Statewide Traffic Safety Education Liaison and Public Participation and Engagement
The goal of the Statewide Traffic Safety Education Liaision and Public Participation and Engagement project is to address challenges PennDOT's State Highway Safety Office faces regarding decentralized traffic safety outreach coordination. The network consists of 18 Community Traffic Safety Projects and even more coordinators and co-coordinators. The project aims to maintain consistency, quality, and responsiveness across all regions.
The project will assist in limiting knowledge loss due to turnover, support eGrants management for CTSP Coordinators, reporting requirements, and program planning. Structured guidance will aim to deliver consistent, evidence-based strategies statewide.
Community engagement efforts complement high‑visibility enforcement by amplifying enforcement messaging, improving awareness of enforcement activity, and supporting consistent, year‑round behavior change rather than short‑term campaign awareness. Activities emphasize clear and consistent messaging, coordination with law enforcement and local partners, and practical education that supports enforcement priorities such as seat belt use, impaired driving prevention, and speed management. Where appropriate, outreach also connects residents to resources related to child passenger safety, pedestrian safety, and other identified local risk factors. By strengthening coordination and reinforcing personal responsibility, this approach increases the perceived risk of unsafe driving, supports measurable behavior change, and contributes directly to sustained reductions in crashes, injuries, and fatalities consistent with performance expectations.
To address these challenges, Pennsylvania implemented:
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A Statewide Education Liaison to strengthen coordination and capacity across CTSPs
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A Public Participation and Engagement (PPE) Coordinator to identify gaps and adapt programming through community-driven, data-informed engagement
Tara DeStefano
STATEWIDE EDUCATIONAL LIAISION COORDINATOR
Tara DeStefano is the Statewide Educational Liaision Coordinator for Pennsylvania and HSN’s Deputy Director. Tara began her career in highway safety in 2013 as the Buckle Up PA Administrative Assistant with the Highway Safety Network. In 2015, she became the Community Traffic Safety Project (CTSP) Coordinator in PennDOT District 3-0, supporting nine counties as a key resource for traffic safety initiatives. Her contributions earned her the PennDOT Highway Safety Leadership Award in 2017 for her impactful work in District 3.
In 2018, Tara transitioned to CTSP Coordinator in District 5-0 and in 2023, she took on the expanded role of Community Engagement Coordinator.
Tara's next endeavor as the Educational Liaision Coordinator will allow her to share her expertise and support the efforts of CTSP Coordinators throughout the Commonwealth.
With a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Tara combines strategic communication skills with hands-on safety advocacy. She collaborates with local law enforcement, Safe Kids coalitions, AAA, PennDOT, schools, and other partners to deliver programs such as pedestrian and bicycle safety education, bike rodeos, distracted driving campaigns, seat belt initiatives, and high-visibility enforcement events.
Outside of work, Tara enjoys time with her son, Luke, attending group fitness classes at her local YMCA and is an active member of the St. John the Baptist Parish Council in Pottsville.
Tara's evidence-based, community-centered approach aims to save lives and foster a culture of responsibility on Pennsylvania's roads. She continues to lead efforts that engage families, educators, youth, and law enforcement to eliminate preventable injuries and promote lifelong safe behaviors.
CTSP Mini Grant Application