|
Your Monthly Update
November 2023
| |
Hundreds Attend 2023 California Traffic Safety Summit | |
|
The California Office of Traffic Safety and AAA teamed up to organize the California Traffic Safety Summit (CATSS) on November 7-8 in Orange County. The event saw more than 475 state and national highway safety, public health, law enforcement, and business leaders coming together to discuss and collaborate on ways to tackle the ongoing crisis of roadway safety.
With the theme of "Responding to the Crisis Together: Prioritizing Safety and Equitable Outcomes," the summit highlighted the importance of safety initiatives and community involvement in implementing proven and innovative solutions to prevent crashes. Throughout the event, leaders presented data-driven and evidence-based strategies focused on vulnerable road users, impaired driving, equity in transportation safety, and other traffic safety priorities.
We extend our gratitude to all our federal traffic safety partners, the California State Transportation Agency family, and OTS grantees for their participation as speakers, presenters, and attendees.
| |
Young Driver Fatal Crashes Fall 38% Since 2002 | |
|
A recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reveals significant improvements in the crash and fatality rates for drivers under 21 over the past two decades, surpassing the progress seen in older age groups. While young drivers remain nearly four times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, the report, Young Drivers and Traffic Fatalities: 20 Years of Progress on the Road to Zero, highlights a 38% reduction in fatal crashes involving young drivers. This improvement is attributed to policies and programs like Graduated Driver License (GDL) laws, parental involvement, accessible driver training, impactful peer-to-peer education, and the integration of driver assistance technology.
In the report, the GHSA recommends strengthening GDL laws, enhancing parental involvement, making driver training universally accessible, investing in effective peer-to-peer programs, leveraging technology, and incorporating technology education into driver training.
| |
Crash Responder Safety Week Kick-Off | |
|
During Crash Responder Safety Week (Nov. 13-17), the OTS joined local, state, and federal agencies to launch a new statewide media campaign aimed at promoting the importance of slowing down and moving over a lane to protect roadside workers. A joint press release was issued, calling on drivers statewide to take action by slowing down, moving over, and saving lives during the week-long event.
Crash Responder Safety Week is a time to recognize the vital role first responders, including roadway workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and tow operators, play in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the public. When first responders arrive at an incident, the area becomes their work zone. According to the California Department of Transportation, in 2021, more than 10,000 work-zone crashes occurred on California roadways, resulting in more than 4,500 injuries and 120 fatalities. Nationally, drivers and passengers account for 85% of those killed in work zones.
| |
Equity Corner: U.S. DOT Updates Guide to Meaningful Public Involvement | |
|
The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued an updated version of its technical assistance resource, Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making. This guide offers a shared definition of meaningful public involvement and promising practices to help DOT funding recipients across all modes of transportation overcome barriers to inclusion in decision-making.
Public involvement from the beginning and throughout a project's lifecycle can help projects come to life faster and better meet the community's needs. The process involves proactively seeking full representation from the community, considering public feedback, and making better-informed decisions through collaboration between the community and agencies.
| |
Grantee Highlight: UC Berkeley SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts | |
|
The UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) has released the 2023 series of Traffic Safety Facts, offering insights into national and state-level traffic safety trends in California. The data, derived from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), focuses on fatal crashes nationwide and collects motor vehicle crash data specific to California. The release is aligned with the Safe System approach to road safety and is expected to inform policies.
The data is organized into 10 program areas based on the California Highway Safety Plan 2024-2026. This comprehensive resource serves as a valuable tool for understanding current traffic safety issues, facilitating informed decision-making, and addressing future road safety needs in California.
| |
OTS Director Barbara Rooney Recognized for Contributions | |
The Southern California Region of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recognized and honored outstanding community heroes at the MADD Gala Awards on Nov. 9 in Long Beach. The OTS Director Barbara Rooney received the Chairman’s Progressive Champion Award for her dedication to saving lives and making a positive impact in Southern California communities. Join us in congratulating Barbara! | |
IIHS Study: Tall, Blocky Vehicles Put Pedestrians at Risk | |
A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that vehicles with tall front ends pose a considerable risk to pedestrians. The research shows that pickups, SUVs, and vans with a hood height exceeding 40 inches are 45% more likely to be involved in pedestrian crashes that result in fatalities than vehicles with a hood height of 30 inches or less, and a sloping profile. Interestingly, among vehicles with hood heights between 30 and 40 inches, a blunt front end increases the risk to pedestrians.
The study highlights that vehicles with more aggressive-looking designs can cause more harm to pedestrians. According to the IIHS, pedestrian crash deaths have increased by 80% since 2009, with the lack of properly designed infrastructure and the prevalence of pickups and SUVs contributing to the rise. The researchers suggest that manufacturers should focus on reducing pedestrian danger by lowering hood height and creating a sloped profile, and this finding should be taken into account when designing SUVs and pickups.
| |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: A Safe System Guide for Transportation | |
|
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Carolina, has developed a guide to help effectively communicate the importance of implementing Safe System policies. Communities all over the country are adopting this approach to transform their transportation systems, with the goal of reducing fatalities and injuries caused by crashes, and aligning with Vision Zero initiatives. The Safe System emphasizes strategic road and vehicle design to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.
The guide is aimed at local decision-makers, transportation professionals, and community advocates, providing them with the necessary information and resources to advocate for the implementation of Safe System improvements at the community level. The guide is an important resource for those who are actively involved in or advocating for road safety, and highlights the urgent need for progress in prioritizing road safety.
| |
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
| | | | |
