Your Monthly Update

August 2024

"Better Slow Than Sorry" PSAs Highlight the Dangers of Speeding

Last month, the OTS and Caltrans kicked off the “Better Slow Than Sorry” statewide initiative with a press event held in downtown Sacramento. The CHP, Sacramento Police Department, and non-profit traffic safety advocacy group Slow Down Sacramento also participated, calling for drivers to slow down, follow the speed limit and save lives. With 32% of traffic deaths in California caused by speeding and 1,403 people killed in speeding-related crashes in 2022 alone, the campaign will educate Californians about the dangers of speeding and change driver behavior.

“Speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities and serious injuries,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Through the 'Better Slow Than Sorry' campaign, we aim to change driver behavior and promote a culture of safe driving in California. Every person killed on our roads is not just a statistic but a profound tragedy for families, friends and loved ones left behind. We are committed to stopping these preventable incidents."

Grantee Highlight: 2024 MADD Law Enforcement Recognition Awards

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the OTS wrapped up the 2024 Law Enforcement Recognition Awards across the state. These annual events celebrate the hard work of law enforcement, probation officers, prosecutors, emergency responders, and MADD volunteers who fight against impaired driving. With awards like “Top Cop,” Outstanding Probation Agency, and Prosecutor of the Year, it’s all about recognizing those who keep our roads safe.

Awards ceremonies were held by region, including Southern California, San Diego, Central Valley, Sacramento and the Bay Area. Last year, the OTS funded 1,000 DUI checkpoints and more than 4,500 DUI enforcement patrols statewide, resulting in more than 5,300 DUI arrests.

Inspiring Safe Driving Habits with "Go Safely!" Safer Roads Contest

The OTS and Caltrans are bringing a unique opportunity to Californians through the "Go Safely, California" initiative to inspire safe driving habits.

We want to know what you do to keep our roads safe! Share with us how you’re a traffic safety champion, and make a commitment to responsible driving behaviors. You could win up to $500 in cash gift cards and prizes by entering the Safer Roads Contest! Encourage others to share their safe driving habits and how they look out for one another on the road. Together, we can start a movement for safer roads across California. Traffic safety is a shared responsibility, and with your help, we can make a real difference in our communities.

*Prizes for this contest have been provided courtesy of iHeartMedia. 

AAA Study Reveals Pandemic's Deadly Impact on U.S. Traffic Safety

A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals a sharp rise in U.S. traffic fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dangerous behaviors like speeding, impaired driving, and not using seatbelts led to a 17% increase in fatal crashes from May 2020 to December 2022, with 114,528 people killed—nearly 17,000 more than expected based on pre-pandemic trends.

The pandemic's impact was disproportionately severe on Black and Hispanic Americans, who saw significant increases in traffic deaths. Young adults (20-24) and teens (16-19) were particularly affected, with men consistently exceeding pre-pandemic death forecasts by 14-19%. Black Americans, comprising 12% of the population, accounted for 34% of the increase in fatalities, while Hispanic Americans, 19% of the population, contributed to 25% of the rise.

Study Finds Illuminated Crosswalks Drastically Increase Driver Yielding, Potentially Reducing Pedestrian Fatalities

A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that drivers are over three times more likely to yield to pedestrians at illuminated crosswalks compared to dark ones. The likelihood increases to 13 times more likely when the crosswalks include flashing yellow beacons. The study's findings highlight the potential of improved lighting to reduce pedestrian fatalities, 75% of which occurred at night in 2022.

Researchers from IIHS and Western Michigan University examined the effectiveness of different lighting systems at various intersections in Kalamazoo, Mich., including a T intersection with a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB). These RRFBs, which flash when activated by pedestrians, significantly increase driver compliance.

New Employee Spotlight: Moriah Martinez

The OTS is excited to welcome Moriah Martinez to the OTS team as a grant coordinator in the Program Planning and Grant Operations Division. Moriah has a background in teaching and education and began her journey as a volunteer instructor while being a military wife at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. This experience led her to roles as a teaching assistant and eventually as a trainer for the California Department of Health Care Services’ Medi-Cal Rx call center. Moriah graduated from CSU East Bay (Hayward) with a bachelor’s degree in human development. She is a mom of three children and loves spending time with her family, watching movies and baking desserts.

We asked Moriah a few questions to get to know her. Answers may have been edited for length and clarity.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role?

I am looking forward to learning and being part of the OTS because it makes a great positive impact on California.

What is your favorite book or movie?

I love all the Marvel movies.

One day to unplug. No strings attached. What would that day look like?

I would go to a spa and then spend the rest of the day with my family and making brownies.

What or who inspires you?

Many things inspire me, but ultimately, I am most inspired by people who are perfecting a craft (such as amazingly talented singers or woodcrafters) and people that are passionate about improving both their own lives and the lives of others (such as psychologists or Bible scholars).

New Report Introduces Cutting-Edge Tools for Traffic Safety Practitioners

The Transportation Research Board, in partnership with GHSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, published a new report, Diagnostic Assessment and Countermeasure Selection: A Toolbox for Traffic Safety Practitioners. The report defines and describes new tools for diagnosing the contributing factors leading to crashes and selecting appropriate countermeasures across modes of transportation. The toolbox also aids State Highway Safety Offices in identifying and selecting countermeasures in a manner that links their features and benefits to the underlying contributing factors observed within the crash data or specific locations.

Upcoming Events

9/7-9/11: Governors Highway Safety Association 2024 Annual Meeting

GHSA's 2024 Annual Meeting, one of the nation's premiere traffic safety educational and networking opportunities, will be held in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Ind.

Learn more about the GHSA Annual Meeting

3/9-3/11: 2025 Lifesavers Conference on Roadway Safety

The Lifesavers Conference is the world’s largest gathering of leaders and advocates in traffic safety. Now in its 43rd year, the Lifesavers Conference will be held in Long Beach, CA.

Learn more about the Lifesavers Conference

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