A local television station called me last week with questions about the dangers of distracted driving. They had heard the announcement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and National Safety Council President Janet Froetscher about the creation of a national nonprofit organization called FocusDriven. It is the first of its kind devoted specifically to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
The reporter wanted to know my view on distracted driving and I was very pleased to take the time to talk with him about this topic. Distracted driving is serious business and a growing concern among safety advocates nationwide.
Although many people think of driving as just a routine task, the reality is that controlling an automobile takes a driver’s full attention. Did you know it only take three seconds to travel more than 300 feet when driving 70 mph? The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration says that 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve some sort of driving distraction occurring within three seconds before the vehicle crash. One such distraction is texting while driving.
It is not okay to think you can take your eyes off the road to focus on the keyboard of your phone in an attempt to send or read a text. No message is so important that it cannot wait until you have stopped in a safe location.
Our society is a busy one and technology has made the communication of information instant. I have mentioned before how much I depend upon my Blackberry. It allows me to multitask and get a lot done—anywhere and at anytime. But we need to learn to use our technology responsibly and we need to teach our driving-age children to do the same.
My hope is that you pause to think about what you can do now to prevent a crash, rather than think about what you wish you had done differently after a crash. My hope is that my words in this blog or on television this week might just save a life. Please give driving your full attention.
Respond to my blog and let me know what you think.
Matt
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Shooting Some Hoops at Mizzou Arena
How difficult is it to throw a basketball through a hoop? Some people can make it with little practice but lots of luck. Others work on it every day, so they've got lots of experience. But even the most skilled professional would have trouble getting "nothing but net" when they're impaired by drugs or alcohol.
The same could be said for getting behind the wheel. No matter who you are or how much driving experience you've had, there's no guarantee that you can safely operate a vehicle if you're impaired.
As part of the Coalition for Roadway Safety, I spent Dec. 5 sharing that message with basketball fans at the University of Missouri. We set up a mini basketball hoop and some eye-catching banners in one corner of Mizzou Arena and offered people the chance to try making baskets wearing fatal vision goggles that simulate the sensation of being impaired.
It's interesting to watch people who wear the goggles. For most of them, I immediately notice that they're walking slower, arms stretched out for balance, easing their way from the table to the basketball hoop. Several of the teenage boys walk confidently but then misjudge the distance and walk right into the base of the game. Rarely does anyone actually get the ball through the hoop.
Everyone who puts on the goggles can feel the impairment. But there are too many people out there who etiher don't realize or don't care that they've had too much to drink and they're about to make a terrible choice by drinking and driving. Last year in Missouri, 262 people were killed, 1,113 seriously injured and 3,398 received minor injuries in crashes involving an impaired driver. That equals a death or injury every 1.7 hours.
While the fatal vision goggles offered a good time at the game last Saturday, the message was a serious one that we'll continue to share. Don't drink and drive. Be safe, and ARRIVE ALIVE.
The same could be said for getting behind the wheel. No matter who you are or how much driving experience you've had, there's no guarantee that you can safely operate a vehicle if you're impaired.
As part of the Coalition for Roadway Safety, I spent Dec. 5 sharing that message with basketball fans at the University of Missouri. We set up a mini basketball hoop and some eye-catching banners in one corner of Mizzou Arena and offered people the chance to try making baskets wearing fatal vision goggles that simulate the sensation of being impaired.
It's interesting to watch people who wear the goggles. For most of them, I immediately notice that they're walking slower, arms stretched out for balance, easing their way from the table to the basketball hoop. Several of the teenage boys walk confidently but then misjudge the distance and walk right into the base of the game. Rarely does anyone actually get the ball through the hoop.
Everyone who puts on the goggles can feel the impairment. But there are too many people out there who etiher don't realize or don't care that they've had too much to drink and they're about to make a terrible choice by drinking and driving. Last year in Missouri, 262 people were killed, 1,113 seriously injured and 3,398 received minor injuries in crashes involving an impaired driver. That equals a death or injury every 1.7 hours.
While the fatal vision goggles offered a good time at the game last Saturday, the message was a serious one that we'll continue to share. Don't drink and drive. Be safe, and ARRIVE ALIVE.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Day Started Off Just Like Any Other Day
Sixteen-year old Jessica of Osage County was involved in a roll-over crash in Oct. 2009. She credits her seat belt for saving her from serious injury or death. The following is Jessica's story in her own words...
The day started off just like any other day. I was going to my aunt's house so I could put her kids on the bus. So I got out of bed, took a shower, and got ready. I was supposed to be there at 6:15 that morning, but I was running a little late and didn't leave my house until 6:06 a.m.
As I was driving Highway 63 I approached a big curve. I went over the center line and freaked out because I thought a car was going to come around the curve. So, I jerked the wheel back over. I went too far over the white line and into the gravel. I jerked the wheel trying to get out of it and overcorrected my vehicle. After that, it felt like a really weird dream. I went down a huge embankment. There was dirt and glass flying everywhere. The only thing I could do was scream; so I did the entire way down and as a result, I had dirt in my teeth and down my throat.
I kept asking myself if this was really happening to me. I seriously thought that my life was over. The car kept flipping over and over until I hit another tree and stopped. The air bag shot out of the steering wheel and jerked me back.
If it wouldn't have been for the seat belt, they would've been looking for me. I'm really lucky that I didn't get hurt or even killed. The only thing I got from it was burn on my chin from the air bag, and that only lasted about two weeks.
-- Jessica
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
M's Thoughts on Weekly Fatality Stats for November 1
Today, I am reviewing the weekly list of traffic related fatalities that occurred in Central Missouri.
These are people who died using Missouri's transportation system here in the central 13 counties of the state.
Every week I notice things that really leave me with an impression.
Statewide, 104 people have been saved this year over last year. That is a 13% decrease in fatalities. That is really cool. The uncool part is that Central Missouri is cruising at a 12% increase over the same period last year.
You read this right. An increase.
A question: Where do you think the vast majority of these fatalities have occurred?
US Highways? I-70?
Most occurred on county roads, state lettered routes, numbered routes, and city streets. Many of these roads are posted at 55mph or less and are most are 2 lane roads. They involve motorcycles, pedestrians, and cars.
The message is not all doom and gloom. Gasconade county is the only county in Central Missouri without a traffic related fatality.
I believe we can do better in Central MO not just Gasconade County if we all:
1. Buckle UP
2. Watch Our Speed
3. Don't drive intoxicated or "intexticated"
Please consider the above action items to help you stay off the weekly list I review.
Hoping You Arrive Alive, M
These are people who died using Missouri's transportation system here in the central 13 counties of the state.
Every week I notice things that really leave me with an impression.
Statewide, 104 people have been saved this year over last year. That is a 13% decrease in fatalities. That is really cool. The uncool part is that Central Missouri is cruising at a 12% increase over the same period last year.
You read this right. An increase.
A question: Where do you think the vast majority of these fatalities have occurred?
US Highways? I-70?
Most occurred on county roads, state lettered routes, numbered routes, and city streets. Many of these roads are posted at 55mph or less and are most are 2 lane roads. They involve motorcycles, pedestrians, and cars.
The message is not all doom and gloom. Gasconade county is the only county in Central Missouri without a traffic related fatality.
I believe we can do better in Central MO not just Gasconade County if we all:
1. Buckle UP
2. Watch Our Speed
3. Don't drive intoxicated or "intexticated"
Please consider the above action items to help you stay off the weekly list I review.
Hoping You Arrive Alive, M
Thursday, October 8, 2009
ThinkFirst Missouri Kicks Off New School Year
ThinkFirst Missouri wants to be on your calendar!
Be a part of the solution to reduce injuries and save lives in Missouri by inviting ThinkFirst to your school, business or organization. ThinkFirst is a statewide traffic safety program of the University of Missouri School of Medicine. The program is presented by inspiring survivors of brain and spinal cord injuries. Through compelling firsthand testimonies, audiences will be motivated to take personal responsibility for their actions and make safe choices.
For more information about ThinkFirst Missouri, or to schedule a FREE presentation, visit http://www.thinkfirst.missouri.edu/, e-mail Penny Lorenz, Assistant Director at lorenzp@health.missouri.edu, or call (573) 882-1176.
Every life lost
or person injured
is ONE too many!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Is "MyKey" a Young Driver's Best Friend?
In a September 1, 2009 article in USA Today, Ford is introducing something I think is pretty “cool”. It is a new technology called “MyKey”. An engineer at Ford wondered how he could use technology to help get a teenage driver through that first year of driving. After the teenage driver in his family rolled a family car twice, the father decided that maybe there was something that could be done.
What does the key do? From the article, it becomes a obnoxious little brother. If the driver and passengers are not buckled up, the car chimes at them until they do. It also does not allow the radio to be used until they are buckled up. The key can set the volume of the radio or it can set the maximum speed the car can be driven. The key can also program the car to chime at specific speeds such as 55 or 65 mph.
Being the Central Region Coordinator for Missouri’s Coalition for Roadway Safety, I see the weekly fatality numbers for Central Missouri. As of this week, 12 more people have died than last year at this time. The article causes me to ask: Can technology save more teenager drivers and passengers?
I believe that the answer is yes and no. I realize this is a goofy answer! I believe technology can help, but there are limits. It is certainly difficult to be a parent and watch your teenager drive out of the driveway without your all-imposing presence and experience to guide them. A reminder that their best defense while driving is a simple click of a seat belt is wonderful. Their schedules can make them so busy it is easy to forget the simple things. Their lives have so many distractions that reducing the “volume” to help their focus can only help their driving as well.
I certainly like how the key helps control speed. Between the years 2005-08, high school drivers in Central Missouri were involved in a crash with a fatality or disabling injury. The statistics show that in 147 of these cases, speed contributed towards the crash. Teenagers are already full of energy and motion. They do not need to translate that into a driving habit.
Technology does have its limits. I don’t believe there is a substitute for experience. The first year is the most critical time for a teenage driver. The number of crashes they experience decreases significantly after the first year of driving. More seasoned drivers recognize situations quicker and undertake the correct actions. Teenagers have to experience these situations as they come. So, I don’t believe that gadgets can replace time behind the wheel. But, I do believe it has a place.
In Missouri, teenage drivers represent 9% of the licensed drivers, but they were involved in 23% of the crashes resulting in a fatality and disabling injury in 2008.
This blog was submitted by Matt Myers, Central Region Coordinator for the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
What does the key do? From the article, it becomes a obnoxious little brother. If the driver and passengers are not buckled up, the car chimes at them until they do. It also does not allow the radio to be used until they are buckled up. The key can set the volume of the radio or it can set the maximum speed the car can be driven. The key can also program the car to chime at specific speeds such as 55 or 65 mph.
Being the Central Region Coordinator for Missouri’s Coalition for Roadway Safety, I see the weekly fatality numbers for Central Missouri. As of this week, 12 more people have died than last year at this time. The article causes me to ask: Can technology save more teenager drivers and passengers?
I believe that the answer is yes and no. I realize this is a goofy answer! I believe technology can help, but there are limits. It is certainly difficult to be a parent and watch your teenager drive out of the driveway without your all-imposing presence and experience to guide them. A reminder that their best defense while driving is a simple click of a seat belt is wonderful. Their schedules can make them so busy it is easy to forget the simple things. Their lives have so many distractions that reducing the “volume” to help their focus can only help their driving as well.
I certainly like how the key helps control speed. Between the years 2005-08, high school drivers in Central Missouri were involved in a crash with a fatality or disabling injury. The statistics show that in 147 of these cases, speed contributed towards the crash. Teenagers are already full of energy and motion. They do not need to translate that into a driving habit.
Technology does have its limits. I don’t believe there is a substitute for experience. The first year is the most critical time for a teenage driver. The number of crashes they experience decreases significantly after the first year of driving. More seasoned drivers recognize situations quicker and undertake the correct actions. Teenagers have to experience these situations as they come. So, I don’t believe that gadgets can replace time behind the wheel. But, I do believe it has a place.
In Missouri, teenage drivers represent 9% of the licensed drivers, but they were involved in 23% of the crashes resulting in a fatality and disabling injury in 2008.
This blog was submitted by Matt Myers, Central Region Coordinator for the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Hey Teens and Teachers! It’s Time for Battle of the Belt!
Now is the time for mid-Missouri high schools to contact us to learn about participation in the 2009 Battle of the Belt!
The Battle of the Belt is a competition between Missouri high schools to increase seat belt use among teens. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, Missouri Emergency nurses Association and American Family Insurance sponsor the program.
During the competition, teens participate in an observational safety belt survey conducted before and after an education blitz to determine the change in seat belt use among teens. Prizes are awarded to schools for having the highest seat belt use statewide and locally. Prizes are also awarded for those schools showing the most improved seat belt use.
It’s not too late to sign up. It’s easy to do and teaches a life-saving message. A Participation Agreement Form must be completed by Oct. 2, 2009. Call us at 573-522-1061 or 1-888-275-6636 for more information. Ask for Carol Pleus.
Check out this student produced video from the competition last year.
The Battle of the Belt is a competition between Missouri high schools to increase seat belt use among teens. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, Missouri Emergency nurses Association and American Family Insurance sponsor the program.
During the competition, teens participate in an observational safety belt survey conducted before and after an education blitz to determine the change in seat belt use among teens. Prizes are awarded to schools for having the highest seat belt use statewide and locally. Prizes are also awarded for those schools showing the most improved seat belt use.
It’s not too late to sign up. It’s easy to do and teaches a life-saving message. A Participation Agreement Form must be completed by Oct. 2, 2009. Call us at 573-522-1061 or 1-888-275-6636 for more information. Ask for Carol Pleus.
Check out this student produced video from the competition last year.
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