|
Your Monthly Update
December 2023
| |
OTS, Caltrans Launch "Don't Be the 'I' in DUI" Media Campaign to Promote Responsible Driving Habits | |
|
Impaired driving remains a significant public safety concern that has devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities. To address this issue, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the city of Fresno, launched a new “Don’t Be the ‘I’ in DUI” public awareness campaign. The statewide campaign was announced at a news conference Dec. 18 in Fresno.
By focusing on education, awareness and collaborative efforts, the campaign seeks to save lives by emphasizing the consequences of impaired driving. The “Don’t Be the ‘I’ in DUI” campaign will run through the first week of January, and features a new video in English and Spanish on digital platforms, audio messages on radio and streaming services, and digital billboards. In 2021, 1,370 people died in California due to alcohol-involved crashes, representing a 16% increase from the previous year.
| |
New GHSA Report Explores Benefits, Challenges of Effective Automated Enforcement | |
|
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) published a report highlighting the potential of traffic safety cameras to reduce dangerous driving behaviors like speeding that contribute to more than 100 fatalities on U.S. roads every day. The Automated Enforcement in a New Era report suggests that automated enforcement programs can effectively modify driver behavior, promote road safety, and address potential biases.
The report recommends a few strategies for effective automated enforcement, including engagement with residents who live where the cameras will be added to help gain public trust, as well as how fines are structured, with any revenue used toward traffic safety initiatives. The report cites multiple studies that found the expansion of traffic safety cameras for speeding, red-light running, and school bus stop-arm violations reduced deadly and serious injury crashes.
| |
NHTSA Releases Latest Edition of Countermeasures That Work | |
|
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the 11th edition of Countermeasures That Work, a comprehensive guide to assist state and local governments in implementing effective programs for improving road safety.
Countermeasures That Work describes traffic safety strategies and measures their use, effectiveness, costs, and implementation time, and provides research summaries and individual studies on strategies to improve road and driver safety.
| |
OTS Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Grant Application Outreach Workshops | |
|
The OTS will be hosting a series of workshops this month and in January where you can learn more about our grant programs and applying for the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 funding.
Applications are due by Jan. 31, 2024.
| |
Grantee Highlight: UCSD TREDS Launches Free Steer Clear Course to Reduce Impaired Driving in Teens | |
|
UC San Diego's Training, Research, and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) has launched a new online course, Steer Clear, aimed at preventing teen-impaired driving. This free, 40-minute self-paced program covers crucial information on alcohol and cannabis, outlines the risks of impaired driving, explains California DUI laws, and provides effective safety strategies.
With car crashes being the leading cause of death for teens nationwide, and a significant portion involving alcohol, Steer Clear addresses this issue by empowering teens with knowledge to make informed decisions. The course includes real-life insights from fellow teens, emphasizing the importance of staying sober and safe behind the wheel. In 2021, California saw 111 deaths and 2,651 injuries caused by DUI drivers aged 15-20, highlighting the need for preventive education to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
| |
|
Equity in Infrastructure Project &
2024 CPBSP Applications
| |
|
CalSTA Secretary Discusses “Transitioning from Symbolic to Systemic Change” Through EIP Pledge
In the latest “Toks Talks Transportation” blog, California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary Toks Omishakin discusses the significance of the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) Pledge and how it aims to create opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses within our communities.
| |
|
Applications open for the 2024 Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program
UC Berkeley SafeTREC and California Walks are set to launch the 2024 Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (CPBSP) in January. Focusing on areas with a heightened risk of road traffic injuries, CPBSP aims to address safety concerns for underserved populations, including older adults, individuals with lower incomes, those with disabilities, mobility device users, immigrants, and refugees.
The program emphasizes inclusivity in its approach to traditional transportation resources and planning. Applications opened in mid-December and will be accepted on a rolling basis. For early consideration, applicants should apply by January 19, 2024. For inquiries or assistance with applications, contact [email protected].
| |
UC Berkeley SafeTREC Welcomes New Director, Dr. Julia Griswold | |
Dr. Julia Griswold was appointed the new Director of UC Berkeley's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC). Dr. Griswold, previously the Acting Co-Director and Safety Research Lead at SafeTREC, brings a wealth of expertise in transportation safety to her new role. With a background in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Geography, and Linguistics, she earned her PhD and M.S. from UC Berkeley.
Dr. Griswold has worked with federal, state, and local partners on various projects, including implementing the Safe System framework, crash data analysis, and solutions for pedestrian and cyclist safety challenges. Her research includes context-sensitive speed limit setting and network screening to identify roadways requiring safety improvements. Dr. Griswold has been with SafeTREC since 2009 and has consistently contributed to its mission by mentoring graduate students and leading impactful research initiatives.
| |
IIHS: Technology Can Help Pave the 'Road to Zero' | |
|
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Road to Zero Coalition, led by the National Safety Council, are advocating for the widespread adoption of intelligent speed assistance (ISA) and speed limiters to address the surge in traffic fatalities since 2020. ISA technology uses cameras or GPS mapping to identify speed limits. It alerts drivers when they exceed the speed limit and, in some cases, reduces engine power to discourage speeding.
The Road to Zero Coalition aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050. To achieve this goal, the coalition's working group suggests promoting these technologies, especially for high-risk groups like repeat speeding offenders and teen drivers who are more prone to speeding-related crashes. The proposal includes equipping cars with aftermarket ISA systems for these groups and utilizing smartphone apps or in-vehicle systems to warn drivers about preset speed limits.
| |
AAA Survey Finds More than Half of All Drivers Engage in Dangerous Behavior | |
|
A recent report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has classified drivers into six types based on risky behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and aggression. Using the Traffic Safety Culture Index survey, the study revealed that only 4 in 10 drivers are categorized as "Safe Drivers."
The report highlighted a concerning trend where fewer drivers perceive speeding as dangerous and speeding garners the lowest social disapproval among unsafe driving behaviors. Despite this, the report emphasizes that the pursuit of speed doesn't significantly reduce travel time; driving 100 miles at 80 mph instead of 75 mph saves merely 5 minutes. The findings underscore the need for addressing misconceptions around speeding and promoting safer driving habits.
| |
California DMV Recipient of Award for Child Passenger Safety Initiative | |
|
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) was the recipient of the Siegel Child Safety Restraint Award for the department's child passenger safety message campaign held at DMV field offices throughout California this year.
SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., a national non-profit dedicated to child passenger safety, and the Arne and Steffi Siegel Foundation, presented the award.
The DMV displayed the message "Zero Drinks, Drugs, Distractions when my kids are in the car" at 170 DMV offices statewide.
| |
The OTS administers traffic safety grants that deliver innovative programs and strives to eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries on California roadways. The OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). | | | |
Contact the OTS Marketing & Public Affairs Team
| | |
|
Copyright © 2023
OTS Marketing and Public Affairs
All Rights Reserved
| | | | |
