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April 15, 2019

FATAL CRASHES 2019 YEAR TO DATE MAP can be found here.

FATAL COMPARISON MAP can be found here.

At LifeSavers this year attendees were once again hearing a common message.  For those of us that have been in Traffic Safety for a while, we can remember when this big push started. 

From NHTSA Now! Volume 3, Number 11 from August 1997; below is the entire article pasted from “NHTSA Now!”:

“Crashes Aren’t Accidents” Campaign

by Pamela Anikeeff, Traffic Safety Programs On June 8, at the opening of the Lifesavers/15 Conference in Orlando, Florida, Administrator Ricardo Martinez, M.D., with Secretary Rodney Slater kicked off the new nationwide campaign “Crashes Aren’t Accidents”. The Campaign was initiated by Administrator Martinez to encourage removal of the word “accident” from our vocabulary. The campaign kickoff featured a poster sized Proclamation announcing the “Crashes Aren’t Accidents” campaign which was signed by the Administrator as part of the ceremony. In a short time, numerous organizations representing thousands of supporters joined the Administrator and literally “signed onto” the Proclamation as well.  See example of Proclamation below.

A Crash Is Not an Accident

Changing the way we think about events, and the words we use to describe them, affects the way we behave. Motor vehicle crashes and injuries are predictable, preventable events. Continued use of the word “accident” promotes the concept that these events are outside of human influence or control. In fact, they are predictable results of specific actions.

Since we can identify the causes of crashes, we can take action to alter the effect, and avoid collisions. These events are not “acts of God” but predictable results of the laws of physics.

The concept of “accident” works against bringing all the appropriate resources to bear on the enormous problem of motor vehicle collisions. Continuous use of “accident” fosters the idea that the resulting injuries are an unavoidable part of life.

“Crash,” “collision,” “incident” and “injury” are more appropriate terms, and should be encouraged as substitutes for the word “accident.”

Within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. DOT/NHTSA), the word “accident” will no longer be used in materials published and distributed by the agency. In addition, NHTSA is no longer using “accidents” in speeches or other public remarks, in communications with the news media, individuals or groups in the public or private sector.

Recently, two other U.S. Department of Transportation agencies, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) joined NHTSA Administrator, Dr. Ricardo Martinez, endorsing his goal to eliminate “accident” from the agencies’ vocabulary. In this manner, attention will be focused on causes of crashes, and what can be done to prevent collisions and the resulting injuries.

PROCLAMATION

Whereas, changing the way we think about events and the words we use will affect the way we behave. Our goal is to eliminate the word “accident” from the realm of unintentional injury, on the highway and across the nation;

Whereas, motor vehicle crashes and injuries are predictable, preventable events. Continued use of the word “accident” promotes the concept that these events are outside of human influence or control. In fact, they are predictable results of specific actions;

Whereas, we can identify their causes and take action to avoid them. These are not “acts of God”, but predictable results of the laws of physics;

Whereas, use of the word “accident” works against bringing the appropriate resources to bear on this enormous problem. It allows the idea that the resulting injuries are an unexpected part of life;

Now, therefore, we the undersigned, in recognition of this life saving and injury preventing opportunity, do hereby proclaim a national campaign:

“Crashes Aren’t Accidents”

To eliminate the word “accident” from the realm of unintentional injury, on the highway and across the nation, with our partners, with the media, and in all public contexts.

I encourage the use of other appropriate terms such as “crash,” ” collision,” “incident” and “injury.”

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month April 9-15, 2019 / National Enforcement Mobilization U Drive - U Text - U Pay is a campaign centered on aiding law enforcement officers in their efforts to keep distracted drivers off the road. Distracted driving is a first offense in many states and continues to gain recognition across the nation as a deadly problem.

This campaign is targeted to men and women 18 to 34 years old with a skew toward women.

Use these law enforcement campaign materials to raise awareness in your community about the consequences of texting while driving. These enforcement materials do not focus on social norming - for those materials, please refer to:

• One Text Or Call Could Wreck It All campaign (social norming)
• General/Evergreen Resources

For more information, facts, and toolkits, please visit www.Distraction.gov

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month National Ride to Work Day - June 17, 2019 Motorcycle crashes involving another motor vehicle continue to account for nearly half of all motorcyclist fatalities in the United States.  Motorcyclists are inherently at more risk than motor vehicles because they lack many of the same safety features of automobiles.

From a statistical perspective, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than other motorists. NHTSA has a vested interest in addressing the types of motorist behaviors that pose a risk to motorcyclists. In years past, and enshrined in statutory language, these efforts have been bundled under the moniker of “Share The Road.”

For more information on the “Share The Road” campaigns click here.

TECHNOLOGY TAKES THE WHEEL - SEMINARS ON AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

The University of Toledo - College of Engineering and AAA are co-sponsoring a free educational series, exploring autonomous vehicles and their societal impacts. This series will address how autonomous vehicles will impact the engineering world, as well as the world at-large. Next session is on Wednesday, April 17 at Nitschke Auditorium on UT's Main Campus. This session is titled "Auto Manufacturers - On the Forefront of the Autonomous Vehicle Revolution. To view the flier, click here.

MADD DEATH NOTIFICATION TRAINING - DELIVERING THE NEWS WITH COMPASSION

MADD is offering several "Death Notification Training" opportunities in Ohio.  April 30 - OSHP Academy, Columbus May 1 - Richfield Fire Dept., Richfield May 8 - Centerville Police Dept., Centerville May 9 - Maumee Police Dept., Maumee May 21 - Columbus Police Academy, Columbus May 30 - Blue Ash Recreation Center, Cincinnati To view the flier, click here.

To view the flyer and agenda for Crash to Courts, click here.

MASTERING MASKING - LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSEQUENCES OF PLEA NEGOTIATIONS INVOLVING COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSES

SAVE THE DATE!

JUNE 4-6, 2019

HYATT REGENCY CLEVELAND AT THE ARCADE

Cleveland, Ohio

Presented by the National Traffic Law Center

By attending this course Participants will be able to:

• Understand the Federal definition of Masking, Conviction and Disqualification pursuant to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
• Learn about the ethical consequences of Masking
• Explore various techniques and skills to educate other professionals on Masking

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, PLEASE CONTACT:

Joanne Thomka, NTLC Director

jthomka@ndaajustice.org

Romana Lavalas, Senior Attorney, NTLC

rlavalas@ndaajustice.org

Jeanine Howard, Staff Attorney, NTLC

jhoward@ndaajustice.org

Space is limited. Attendees must register. Participants who live or work more than 50 miles away from the training site are eligible for travel reimbursement pursuant to GSA guidelines.

The National Traffic Law Center is pleased to offer this course designed to provide prosecutors and other traffic safety professionals with the materials and techniques necessary to train other prosecutors and traffic safety professionals in their respective jurisdictions on the fundamentals of *Masking.

Photo courtesy of https://www.ernstlawgroup.com/blog/semi-tractor-trailer-vehicle-crash-highway-166/

Legal and Ethical Consequences of Plea Negotiations Involving Commercial Driver’s Licenses

To view this flier, click here.

Drug Recognition Expert Program   The DRE Program is a traffic safety program that focuses on the detection, apprehension and adjudication of drug-impaired drivers. A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a law enforcement officer highly trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to alcohol.  For more information, upcoming training dates and how to apply for this free training, please view the DRE Application, School Information and upcoming classes by clicking here.

Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE)   ARIDE Classes are being offered free of charge through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy   Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) provides officers with general knowledge related to drug impaired driving and to promote the use of Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). Law enforcement officers will learn to observe, identify and articulate the signs of impairment related to drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both, in order to reduce the number of impaired driving crashes.    For upcoming classes and how to register click here.

GEAUGA CO. SAFE COMMUNITIES - A NEW PARTNERSHIP OF STRONG ROOTS

Submitted by Jessica McCarthy - Geauga Co. Safe Communities Coordinator In November 2017, Safe Communities became new to Geauga County. It was a slow start but Geauga Safe Communities could not have been successful in its first year without the support and partnerships made within the community.

I am grateful to be in a Community where the common goal is traffic safety. We could not do it without the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Department and local police forces. Other significant partners include; Geauga County Engineer’s Office, University Hospitals, along with Walmart and many local restaurants such as Buck Stop and Chesterland Tavern.

Geauga is rural County with a typical speed limit being between 45 and 55 MPH. Safety is a top priority for Geauga County. These partners consistently meet and discuss ways to make Geauga County roads safer. Including making people aware of the Large Amish Population and Buggies being present on roadways, talking to schools around prom, Using pledge cards, and getting Geauga Safe Communities and OTSO safety messages out into the community as much as possible. The restaurants proudly display our messaging and reminder to designate a driver or call a ride. The coalition also frequently shares important safety messages via social media. Although Safe Communities is new to Geauga County we are making an impact. We hope to continue to grow as a coalition and towards our goal of increasing seatbelt usage, decreasing fatalities and making Geauga County roads safer.

STARK COUNTY SAFE COMMUNITIES

Submitted by:  Sheriff George T. Maier, Stark County Sheriff’s Office Sharon George the Stark County Sheriff’s Office Safe Communities Coordinator since 2007 is retiring so she can spend more time with her family. Sharon has performed an invaluable service to the citizens of Stark County since becoming the Safe Communities Coordinator. She has established partnerships across the county with local businesses in promoting the mission of Safe Communities within the auspices of the Sheriff’s Office. Note: One of Sharon's biggest accomplishments was the partnership she was able to create with the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Massillon where she coordinated numerous traffic safety  and Click It or Ticket Kickoff events. - OTSO

The Stark County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce Suzanne Snyder as the Stark County Sheriff’s Office Safe Communities Coordinator beginning April 8, 2019. Suzanne brings over 10 years of experience and knowledge within Safe Communities to Stark County. She was the Project Director for Safe Communities in Wayne and Holmes Counties and Anazao Community Partners, a contract agency of The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Wayne/Holmes Counties. “We are fortunate in bringing Suzanne’s experience and vast knowledge to the Stark County Community, adding another tool to ensure the safety of our citizens,” said Sheriff Maier.

TRAFFIC SAFETY MATERIALS

OTSO offers materials for numerous traffic safety campaigns, including impaired driving, restraint usage, distracted driving, and motorcycles. Utilizing the numerous materials found here can make an impact that will reach beyond your community. By raising public awareness YOU can help save lives.  The order form can be found by clicking here.

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