including impaired driving, occupant protection, speed enforcement, and education on safe driving practices. The agency collaborates with law enforcement, public health organizations, and community groups to address these issues comprehensively.

Industry Significance

As part of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), GOHS contributes to national efforts in improving road safety. The GHSA provides leadership and advocacy to state and territorial highway safety offices, aiming to make U.S. roads safer for everyone.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing comprehensive data analyses to identify high-risk areas and develop targeted interventions.

Public Education: Implementing campaigns to raise awareness about safe driving behaviors and the consequences of traffic violations.

Law Enforcement Support: Providing grants and resources to law enforcement agencies to enhance traffic safety enforcement.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Impaired Driving: Addressing issues related to driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Occupant Protection: Promoting the use of seat belts and child safety seats.

Speed Enforcement: Implementing strategies to reduce speeding and related accidents.

Distracted Driving: Educating the public on the dangers of using mobile devices while driving.

Key Technologies Utilized

GOHS employs various technologies to support its initiatives, including data analytics platforms for crash data analysis, digital media for public education campaigns, and advanced equipment for law enforcement agencies to enhance traffic safety enforcement.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

The agency targets all road users in Georgia, with specific emphasis on high-risk groups such as young adults, older drivers, and occupants of rural areas. GOHS also focuses on addressing specific conditions like impaired and distracted driving.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

GOHS receives funding from federal and state sources, including grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These funds are allocated to support various programs aimed at improving highway safety across Georgia.

Recent Funding Rounds

December 2025: GOHS awarded approximately $4.6 million to the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) to continue traffic enforcement efforts, including the Nighthawks DUI Task Force and the Administrative License Suspension (ALS) program.

November 2025: The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) received $2.8 million from GOHS for injury prevention programs.

Notable Investors

As a government agency, GOHS does not have traditional investors. Its funding primarily comes from federal and state allocations, as well as grants from organizations like NHTSA.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support various initiatives, including:

Traffic Enforcement: Funding law enforcement agencies to enhance traffic safety measures.

Public Education Campaigns: Developing and disseminating materials to educate the public on safe driving practices.

Program Development: Creating and implementing programs targeting specific traffic safety issues.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

GOHS does not operate a product pipeline in the traditional sense. Instead, it develops and implements various programs and initiatives aimed at improving highway safety.

Stages of Program Development

Planning: Identifying key areas of concern based on data analysis.

Implementation: Rolling out programs and campaigns to address identified issues.

Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of programs and making necessary adjustments.

Target Conditions

The agency focuses on conditions such as impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and occupant protection.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

GOHS operates on a fiscal year basis, with program evaluations and adjustments typically occurring annually.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

GOHS utilizes proprietary data analytics platforms to analyze crash data and identify high-risk areas. These platforms support the development of targeted interventions and programs.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Analyzing crash data to identify patterns and inform program development.

Public Opinion Surveys: Conducting surveys to assess public attitudes and behaviors related to traffic safety.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, GOHS employs advanced data analysis techniques to inform its programs and initiatives.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Allen Poole: Director of GOHS, responsible for overseeing all agency operations and strategic direction.

Jimmy Sumner: Deputy Director of GOHS, assisting in the management and implementation of agency programs.

Scarlett Woods: Division Director, Planning and Programs, leading the development and execution of strategic plans.

Eshon Poythress: Program Director, Strategic Highway Safety Plan, focusing on the development and implementation of the SHSP.

Roger Hayes: Division Director, Law Enforcement Services, managing partnerships with law enforcement agencies.

Key Contributions

The leadership team is instrumental in guiding GOHS's mission to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries through strategic planning, program development, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The highway safety sector is characterized by collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations. The focus is on data-driven strategies to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.

Competitor Analysis

As a government agency, GOHS does not have direct competitors. However, it collaborates with various organizations, including:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Provides federal funding and guidance for traffic safety programs.

Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS): Collaborates on traffic enforcement initiatives.

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH): Partners on injury prevention programs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

GOHS maintains strategic partnerships with various state agencies, local law enforcement, and community organizations to implement comprehensive traffic safety programs.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

GOHS focuses on data-driven decision-making, public education, and law enforcement support to enhance road safety. The agency's collaborative approach with various stakeholders strengthens its initiatives.

Major Competitors

As a government agency, GOHS does not have direct competitors but works alongside other state and federal agencies to achieve its mission.

Market Position

GOHS holds a central role in Georgia's efforts to improve highway safety, coordinating with multiple agencies and organizations to implement effective programs.

Competitive Advantages

The agency's data-driven approach, comprehensive programs, and strong partnerships with law enforcement and public health organizations position it effectively to address traffic safety challenges.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

GOHS continues to develop and implement programs targeting high-risk behaviors, such as impaired and distracted driving, and focuses on vulnerable road users. The agency is also exploring innovative technologies to enhance its initiatives.

Future Business Directions

The agency aims to expand its public education campaigns, strengthen law enforcement partnerships, and leverage data analytics to further reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.

Opportunities for Expansion

GOHS has opportunities to expand its outreach to underserved communities and enhance its digital presence to engage a broader audience.

Current Strengths

The agency's comprehensive approach, experienced leadership, and collaborative partnerships are key strengths that support its mission.