Your Monthly Update
August 2020
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Caltrans, UC Davis Test
Prevention Measures to Deter
Wrong-Way Crashes
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Caltrans and the UC Davis Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology Research Center, or AHMCT, released
two reports
highlighting effective prevention measures for wrong-way drivers and crashes.
One of the most effective, the reports found, were the use of reflectors that let drivers know they are traveling the wrong direction. The two-way reflective markers, which show white or yellow to right-way drivers and red to wrong-way drivers, were so effective that Caltrans began installing the markers on hundreds of miles of highway.
“Adding the two-way reflective markers proved to be so effective that Caltrans updated its statewide design standards,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin in a
press release
. “It’s a low-cost measure we can use throughout the state to deter wrong way drivers and potentially save lives on California’s highway system.”
In San Diego, the number of wrong-way drivers decreased by 44% after the reflective markers were installed.
The three-year pilot program was developed following 10 wrong-way crashes on Sacramento and San Diego area freeways in the first half of 2015. Caltrans tested new signage and technology, while UC Davis AHMCT and Caltrans researchers conducted a second study using a vision-based monitoring system to understand the causes of wrong-way crashes.
In addition to two-way reflective pavement markers, Caltrans tested "Wrong Way" signs, "Do Not Enter" signs with LED lights, as well as an active monitoring system to detect wrong-way drivers that activate another set of LED signs when a wrong-way driver enters a ramp. The monitoring system then sends real-time alerts and photos to Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol.
The monitoring system used a camera, analytical software, solar panels and a modem placed on poles near exit ramps. Video recorded when a camera detected a wrong-way driver, allowing researchers to see where a vehicle was before, during and after a wrong-way driving incident.
“The video gave us a more comprehensive understanding of driver behavior and factors that contribute to wrong-way driving,” said Bahram Ravani, Distinguished Professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UC Davis and co-director of the AHMCT.
While rare, 37 people are killed in wrong-way crashes each year on state highways. Most wrong-way drivers are impaired and the crashes happen in the left-hand lane of vehicles traveling in the right direction.
"Seeing someone driving the wrong direction is a scary sight and a clear danger to other road users,” said OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “Maintaining safe driving behaviors is critical in preventing crashes that have tragic consequences."
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U.S. Traffic Death Rate Rises During COVID-19 Pandemic
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During the recent Memorial Day Maximum Enforcement Period, CHP officers issued 458 citations for speeding over 100 mph, which is a 173% increase from the same period in 2019.
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New preliminary data released in July by the
National Safety Council
(NSC) found the U.S. traffic death rate rose 23.5% in May compared to May 2019, the
third straight month that drivers and passengers were at a higher risk of dying from a crash.
This comes despite the number of miles driven going down more than 25% and overall deaths declining 9% during COVID-19 related stay-at-home orders.
NSC data indicates that the mileage death rate per 100 million vehicle miles driven was 1.47 in May compared to 1.19 in 2019.
However, many states are seeing year-over-year declines in traffic deaths, including California, which saw a 4% decline in deaths for May 2020 (201) compared to May 2019 (210).
NSC collects preliminary traffic death estimates from state data reporters that generally work in state Departments of Transportation and provide data to NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
Since March, millions of Americans have been under various stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That has meant less cars on the road, reduced enforcement, and more drivers that are speeding.
"The pandemic has actually exposed our national road safety culture for what it really is: deeply flawed and unfortunately in need of some immediate action," NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin said in a
press release
. "It’s clear that our open roads have created somewhat of an open season for reckless driving."
"Speeding is a longstanding traffic safety issue that is at the forefront for the worst reasons: the COVID-19 pandemic," OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. "There should be a safety benefit with less traffic. Now is not the time to push the envelope."
To address the issue, the OTS is developing a "Not So Fast" education campaign warning drivers about the dangers of speeding, and encouraging all Californians to "go safely" by following the speed limit. The campaign will run in October.
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Increased Risk in Child Heatstroke Deaths During COVID-19 Pandemic
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The risk of children getting into vehicles and becoming trapped inside has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data compiled by Kidsandcars.org, a website that tracks hot car deaths across the country.
On average, 26% of hot car deaths are caused by children getting into vehicles and unable to get out. However, more than half (55%) of hot car deaths this year involved children who got into vehicles on their own.
The various stay-at-home orders in effect across many parts of the country may be attributed to the shift in causes surrounding hot car deaths, KidsandCars.org said.
"As parents and caregivers juggle numerous priorities all at the same time during these unprecedented times, supervision can be more difficult than ever," KidsandCars.org said in a
press release
. "Young children climb into unlocked cars and trunks to play, but they can’t always get out."
While hot car deaths caused by children gaining access to a vehicle are rising, the number of hot car deaths overall this year are at record lows.
So far this year, 14 children have died of vehicular heatstroke, although eight deaths occurred during the month of July alone. Through the month of July last year, 26 children died of vehicular heatstroke.
"With fewer parents and caregivers going to work, children doing distance learning and not attending childcare, it is important that all drivers lock their vehicles so children cannot get into them," OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. "These tragedies are avoidable by taking the necessary precautions."
According to KidsandCars.org, an average of 39 children die of vehicular heatstroke every year, or one death every nine days.
Last year, the auto industry entered a voluntary agreement to make rear seat reminder alerts standard equipment for almost all passenger vehicles by the 2025 model year.
As part of the
Moving Forward Act
passed by the full House on July 1, the bill would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring all new vehicles to have an alert system to detect the presence of a child in the back seat. The bill also directs the DOT to consider requiring an alert system that detects a child entering an unoccupied vehicle and unable to get out.
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Public Opinion Survey:
Distracted Driving Because of Texting is Biggest Safety Concern
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Distracted driving because of texting was the biggest safety concern for California drivers, according to an
online survey
conducted by the OTS, the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at the University of California, Berkeley, and Ewald and Wasserman Research Consultants.
The California Statewide Public Opinion Traffic Study is an annual survey of California drivers to ask about their opinions on traffic safety issues such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and pedestrian and bicycle safety. The survey has been conducted since 2010.
"The survey gives us a sense of how the public perceives critical traffic safety issues," OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. "Understanding public perception helps drive necessary behavior changes that make roads safer."
This is the first year the study was done online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to avoid in-person contacts by field interviewers. The previous 10 surveys were done by intercepting drivers at gas stations across the state. Overall, 2,867 people completed the online survey.
In addition to gaging opinions on traffic safety issues, the survey tested participants' knowledge of traffic safety campaigns, distracted driving behaviors and bicycle and pedestrian interactions.
Among the key findings:
- 75.1% of surveyed drivers listed “Distracted Driving because of TEXTING” as their biggest safety concern, followed by “Speeding and Aggressive Driving” (72.5% of surveyed drivers) and “Drunk Driving” (67.9%).
- 68.5% of those surveyed listed “Texting While Driving”as the most serious distraction.
- More than half (51.7%) of drivers surveyed reported being hit by or nearly hit by another driver talking or texting on a cell phone.
- 80.1% of drivers surveyed believe marijuana can impair driving.
- 35.9% of drivers surveyed believe it is safe to drive 10 mph over the speed limit on freeways.
- The top safety problems listed by bicyclists and pedestrians were "cars going too fast," "cars not stopping," and "distracted driver."
- The top safety problems listed by drivers when encountering bicyclists and pedestrians were pedestrians not using crosswalks (56.6%), pedestrians stepping off the curb without looking (51.1%), and pedestrians/cyclists distracted behavior (41.2%).
- The top safety concern for drivers around bicyclists was bicyclists not stopping at stop signs or traffic lights.
The study's margin of error is 1.83% at a 95% confidence level.
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The OTS Continues Partnership with Sacramento Kings Ahead of NBA Season Restarting
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The OTS is continuing a partnership with the Sacramento Kings to inform Kings fans about ways they can stay safe when they are on the road.
The NBA season came to a halt in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed July 31 with eight games taking place in Orlando, Fla through Aug. 14.
As part of the partnership, the OTS will have distracted driving and other traffic safety messaging on LED signage around the arena for three "home" games starting Aug. 4 that will be visible to viewers on NBC Sports California, the regional sports network that airs Kings games in the Sacramento region. Two of the games will also be broadcast in the Bay Area.
In addition, the OTS participated in Kings'
Fan Appreciation Week
July 27-31, encouraging fans to show how they are "Sacramento Proud,"
submitting a photo
for the chance to win an at-home watch party kit, provided courtesy of the Sacramento Kings. Fans have until 5 p.m. Aug. 4 to submit a photo.
"The fan experience is changing, but not the end goal: that all fans will go safely," OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. "Like many of our partners, we are adapting our messaging to reach audiences we could not otherwise reach due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Kings to reiterate our traffic safety message."
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The OTS Names Jessica Chan Deputy Director, Chief Information Officer
The (OTS) is excited to announce Jessica Chan as our new Deputy Director and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Technology and Administrative Services Division.
Chan has served as acting CIO since March, succeeding Quentin Wright, who was named CIO for the California Department of Technology.
"Jessica has been a tremendous asset to the organization," OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. "Jessica's 'can do' attitude and collaborative approach to her work have helped drive several process improvements within the OTS."
Since Chan joined the OTS in the fall of 2018 as an Information Technology Specialist, she has led numerous efforts to modernize business processes, including the launch of a digital signature program that significantly improves the development of grant agreements. Chan also played a key role in the development of a Learning Management System for employees, providing a library of resources for employees to access critical training and promote career growth.
“I am honored to have this opportunity and very happy to be a part of the fantastic team at OTS," Chan said.
Chan began her career in state service in 2010 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). She held a variety of positions, including working in Budgets, the Information Systems Division, the Information Technology Service and in Project Management, as well as administrator of the IT Service Management system. It was while working on a project to modernize systems to develop budget plans that she directed her career toward new and emerging technologies.
As the CIO for the OTS, Chan's goal is to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies, enhancing services for the public and agency partners that allow the OTS to meet our mission of saving lives.
"Improving workflows and services for the public helps us work smarter and build on our goal of making roads safe for everyone," Chan said.
Prior to state service, Chan worked in sports marketing and sales, first with the Sacramento River Cats and then the Sacramento Kings and Monarchs.
Chan, a native of Cotati in Sonoma County, earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from California State University, Sacramento. Chan also holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
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The OTS Welcomes
Nhen Hoang to Fiscal Team
Nhen Hoang is the new Claims Auditor at the OTS. Hoang has more than 20 years of experience in state service, and previously worked at the Department of Parks and Recreation as an Accountant.
Hoang started his career as a student assistant at the Franchise Tax Board. Hoang has also worked as an Accounting Technician for the Department of Consumer Affairs and Program Technician with the Department of Justice, as well as brief stints in the private sector with an electronics manufacturer and financial services firm.
Since starting at the OTS in June, Hoang has not had the opportunity to meet everyone in the office in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but enjoys the small group atmosphere. Hoang is looking forward to getting to know everyone on the OTS team.
When he's not in the office, Hoang enjoys the outdoors, going for bike rides or tending to his plants.
"Watching my dragon fruit grow day-by-day," he said.
Hoang also likes cooking various kinds of dishes, including white rice noodles, chow mein and spring rolls. But he has not joined the make-at-home quarantine craze: sourdough bread.
"Banana nut bread so far," he said.
Hoang is married with two children in high school. Both are in the marching band and play the clarinet, but the Kung fu lessons are on hold for now.
"It's weird times," he said.
A Sacramento native, Hoang graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor's degree in finance.
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ABC Adapts to Sale of Alcohol at Licensed Businesses During Statewide Health Order
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Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, new directives are limiting the operation of businesses that distribute, produce and/or sell alcohol.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) released an
industry advisory
last month requiring certain licensees to shut down indoor dining. Outdoor dining is still allowed for certain licensees under specified conditions.
Prior directives have only required the closures in counties that have been on the state's
COVID-19 watchlist
for three consecutive days. That directive is now statewide, ABC announced in their latest industry advisory.
"The directive to re-close certain, generally indoor, business operations is based upon the concern that the typical operation of such businesses involves groups of people from different households congregating and mixing in ways that create a higher risk for transmission of COVID-19 and difficulty in undertaking contact tracing in the event of an outbreak," the ABC said.
Under the
July 13 directive
, all ABC-licensed businesses that serve alcohol on-site must stop all indoor operations. This included wineries, breweries, distilleries, bars and restaurants. Breweries, distilleries, bars and clubs must close altogether, even outdoors, unless they operate a restaurant on their licensed premises, including the use of a meal provider.
Those licensees that are eligible to conduct outdoor operations are required to comply with social distancing measures, including keeping guests at least six feet apart and requiring the use of face coverings.
Since businesses were required to close to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in mid-March, the ABC has modified its guidelines for serving alcohol by relaxing multiple state regulations on the sale of alcohol.
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Governor Newsom Appoints
Eric Hirata as new ABC Director
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The ABC has a new director. Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Eric Hirata as the Director of the ABC, where he had been Chief Deputy Director since 2017.
Hirata began his career at the ABC in 1996 as an Agent in the Inglewood District Office. For nearly 25 years, Hirata worked his way up at the ABC, serving in a variety of roles, from the Department's Special Operations Unit to Supervising Agent to Supervising Agent in Charge. Hirata later served as the Department's Legislative Director, working on legislative matters, as well as Deputy Division Chief in the Northern Division Office. As Deputy Division Chief, he oversaw the Department's district offices throughout Northern California.
Hirata is also a familiar face at the OTS, having served as the Program Manager for the Department's Grant Unit, working in partnership with the OTS and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention on federal grants.
Hirata is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, and also holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Stanislaus.
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Lifesavers Conference 2021 Calling for Speakers
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Calling all speakers! The Lifesavers Conference 2021 is accepting speaker proposals for 2021 conference workshops.
The OTS is excited to serve as host for
Lifesavers Conference 2021
! The conference will be held April 25-27, 2021 at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lifesavers Conference 2020 was canceled, with a series of webinars held in June and July.
If you missed any webinars held last month, recordings are available for viewing on the
Lifesavers website
.
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This is a difficult time for all of us and we are in need of good news. Here is how our grantees are bringing care, joy and happiness to the communities they serve.
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4-year-old starts "training" early
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Our friends at the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) are preparing a future officer for the job a bit early. 4-year-old Mohtasim dreams of becoming a police officer so why not show him the ropes?
He's 16 years away from eligibility, but it's never too early to dream. Sunnyvale DPS says Mohtasim will hold the position of public officer in training in the meantime.
"We'll be here to encourage him to always follow his dreams," Sunnyvale DPS said in a
Twitter post
.
Trust us on this one Mohtasim: 16 years will come before you know it!
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The California Office of Traffic Safety administers traffic safety grants that deliver innovative programs and eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries on California roadways. The OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).
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Contact the OTS Marketing & Public Affairs Team
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Copyright © 2020
OTS Marketing and Public Affairs
All Rights Reserved
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