11

Brief BiographyBrief Biography

Jacob K. Ojera P.EJacob K. Ojera P.E..

Background:Background:• Transplanted Colorado nativeTransplanted Colorado native• Born in Uganda, East AfricaBorn in Uganda, East Africa

Career Highlights:Career Highlights:• 18 years with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)18 years with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)•16 years of roadway design experience with CDOT16 years of roadway design experience with CDOT•Project experiences include NEPA studies, roadway and Interchange design Project experiences include NEPA studies, roadway and Interchange design •Currently CADD manager Currently CADD manager

Contact InformationContact Information

Jacob OjeraJacob Ojera

Colorado Department of Transportation,Colorado Department of Transportation,

4201 E. Arkansas,4201 E. Arkansas,

Denver, CO 80222Denver, CO 80222

Phone # 303 757 5204Phone # 303 757 5204

Email Address: Email Address: jacob.ojerajacob.ojera@dot.state.co.us@dot.state.co.us

22

AASHTO Subcommittee on Design Presentation Successes in Reducing Highway Fatalities in Colorado July 2008

Roadway Fatality Trends:In 1977, Colorado had 3.8 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel By the year 2006, the rate declined to 1.10Since the state’s all-time high of 743 fatalities in 2002, Colorado’s roadway fatalities have been on a downward trend, decreasing by 25.4% in 2007.

Major causes of Roadway Fatalities:Impaired drivingLack of use of occupant protection devicesYoung driver behaviorsAggressive driving

Below are graphs showing Colorado’s successes.

Actual Annual Fatalities and Projected Annual FatalitiesColorado 1977 - 2007

1,492

1,5821,648

1,822 1,848

535

743741

681

626

628

644

667606

554

1,848

1,738

1,654

1,6321,547

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

2,000

1977

1978

1979

1980

1981

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Year

Nu

mb

er o

f F

atal

itie

s

Source: Colorado Department of Transportation (As of March 20, 2008)

Projected Fatalities If the1977 Fatality Rate hadRemained Constant

Actual Fatalities

33

• The majority of Colorado’s Lane Departure fatal crashes occur on rural roadwaysThe majority of Colorado’s Lane Departure fatal crashes occur on rural roadways

• Colorado has developed a new methodology of identifying locations with potential for accident reduction, and has been applying it to all Colorado has developed a new methodology of identifying locations with potential for accident reduction, and has been applying it to all projects. This includes the selection criteria for our Hazard Elimination (HES) Program. projects. This includes the selection criteria for our Hazard Elimination (HES) Program. 

• HES funds are used at locations with potential for accident reduction, to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway, for removing HES funds are used at locations with potential for accident reduction, to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway, for removing roadside obstacles, and to reduce intersection crashes. This methodology is supported by many years of research and papers roadside obstacles, and to reduce intersection crashes. This methodology is supported by many years of research and papers accepted and published by TRB.  This has been a major contributing factor in reducing the severity of crashes in the State. accepted and published by TRB.  This has been a major contributing factor in reducing the severity of crashes in the State. 

• Above is a graph of the Rural Fatal Crashes in Colorado since 2001.  This significant reduction is a result of identifying crashes that are Above is a graph of the Rural Fatal Crashes in Colorado since 2001.  This significant reduction is a result of identifying crashes that are susceptible to correction in a cost effective manner and applying the proper fix to that crash type, versus coming up with a susceptible to correction in a cost effective manner and applying the proper fix to that crash type, versus coming up with a countermeasure and applying it around the state.countermeasure and applying it around the state.

44

Statewide Seat Belt Usage

82.9

%

84.8

%

87.0

%

50.0

%

44.0

%

50.0

%

52.0

%

54.0

%

55.5

%

55.6

%

59.9

%

66.0

%

65.2

%

65.1

% 72.1

%

73.2

%

77.7

%

79.3

%

79.2

%

80.3

%

81.1

%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Year

Per

cen

t

Forcast Seat Belt Usage

Reasons for SuccessesColorado’s Behavioral and Engineering programsColorado instituted an Integrated safety plan that focuses on roadway safety through education, enforcement, engineering and emergency services with a goal of:

o Reducing traffic crash fatalities and injurieso Further reducing deaths on Colorado’s highways in the futureo Defining transportation safety goals and objectiveso Specific safety projects and funding for implementation ando Strategies for achieving goals

Attached are slides highlighting aspects of Colorado’s safety plan and behavioral programs.

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Safety and Traffic Safety and Traffic EngineeringEngineering

Traffic RecordsTraffic Records(Data Management)(Data Management)

66

Safety and Traffic EngineeringSafety and Traffic EngineeringTraffic RecordsTraffic Records

(Data Management)(Data Management)

Traffic Records TeamTraffic Records Team

Rahim Marandi, PERahim Marandi, PE Traffic Records Manager/FARS SupervisorTraffic Records Manager/FARS Supervisor

David Bourget, PEDavid Bourget, PE Grants Project ManagerGrants Project Manager

Charles KeepCharles Keep Data AnalystData Analyst/FARS AnalystFARS Analyst

Rick DavisRick Davis Data AnalystData Analyst/FARS back-up AnalystFARS back-up Analyst

Carmen GomezCarmen Gomez Data AnalystData Analyst

Kevin DietrickKevin Dietrick Data Analyst/FARS back-up AnalystData Analyst/FARS back-up Analyst

Purpose of Traffic Records Unit is to Purpose of Traffic Records Unit is to provide data to support the Behavioral and provide data to support the Behavioral and

Engineering ProgramsEngineering Programs

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Fatalities Analysis Reporting System Fatalities Analysis Reporting System (FARS(FARS))

• U.S. Department of TransportationU.S. Department of Transportation• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)• National Center for Statistics & Analysis (NCSA)National Center for Statistics & Analysis (NCSA)• Department of Transportations, e. g., CDOTDepartment of Transportations, e. g., CDOT

Charles KeepFARS Analyst

Kevin DeitrickFARS Back-up Analyst

Rahim MarandiFARS Supervisor

Colorado FARS ProgramColorado FARS Program

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• BAC and Drug Legislation BAC and Drug Legislation • Motorcycle Helmet Usage LegislationMotorcycle Helmet Usage Legislation• Repeated offendersRepeated offenders• Restraint usage lawsRestraint usage laws• High Speed differential reductionHigh Speed differential reduction• Safety design of cars and light trucks Safety design of cars and light trucks • Safety of large trucks on the highwaySafety of large trucks on the highway• Airbag effectiveness researchAirbag effectiveness research

Uses of FARS dataUses of FARS data

Safety and Traffic EngineeringSafety and Traffic EngineeringTraffic RecordsTraffic Records

(Data Management)(Data Management)

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Safety and Traffic EngineeringSafety and Traffic EngineeringTraffic RecordsTraffic Records

(Data Management)(Data Management)

Where does FARS Data comes from?Where does FARS Data comes from?

• Police Crash ReportsPolice Crash Reports• State Vehicle Registration FilesState Vehicle Registration Files• State Driver Licensing FilesState Driver Licensing Files• State Highway Department Crash DataState Highway Department Crash Data• Vital Statistics/Death CertificatesVital Statistics/Death Certificates• Coroner/Medical Examiner ReportsCoroner/Medical Examiner Reports• Hospital Medical RecordsHospital Medical Records• Emergency Medical Services ReportsEmergency Medical Services Reports

1010

Impaired DrivingImpaired Drivingand Occupant Protection Safety and Occupant Protection Safety

ProgramsPrograms

PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS SAVING PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS SAVING LIVESLIVES

1111

MISSION STATEMENTMISSION STATEMENT

To reduce the incidence and severity of motor To reduce the incidence and severity of motor vehicle crashes and the human and economic vehicle crashes and the human and economic loss associated with motor vehicle crashes.loss associated with motor vehicle crashes.

What We DoWhat We Do

In support of this mission, the units work closely with Colorado communities, law enforcement, and traffic safety experts to design and implement projects to proactively address the state’s emerging and persistent traffic safety challenges.

1212

Impaired Driving Program GoalsImpaired Driving Program Goals GoalGoal 20062006 20102010

Reduce percentage of alcohol-related Reduce percentage of alcohol-related fatal crashesfatal crashes

41.2%41.2% 29.0%29.0%

Reduce the average Blood Alchol Reduce the average Blood Alchol Concerntration (BAC) at arrest Concerntration (BAC) at arrest

0.1600.160 0.0900.090

Reduce % of drivers age 21-34 involved Reduce % of drivers age 21-34 involved in alcohol-related fatal crashesin alcohol-related fatal crashes

38.5%38.5% 36.0%36.0%

Reduce % of alcohol related fatal Reduce % of alcohol related fatal crashes of underage drivers (under 21)crashes of underage drivers (under 21)

12.5%12.5% 12.0%12.0%

Reduce the number of motorcycle Reduce the number of motorcycle crashes per 1,000 motorcycle crashes per 1,000 motorcycle registrationsregistrations

17.817.8 15.015.0

1313

Occupant Protection Program Occupant Protection Program GoalsGoals

GoalGoal 20062006 20102010

Increase seat belt use in passenger Increase seat belt use in passenger carscars

81.6%81.6% 85%85%

Increase child safety seat use for Increase child safety seat use for children (0-4 yrs)children (0-4 yrs)

85.5%85.5% 92%92%

Increase safety belt use by children (5-Increase safety belt use by children (5-15 yrs)15 yrs)

69.7%69.7% 80%80%

Increase safety belt use in rural countiesIncrease safety belt use in rural counties 74.874.8 79.1%79.1%

1414

Program FundingProgram FundingCDOT applies for and receives Federal funding CDOT applies for and receives Federal funding

from National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA)from National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA)

for:for:• 410 funding-Alcohol-Impaired Driving 410 funding-Alcohol-Impaired Driving • 2010 funding-Motorcycle Safety 2010 funding-Motorcycle Safety • 1906 funding-Prevent Racial Profiling1906 funding-Prevent Racial Profiling• 408 funding-Data Improvement 408 funding-Data Improvement • 402 funding-Highway Safety Programs402 funding-Highway Safety Programs

CDOT receives State funds by statute for:CDOT receives State funds by statute for:• LEAF-Law Enforcement Assistance Fund LEAF-Law Enforcement Assistance Fund • MOST-Motorcycle Operator Safety TrainingMOST-Motorcycle Operator Safety Training

1515

Training and Technical Assistance ProgramsTraining and Technical Assistance Programs

• Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (DUI roadsides)Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (DUI roadsides)

• Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) ProgramDrug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program

• National DRE/Impaired Driving ConferenceNational DRE/Impaired Driving Conference

• Traffic Safety Resource ProsecutorTraffic Safety Resource Prosecutor

• Law Enforcement CoordinatorLaw Enforcement Coordinator

• Child Passenger Safety Technician CertificationChild Passenger Safety Technician Certification

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Young Drivers & EducationYoung Drivers & Education

• Underage Drinking Prevention ProjectUnderage Drinking Prevention Project• MADD MADD • Summit Prevention Alliance Summit Prevention Alliance • Motorcycle Operator Safety TrainingMotorcycle Operator Safety Training• ABATE Trike, Motorcycle PR campaignABATE Trike, Motorcycle PR campaign• DUI Simulator DUI Simulator • Prohibit Racial ProfilingProhibit Racial Profiling

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Occupant Protection ProgramsOccupant Protection Programs• Occupant Protection-16 projectsOccupant Protection-16 projects• Safe Communities-3 projectsSafe Communities-3 projects• Pedestrian and Bicycles-3 projectsPedestrian and Bicycles-3 projects• Memorial Sign ProgramMemorial Sign Program

Occupant ProtectionOccupant Protection• Child Passenger Safety and OutreachChild Passenger Safety and Outreach• Minority and Rural Focused ProgramsMinority and Rural Focused Programs• Occupant Protection Enforcement-Click it or TicketOccupant Protection Enforcement-Click it or Ticket• Annual Seat Belt SurveyAnnual Seat Belt Survey

• Teen Traffic SafetyTeen Traffic Safety

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Colorado FatalitiesColorado Fatalities

Total Fatalities:Total Fatalities:• 2004 667 Alcohol Related 265 39.7 %2004 667 Alcohol Related 265 39.7 %• 2005 606 Alcohol Related 252 41.5%2005 606 Alcohol Related 252 41.5%• 2006 535 Alcohol Related 226 42.4%2006 535 Alcohol Related 226 42.4%• 20072007 554 Alcohol Related 217 554 Alcohol Related 217

39.1% 39.1%

Motorcycle Total FatalitiesMotorcycle Total Fatalities• 2004 812004 81• 2005 872005 87• 2006 742006 74• 2007 902007 90• 2008 12 (As of 5/01/08)2008 12 (As of 5/01/08)

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Impaired Driving ProgramsImpaired Driving Programs::Glenn Davis 303-757-9462Glenn Davis 303-757-9462glenn.davis@dot.state.co.usglenn.davis@dot.state.co.us

Occupant Protection ProgramsOccupant Protection Programs::Carol Gould 303-757-9468Carol Gould 303-757-9468Carol.gouldCarol.gould@dot.state.co.us@dot.state.co.us

Capt. Bruce Sheetz – Law Enforcement Capt. Bruce Sheetz – Law Enforcement Coordinator: Coordinator:

303-757-9463303-757-9463bruce.sheetzbruce.sheetz@dot.state.co.us@dot.state.co.us

2020

Colorado of Transportation Colorado of Transportation "Click It or Ticket" "Click It or Ticket"

Campaign and Teen OutreachCampaign and Teen Outreach

No other safety program has the same No other safety program has the same “bottom line” potential for reducing “bottom line” potential for reducing

traffic deaths and injuries due to lack of traffic deaths and injuries due to lack of safety belt usage. safety belt usage.

2121

What is “Click It or Ticket”?What is “Click It or Ticket”?

• NHTSA developed the program.NHTSA developed the program.• An intensive and short duration Selective Traffic An intensive and short duration Selective Traffic

Enforcement ProgramEnforcement Program (sTEP) (sTEP) with the objective to with the objective to raise seat belt use statewideraise seat belt use statewide

• Concerted enforcement of secondary seat belt laws Concerted enforcement of secondary seat belt laws through speeding and hazardous driving contacts through speeding and hazardous driving contacts

• Intense public information campaign running prior to Intense public information campaign running prior to and concurrently with the enforcement “blitz” and concurrently with the enforcement “blitz”

• sTEPs are a proven method to change motorists’ sTEPs are a proven method to change motorists’ behavior and do it quicklybehavior and do it quickly

2222

Colorado “Click It or Ticket”Colorado “Click It or Ticket”

Team Effort Team Effort

• CDOT Safety and Traffic Engineering Branch CDOT Safety and Traffic Engineering Branch and Public Relations Officeand Public Relations Office

• Colorado State PatrolColorado State Patrol

• Local law enforcement agencies Local law enforcement agencies

• Local traffic safety coalitionsLocal traffic safety coalitions

• National Highway Traffic Safety National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Administration (NHTSA)

2323

Program Improvement IdeasProgram Improvement Ideas

• Begin outreach to teens earlier. Begin outreach to teens earlier. • Designate coalition representative to Designate coalition representative to

coordinate earned media activities. coordinate earned media activities. • Help us find safety belt survivors. Help us find safety belt survivors. • Law enforcement schedules.Law enforcement schedules.• Incorporate CIOT activities/messaging into Incorporate CIOT activities/messaging into

other non- traffic safety community events.other non- traffic safety community events.

2424

““Click It or Ticket” Campaign GoalsClick It or Ticket” Campaign Goals

• Save lives and reduce injuries in traffic Save lives and reduce injuries in traffic crashes by creating an enforcement crashes by creating an enforcement perception that will influence part-time and perception that will influence part-time and non-belt users to buckle up non-belt users to buckle up

• Partner and interact with safety groups and Partner and interact with safety groups and coalitions to gain citizen support and coalitions to gain citizen support and political permissionpolitical permission

• Increase statewide seat belt use to 82.5% Increase statewide seat belt use to 82.5% by 2007 and to 85.0% by 2010by 2007 and to 85.0% by 2010