LATEST ROAD SAFETY NEWS
Insurance study: Women are better drivers than men
Source: MSNBC.com, January 12, 2012
Women are better drivers than men—or so says a new study by an online auto insurance group that hopes to dispel the long-standing notion that women are bad drivers. Some 80% of all fatal and serious car crashes are caused by male drivers and women are 27% less likely than men to cause auto accidents, the study says. In 2007, statistics reveal men were involved in 6.1 million car accidents while women were involved in 4.4 million. The study "Women Are Bad Drivers — Fact or Fiction?" compares traffic violation, accident, and insurance price statistics between men and women. The study shows how traffic violations are higher for male drivers in almost every single category from reckless driving, failure to yield, seat belt violations, or speeding. The statistics are reflected in the policy premiums with the average six-month policy for a man costing $765 while the same costs only $698 for a woman. To see the full article, go to: http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/
States getting the message on texting laws
Source: Politico, Dec. 27, 2011
Will 2011 be remembered as the year drivers got serious about putting down their phones? If the flurry of activity on distracted driving during the year's final months is any indication, the answer is yes: By March, 35 states will have already banned texting while driving over a five-year period. Typically, in highway safety it takes years for that many states to pass laws, according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association. "Given the rapid adoption of these laws by states, a federal law to urge states to ban texting while driving might not be necessary," AAA spokesman Troy Green said. Some states like Florida and Texas have been holdouts. It is because of states like these that legislation has been introduced that, if passed, would eventually withhold some highway funding if states fail to prohibit nonemergency use of handheld mobile devices. It is a ban closer to NTSB's recommendation than a texting ban. To see the full article, go to: www.politico.com/
Highway traffic administrator David Strickland praises communications technology, despite distracted driving risk
Source: Cleveland.com. January 8, 2012
"Balancing the desires automakers have" in providing communications technologies with ensuring vehicle safety, "is the biggest challenge we face as an agency," David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator said recently at an annual conference held by the Society for Automotive Analysts in advance of the kickoff of the North American International Auto Show. Strickland said 90% of auto accidents are the fault of drivers, so NHTSA has to look at driver behavior if it wants to improve vehicle safety. But the agency can't change a generation of young people who have become accustomed to constantly being in contact with each other through the Internet. Strickland added that in principal, he feels communications technology could be a force to reduce vehicle deaths, once the distraction issue gets settled. Systems such as General Motors' OnStar and Ford's Sync can contact emergency crews if cars get into accidents. And systems that would allow cars to communicate with each other could enhance safety by sensing when crashes are about to take place, allowing cars to tighten seat belts and prepare air bags. "There's a huge opportunity to save thousands of lives," Strickland said. To see the full article, go to: www.cleveland.com/
More crashes at intersections with flashing lights
Source: Business Week, December 19, 2011
Intersections with flashing lights have three times more accidents than those with only stop signs and intersections with highway frontage roads are high risk, according to a University of Texas study. Researchers determined which intersections were the most dangerous so that future studies can consider how to make them safer. Roughly 40% of all traffic accidents take place at intersections, according to the report. The study could not determine if flashing lights at intersections confused drivers or if traffic engineers have placed flashing lights at the most dangerous intersections. To see the full article, go to: www.businessweek.com/
'Cool' bus trips surge as Wi-Fi beats driving, study shows
Source: SF Gate.com/Bloomberg, December 29, 2011
Megabus.com and BoltBus led U.S. curbside bus companies that boosted trips by 32% this year as travelers opted to leave their cars behind and surf the Internet while traveling, DePaul University researchers said. The popularity of U.S. intercity buses picking up passengers at the curb rather than in a terminal has been growing since the industry reversed a 46-year decline in 2006. Bus traffic including traditional service grew this year at the fastest pace since 2008. Higher gasoline costs make driving a car more expensive at the same time as buses offer access to free Wi-Fi and cheaper fares than on planes and trains. Once viewed as a last resort in the U.S., bus travel is now attracting more affluent riders, students and women traveling alone. To see the full article, go to: www.sfgate.com/
U.S. plug-in vehicle interest driven down by high price tags
Source: Auto Blog Green, January 15, 2012
Americans showing interest in buying an electric vehicle has fallen about 17% during the past two years, as car buyers say the continued premium charged for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles doesn't offset the effect of lower refueling costs, according to green-technology research firm Pike Research. While respondents, on average, were willing to pay about 19% more for an electric vehicle than for a conventional car with similar amenities, that difference is less than the premium automakers typically charge. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently estimated that plug-in vehicle battery costs will have dropped 70% between 2008 and 2015 and will fall another 58% between 2015 and 2020, giving hope to electric vehicle advocates that the price premium for plug-ins relative to conventional vehicles will narrow during the next few years. To see the full article, go to: http://green.autoblog.com/
Survey: More drivers postponing car maintenance or repair
Source: Automotive Fleet, December 21, 2011
Forty percent of consumers are postponing car maintenance or repair on their primary vehicle, according to a new survey from Consumer Reports. Putting off service on items such as brakes, tires, light bulbs or mechanical parts can compromise the safety of a vehicle, making the roads less safe for all drivers. Motorists in lower-income households are more likely to delay necessary work. The youngest drivers, ages 18 to 34 years, were more likely to delay work on wear items, such as brake pads or tires. One-fifth of this age group admits it did not attend to a wear item in a timely fashion, compared to 14% of those ages 55 and over. Because of the poor economy, drivers are holding onto their vehicles longer, which makes the need for expensive routine maintenance and repairs more likely. To see the full article, go to: www.automotive-fleet.com/
Road funds at risk in some states over safety rule
Source: USA Today, January 2, 2012
Approximately one-third of states have indicated they may not meet a Jan. 30 deadline for their drivers' license offices to require interstate truck drivers to provide proof from a medical professional that they are healthy enough to drive, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. States that fail to comply with the federal mandate could lose 5% of their highway funds — about $30 million in one state's case. If they remain out of compliance for a second year, that penalty doubles. But noncompliant states could receive a grace period; as long as they submit a plan to obey the mandate, federal officials have indicated they may not start deducting money until 2014. The federal government already requires interstate truck drivers to get a medical OK from a doctor. Drivers currently carry around their medical certification cards in case stopped by a police officer or inspector. Under the federal requirement that kicks in Jan. 30, truck drivers are to begin submitting their medical approval forms to state licensing offices, which are to enter the information in a nationwide database that also tracks things such as invalid licenses and driving violations. To see the full article, go to: www.usatoday.com/
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STATE-SPECIFIC ROAD SAFETY INITIATIVES
New restrictions for teen drivers in Pa. take effect Dec. 27
Source: Automotive Fleet, December 21, 2011
Pennsylvania's new law aimed at increasing safety for young drivers took effect on Dec. 27. The new law increases behind-the-wheel training requirements, places a limit on the number of passengers a young driver can transport, and makes not wearing a seat belt a primary offense for young drivers. The new law adds 15 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel training for driver's license permit holders younger than 18, bringing the total to 65 hours. Ten of the additional hours must include driving at night and five hours must occur during poor weather conditions. Also, as part of the law, drivers younger than 18 will not be permitted to transport more than one passenger who is under 18 and is not an immediate family member unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. To see the full article, go to: www.automotive-fleet.com/
Indiana DOT plans 28 intersections for roundabouts
Source: Rockford Register Star, January 9, 2011
Safety concerns are driving the Indiana Department of Transportation to plan the installation of roundabouts at 28 more intersections across the state over the next five years. The state installed its first roundabout nearly four years ago and two others last year. Two years after building a roundabout on Indiana 130 in Valparaiso, total crashes there had fallen 6% and the number of injury crashes by 65%. State officials say the underlying reason for fewer injuries is the reduction in high-speed collisions, noting that motorists are having fender-benders rather than T-bones. To see the full article, go to: www.rrstar.com/
Across California, parents face collective wail of 'big kids'
Source: The Wall Street Journal, December 29, 2011
Under California law starting Jan. 1, children must use car seats until they are 8 years old or 4-feet-9 inches tall, up from the current requirement of 6 years or 60 pounds. Parents face a squirm-inducing dilemma across the nation's most-populous state. Under California's old law, many 6- and 7-year-olds -- there are nearly 1.1 million of them in the state -- proudly graduated out of car seats to big-kid status on their sixth birthdays. The change has resulted in a lot of unhappy kids and parents who have resorted to bribery to get their kids back into their car seats. California isn't alone in boosting car-seat ages. The Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state and territorial highway safety offices, says California is the latest of 30 states to mandate car seats until age 8. In July, Georgia enacted an 8-year-old requirement. Laws vary state by state, with Florida, for example, only requiring car seats for children 3 and younger, according to GHSA data. By boosting the car-seat age, states are following guidelines set by medical experts. To see the full article, go to: http://online.wsj.com/
More than 2,700 new commuters registered for SharetherideNC in 2011
Source: NC DOT News Release, January 5, 2012
In 2011, the city of Raleigh, NC asked commuters to consider a different New Year's resolution for 2011 -- an alternative commute by sharing the ride. More than 2,700 people took that challenge and registered for North Carolina's free commuter-matching program, SharetheRideNC, bringing the number of commuters registered in the system to 31,326. SharetheRideNC is a free, statewide, commuter-matching program for drivers interested in joining or starting a carpool or vanpool. Drivers who register online at www.ShareTheRideNC.org input their commute information and instantly receive a list of other drivers with matching commutes. By joining a carpool or vanpool, commuters can save money and reduce stress, as well as remove vehicles from the road. That, in turn, reduces congestion, harmful emissions and the need for more road maintenance. In addition to finding carpool and vanpool matches, users can also sign up for the Emergency Ride Home program that provides commuters who carpool, vanpool, bike, walk or take transit with a reliable ride home in the event of an emergency. The program is funded by support from the NC Department of Transportation. To see the full news release, go to: https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/
Deer/vehicle collision reduction is goal of study by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Department of Transportation
Source: West Virginia DNR News Release, January 10, 2012
Two state agencies and State Farm Insurance are collaborating to study deer-vehicle collisions in West Virginia and come up with ways to best reduce their occurrence. The long-term goal of the project is to identify the most effective mitigation technique at the lowest cost. Deer-vehicle collisions across the United States, including West Virginia, are a significant transportation safety problem. Deer-vehicle collisions account for a large amount of economic damage and can pose a safety hazard, especially on major highways with higher posted speed limits. The first phase of the project will include review of mitigation techniques that have been used throughout the country in efforts to reduce deer-vehicle collisions, conduct a cost/benefit analysis of these techniques and evaluate their potential for use in West Virginia. To see the full news release, go to: www.wvdnr.gov/
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WORK - HOME
Traffic cameras show how easily you can crash in light snow
Source: The Kansas City Star, January 11, 2012
The city of Overland Park, Kansas posted footage on its Facebook page from area traffic cameras following a recent light snow. The footage reveals just how easy it is to crash with even a light dusting of snow on the roads. With plenty of winter ahead, it's an excellent reminder to drivers to use caution during winter driving. To see the full article, go to: http://joco913.com/ To view the video footage directly, go to: www.youtube.com/
Driving smart to avoid neck pain
Source: EverydayHealth.com, December 22, 2011
Neck pain is experienced by about 15% of Americans, according to government figures. While it can be caused by trauma or medical conditions, it can also be due to stress and strain on the muscles that support the neck, or to the nerves or bones in the neck. Typical activities that can result in a stiff neck include holding your head in an extended position and using your arms and upper body for long periods of time — that's a pretty good description of driving a car. For tips on how to reduce stress and neck pain from commuting to and from work or any type of driving, see the full article: www.everydayhealth.com/
Do you brake for animals? Some advice for drivers on when and whether to swerve
Source: The Washington Post, January 10, 2012
Should you brake for animals? It may depend on the size of the animal. "If it's shorter than your car's hood and you don't have time to check other lanes, go through it," says Julie Startup, a Washington State trooper and spokeswoman in the agency's Seattle and Bellevue area. "If the animal is taller than the hood, avoid it if you can, knowing it still might be better to hit the animal." Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), concurs. Most human injuries from animal collisions occur not when animals are hit but by the crash that follows. And most fatalities could be prevented by using seat belts in cars and helmets on motorcycles, Rader adds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 173 fatal crashes and 12,000 injury crashes involving animals in 2009, the latest year statistics are available. IIHS says 77% of reported animal crashes involved deer, 10% were cattle, 6% horses and 6% dogs. To see the full article, go to: www.washingtonpost.com/
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia launches new and improved website for parents and educators
Source: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, January 9, 2012
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Car Seat Safety for Kids website has been updated and replaces the popular Keeping Kids Safe During Crashes. This website is a joint effort of the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) and the Kohl's Injury Prevention Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It offers a one-stop resource for child passenger safety (CPS) information. New videos featured on the site align with the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To see the full article, go to: www.chop.edu/
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WORKPLACE ROAD SAFETY
Survey shows fleets consider driver behavior the key reason for using telematics
Source: Automotive Fleet, January 12, 2012
A survey of fleet managers has been released, conducted to help gain an understanding of how fleets are using telematics and GPS and of those that are not, how many are considering doing so. Survey results show the top three reasons for using telematics are improved driver behavior, route productivity, and fuel savings, respectively. Respondents ranked sustainability as the least important reason for using telematics. Of fleets currently using a telematics system, 40% said they couldn't quantify the ROI from their telematics solution. The survey found that fleet size contributed most to whether a given fleet is using, or plans to use, telematics. To see the full article, go to: www.automotive-fleet.com/
Transit commuter tax benefit slashed almost in half
The Huffington Post, December 28, 2011
Tax breaks used by 2.7 million subway, light rail and bus riders across the country will be slashed in the new year, dealing mass transit agencies another blow in the midst of deep budget cuts. Members of both the House and the Senate had been working to keep the federal transit tax exception equal with the one drivers can use on parking. But Congress did not act. In 2011, both drivers and mass transit riders received $230 monthly exception. Starting January 1, the tax break for drivers will go up to $240, due to a cost-of-living increase, but transit riders will be forced to make do with $125 per month in pretax money. Transit use was up in the third quarter of 2011, from 7.63 billion rides last year to 7.76 billion this year. But even as their services become more useful, transit agencies across the country are cutting lines and increasing fares to make up for budget shortfalls. To see the full article, go to: www.huffingtonpost.com/
Fleet safety tip of the week
Source: Automotive Fleet, December 19, 2011
Ford has released a top ten list of winter driving safety advice—good tips to pass along to company drivers. They include recommendations on maintaining visibility, preparing for an emergency, maintaining your vehicle and dealing with slippery roads. To see the full article, go to: www.automotive-fleet.com/
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INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Automakers boost safety features
Source: Detroit News, January 13, 2012
At the North American International Auto Show press preview days, automakers vowed to add new safety features as standard equipment on many models. Standard equipment coming this year from some auto manufacturers includes forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning systems. Also coming soon from various manufacturers; Larger and stronger air bags, reactive front-seat head restraints and sensors in the rear quarter-panels to detect traffic in a driver's blind spot. NHTSA Administrator David Strickland praised the efforts saying, "Advanced safety technologies like lane-departure warning, crash-imminent braking and others have enormous potential to save lives and prevent injuries on our nation's roadways. It's encouraging to see so many manufacturers increasingly offering these safety features as standard equipment on their vehicles." To see the full article, go to: www.detroitnews.com/
Automakers rush to offer apps in cars
Source: USA Today, January 6, 2012
Just as apps have transformed Smartphones and tablets, car console screens are the next frontier. While thousands of apps are available for download for personal devices, automakers have so far allowed only a select few to show up while you are driving. At the recent International Consumer Electronics Show, Ford announced it is doubling the number of apps available for its Sync in-car infotainment system to 10, while Mercedes-Benz and Kia are going to reveal the first apps for their respective infotainment systems. As revolutions go, this one started fitfully with just a handful of apps. But the number of available apps is expected to multiply to dozens or perhaps hundreds over the next few years, just as they proliferated for Apple's iPhone or Google's Android Smartphones. Most of the existing apps are automotive versions of those available to all Smartphone users. Many in the next wave will be specifically aimed at enhancing the driving experience. To read the full article, including an outline of the upcoming possibilities in vehicle-integrated apps, go to: www.usatoday.com/
Feds push to standardize keyless ignition technology
Source: NBC Chicago, December 28, 2011
Federal officials want to standardize a popular feature found in many newer-model automobiles after several deaths around the country were blamed on the technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last month offered several rules connected to keyless ignition technology, where a fob replaces a traditional key. Among them: audible alerts when a driver tries to turn off the vehicle without putting it in park and a standardized half-second requirement to turn off a push-button ignition. Keyless ignitions have been eyed in at least three deaths -- one in New York and two in Florida –- where drivers inadvertently left engines running in the garages attached to their homes. Carbon monoxide poisoning resulted, with the victims dying in their sleep. To see the full article, go to: www.nbcchicago.com/
New Microsoft patent: Walking directions that avoid crime-ridden neighborhoods
Source: Geek Wire, January 3, 2012
Microsoft has just been issued a patent on "pedestrian route production" — better known as walking directions — that automatically adjusts the route for the unique conditions encountered by a person going from place to place on foot. One of the features would help pedestrians avoid an "unsafe neighborhood," taking into account violent crime data. Other features could include the ability to avoid open areas that can subject users to harsh temperatures. Microsoft applied for the patent in December 2007. To see the full article, go to: www.geekwire.com/
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INTERNATIONAL ROAD SAFETY
Dubai to have 'White points' traffic system soon
System involves incentives for drivers who respect traffic rules
Source: Emirates News, January 8, 2012
Dubai is set to become the first place in the region to introduce what it terms as a "white points system" involving incentives for drivers who respect traffic rules within its ongoing fight against massive traffic law abuses. The novel project will run parallel to the existing black points system enforced by Dubai and all other UAE emirates in line with a federal law intended to curb road accidents and deter reckless motorists. [The black points system, launched in 2008, adds points to motorist's accounts corresponding to their traffic offences. An accumulation of 24 black points in a year would result in suspension of the offender's license for three months and a second or third straight accumulation would see the license suspended for six months and a year respectively.] "The aim of this new system is to encourage motorists to abide by the traffic law and to show that we are not only after those who violate the traffic rules but also appreciate good drivers and want to ensure they remain so," said Dubai's traffic police chief, Major General Mohammed Al Zaffin. To see the full article, go to: www.emirates247.com/
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U.S. DOT NEWS
Bus drivers may face new rest rules following truckers, pilots
Source: Bloomberg, Dec. 27, 2011
U.S. bus operators may face new limits on drivers' work hours, after the Department of Transportation released revised rules for truckers and airline pilots. The agency is seeking public comment and data on driving time and its association with safety as it considers new rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is required to gather separate data as Bus companies operate differently from trucking companies. According to the notice placed in the Federal Register, rules for driving and on-duty time for bus drivers haven't been updated in "several decades." The agency is looking into possible changes at a time the bus has become the fastest-growing mode of U.S. transportation, with daily departures up 7.1 percent this year, according to a DePaul University study released Dec. 21. To see the full article, go to: www.bloomberg.com/
NHTSA mulls changes to crash rating system, safety tech to play larger role
Source: Motor Trend, January 9, 2012
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering changes to its five-star crash assessment testing that would emphasize electronic crash avoidance technologies. These changes could take into account the inclusion of technologies like forward collision warning systems and lane departure assistance systems if new measures are enacted. Speaking to the Society of Automotive Analysts at the Detroit auto show, NHTSA administrator David Strickland said the agency is looking at new credits that would help raise consumer awareness of new automotive safety technologies, and also encourage manufacturers to include such systems on more vehicles. Another consideration that NHTSA will be releasing framework for "real soon" centers on in-vehicle electronics intended to reduce distracted driving. To see the full article, go to: http://wot.motortrend.com/
U.S. Department of Transportation takes action to ensure truck driver rest time and improve safety behind the wheel
Source: U.S. DOT News Release, December 22, 2011
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a final rule that employs the latest research in driver fatigue to make sure truck drivers can get the rest they need to operate safely when on the road. The new rule by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revises the hours-of-service (HOS) safety requirements for commercial truck drivers. FMCSA's new HOS final rule reduces by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week. Under the old rule, truck drivers could work on average up to 82 hours within a seven-day period. The new HOS final rule limits a driver's work week to 70 hours. In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes. Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window. To see the full news release, go to: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ To view the new rule, effective July 1, 2013, go to: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
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Latest Research and Reports
The 2012 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws
Source: AASHTO Journal, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, January 13, 2012
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (AHAS) has released the "2012 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws," its ninth annual report card grading all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their adoption of 15 traffic-safety laws. Among the laws AHAS evaluated in its 2012 report are seat belt, booster seat, motorcycle helmet, restrictions and requirements for teen drivers, all-driver texting bans, and tougher impaired driving laws. The report is available via the organization's website at: www.saferoads.org/
"PRAISE" Report: Preventing Road Accidents and Injuries for the Safety of Employees –Driving for Work: Managing Speed
Source: European Transport Safety Council, December 2011
Note: Although this document was produced in Europe, the information is relevant for U.S. employees as well.
This report offers employers an insight into tackling speeding by employees driving for work. Speeding can be defined as driving in excess of legally set speed limits and/or driving at speeds which are inappropriate to the prevailing conditions. Speeding is the main cause of road traffic collisions, deaths and serious injury. Loss of control of the driving task, and thus potentially of the vehicle, arises when the demands of the driving task exceed the available capability of the driver. As speed increases, the task demand rises and the driver's capability is reduced. Employers have a clear responsibility to reduce incentives to speeding and to raise understanding of the serious consequences it can have. Part one looks at the impact that speeding can have and presents levels of compliance with speed limits for different road user types. The second part focuses on management issues covering topics from journey planning to payment schemes with advice on how such practices can help to manage speeding in the work context. The third part of the Thematic Report looks at what employers can do from risk assessment of potential speeders and identification of training -- including also eco driving synergies -- to the promotion of safer and more economic driving. It also looks at what can be done to rehabilitate speeding offenders. The final part looks specifically at different speed management technologies which can also be a useful additional tool in managing speed. A policy mix is needed to effectively tackle speeding and this report aims to present recommendations to reduce speeding across the board amongst those who are driving for work. The full report is available here: www.etsc.eu/
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Upcoming Transportation/Safety Events
January 22-26, 2012
Transportation Research Board (TRB) 91st Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.
The program covers all transportation modes and typically attracts more than 11,000 transportation professionals from around the world to Washington, D.C. For more information or to register, go to: www.trb.org/
January 2 - February 6, 2012
Super Bowl Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign
For campaign materials sponsored by NHTSA, go to: www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/
March 1st, 2012
International Conference on Distracted Driving, Toronto, Canada
The International Conference on Distracted Driving is being organized by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF). NETS Executive Director, Jack Hanley and NETS Board member, Amy Schick of NHTSA, are featured speakers. For more information or to register, go to: www.distracteddriving.ca/
March 12-18
St. Patrick's Day Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign
For campaign materials sponsored by NHTSA, go to: http://trafficsafetymarketing.gov/
June 14-16
Lifesavers Conference 2012, Orlando, FL
Reduced registration available through Feb. 29, 2012. For more information or to register, go to: /www.lifesaversconference.org/
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