flesh,metal & glass by fraydun manocherian · over 80% of all bikers involved in a crash suffer...

“Thank you for your suggestions for education against drunk driving. I agree that education is the key to stopping the deadly combination of drinking and driving. By educating our citizens, we can take the first step in ensuring fewer alcohol-related accidents and fatalities.”

- Sincerely, President Bill Clinton, November, 1994

“... I shared your testimony with my colleagues...I think it shows that, among other things, your determined advocacy has lead to increased funding for Highway Safety Programs.”

- Sincerely, David Q. Bates Jr., Assistant to President George W. Bush and Secretary to the Cabinet, February, 1990

“... So that your suggestion may be given attention by the appropriate officials, I am forwarding this material to the President’s Committee for Traffic Safety.”

- Sincerely, Assistant to President Eisenhower September, 1955

“... Rosalynn and I want to make a personal donation to the National Road Safety Foundation... Your personal commitment to educating young people about the dangers of drinking and driving inspires and encourages us. We are proud to have you as a partner and a friend.”

- Sincerely, President Jimmy Carter June, 1996

18 East 50th Street, New York NY 10012 • Toll-Free. 866.SAFE.PATH • [email protected] • www.nationalroadsafety.org

Published by The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

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THE FORCE OF THIS CRASH SCULPTED THE PASSENGER’S FACE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD.*

By

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FLESH,M

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SS A MANUAL FOR LIFE IN TRANSIT

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.18 East 50th Street, New York NY 10012

Toll-Free. 866.SAFEPATH email: [email protected]

www.nationalroadsafety.org

TO ORDER CONTACT:

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

is a non-profi t charitable organization that promotes safe drivingthrough public awareness.

It produces and distributes free of charge documentaries and educational programsfor use in dirver education,

traffi c safety and enforcement programs.Its public safety programs are geared toward: improved dirver competence;

prmoting use of safety equipment;education the public to the danger of drinking and driving

and other causes of accidents.

18 East 50th Street, New York NY 10012 • Toll-Free. 866.SAFE.PATH • [email protected]

About the National Road Safety FoundationSpecial thanks

THE CAR

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

INTO THE ELEMENTS

THE BIKE

THE DRIVER

PROPOSED LEGISLATION

insidecover

backcover

001-023

024-037

038-063

064-073

074-107

108-123

Selecting Safety

Vital Signs

Use Your Gear

Physiology

Arresting Development

Party Right

Night Moves

Road Rules

A Half-Penny for a Life

Support a National Safety Program

Education is Desperately NeededEducation is Desperately Needed

Free Items to Order

Selected CorrespondenceCompare the limits of your body to the reach of the law. Recognize and manage toxic scenarios.

From rules of the road to respecting mother nature, learn the moves to roll with the elements.

So you finally got the bike. Now remember, it’s a dog eat dog world out there. Read our survival tips.

It starts with you. Here’s how to make sure you are driving at the top of your game.

You can save a life..make your vote count.

Know your car inside-out: even before you buy it! Learn vital signs to keep it running smoothly.

002-007

008-015

016-023

026-029

030-033

034-037

040-043

044-051

052-063

Smart Bikers065-067

068-069

070-073

108-113

114-115

116-119

120-121

122

Designer Road Rash

Get Your Gear On

CO

NT

EN

TS

Scan the Road

Use the Tools

Talking Heads

Set the Tone

Hit the Highway

Make Your Pass

Life in the Fast Lane

Driving at All Ages

Driver Ed Resources

076-079

080-081

082-086

087-089

090-091

092-097

098-101

102-105

106-107

124-127 WEB SITE INDEX

INSERTS

Slick Moves

Special thanks to my wife, Jennifer, whose support and encouragement made this book possible.

And thanks to my son, John, for his vision.We gratefully acknowledge Michelle Anderson and Adele Kristiansson,

for their contribution of research and editorial assistance. Most importantly, we acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Jonathan Bush,

whose significant help brought about approximately $200 million a year that the government gives the states toward safety on our roads.

* Photo by Nell ie Ivins, Courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Nell ie Ivins, EMT-P, who was on the scene of this crash, strongly believes that passenger of this vehicle would have received only minor injuries if aq seatbelt had been worn.

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THE CAR

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NEARLY 1/3 OF THE NATION’S MAJOR ROADS HAVE POOR OR MEDIOCRE PAVEMENT CONDITIONS. POOR ROADS CUT GAS MILEAGE IN HALF AND DOUBLE CAR MAINTENANCE COSTS.

Choose a strong occupant compartment with front and rear ends designed to buckle and bend to absorb and keep the crash force from the safety cage. Longer crush zones reduce damage to the occupant compartment. Stiff or short crush zones can cause the occupant compartment to collapse in a serious crash. Crash testing to determine crashworthiness is conducted by the Federal Department of Transportation [DOT] which measures frontal crashes against a rigid barrier at 35 mph;IIHS measures partial frontal crashes against a rigid barrier at 40 mph.

Larger and heavier cars are safer than smaller, lighter ones. Larger cars offer occu-rpants better protection due to longer crush zones, which exert force upon the lighter car in a 2-car crash. Small cars have twice as many occupant deaths than larger cars.

Three-Point Seat Belts: Should be comfortable and easy to lock. Look for belt crashtensions, which activate in a collision to reel in belt slack and prevent forward movement.Air bags: Double protection offered by traditional lap/shoulder belts against injury to head and upper body. Some designs offer side air bags for increased energy absorptionduring side-impact crashes and some offer additional head protection. Passenger air bagscan be disengaged or modified to reduce the risk of injury to smaller passengers and chil-dren. Head Restraints: Position directly behind and close to head. Ensure adjustablerestraints can be locked into place.

Anti-lock Brakes System [ABS] brakes, automatic daytime lights activated by ignition, and night vision all help to avoid a crash.Daytime running lights double your visibility to oncoming drivers.

Check collision loss reports to rate your car. Insurance losses for vehicle damage are typically highest for sports and luxury cars and lowest for passenger vans and station wagons. Collision losses are most frequent for small cars, yet more costly for sports and luxury models. Sports Utility Vehicles [SUV’s] have the highest theft losses [12 times the average.]

Look for vehicles with greatest fuel efficiency and low emissions rates. SUV’s will have to comply with stricter Federal Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency [CAFE] standards. The cost of greater size is fuel efficiency and air quality of the planet.Select a car you can afford to refuel.

restraint systems

crashworthiness

size & weight

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U s e t h e I n s u r a n c e I n s t i t u t e o f H i g h w a y S a f e t y ( I I H S ) v e h i c l e d e s i g n c r i t e r i a t o

Engine size, gas mileage, weight, maneuverability, braking distance, high performance androllover tendencies all affect driving behavior. The IIHS “Driver Death Rates by Make and Model” lists overall driver death rates by vehicle relative to the average rate for all passenger vehicles in both single and multiple vehicle crashes. Cars with the lowest death rates include:large and midsize station wagons, passenger vans, luxury cars and utility vehicles. Cars withhighest death rates include: small and mid-sized, sports cars, small two and four doors cars, small pick-ups and small SUV’s.

check out the safety, fuel efficiency and survivability of the vehicles you consider purchasing.

performance

crash avoidance

theft & collision

fuel efficiency


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OF CO2 IN IT’S LIFETIME. CO2 EMISSIONS ACCOUNT FOR HALF OF THE GLOBAL WARMING PROBLEM.CARS AND TRUCKS COMPRISE 40% OF ALL U.S. OIL CONSUMPTION. THE AVERAGE CAR EMITS 50 TONS

Safety Issues

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Sharing the Road

When Driving Near an SUV

Their higher center of gravity, combined with theabrupt maneuvers of drivers untrained in the dynamics of light trucks is why SUV’s have the highest fatal roll-over crash rate of any vehicle class in history.

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IS BIGGER really BETTER?

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV's) weigh at least 4,000 lbs. more than traditional cars.SUV's are classified as light trucks.SUV's have a higher center of gravity - and bumper height -- than do cars.SUV's have the highest fatal rollover crash rate of anyrvehicle class.Consumers blame 4,000 accidents on alleged SUV brakefailures.Over 15,000 ABS brake failures filed for SUV's: thehighest complaint rate in the industry.

Leave extra room. Their rigid crush zone and greater bumper height are designed to crumple another car(underneath) in a 2-car crash.

"U.S. auto-makers consistently oppose boosting CAFÉ, arguing that they would have to build smaller cars with less powerful engines. Yet almost all of the increases in fuel efficiency have come about through technological changes - not smaller cars. Japanese manufacturers have developed "leaner burn" engines, proving that cars don't have to be tiny to be efficient. Fuel economy need not impair safety: improved design and the incorporation of new technology can enhance both crash avoidance and crashworthiness potential, while improving efficiency."

- The Sierra Club

Environment / Economic ImpactSUV's average 13 miles per gallon (mpg) compared to 27.5 miles per gallon for cars. In 1975, when Corporate Fuel Efficiency (CAFÉ) Standards were adopted, light trucks received more lenient efficiency standards than cars and comprised 20% of the vehicle market. Now light trucks, or SUV's, comprise 40% of all new car sales. "The (auto) indus-try exploited the law…the development of the light truck was a way to escape CAFÉ standards." - Dan Becker, Director of Sierra Club's Energy and Global Warming program. Growing popularity of SUV's made the late nineties the least fuel-effi-cient model years in decades.

If You Drive an SUVDrive cautiously. Leave Drive cautiously Leave extra following and braking followingdistance. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers, which could cause you to lose control or roll over. Wear seatbelts at all times.

Warning

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EMISSIONS IN HALF OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS AND SAVE MILLIONS OF BARRELS OF OIL EACH DAY.0

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RAISING CAFE STANDARDS TO 45 MPG FOR CARS AND 34 MPG FOR LIGHT TRUCKS WOULD CUT U.S.

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8SUFFER INJURIES. EVERY ONE IN THREE PEOPLE WILL BE INVOLVED IN A DWI CAR CRASH.IN ANY GIVEN YEAR YOU COULD BE ONE OF: 42,000 TO DIE IN A CAR CRASH; 3.4 MILLION TO

Fluid Levels: oil, wipers, coolant, power steering, brake and transmission;Brakes: for firmness;Tire Pressure: and treads - keep an eye out for uneven wear;Light Bulbs: in the trunk, under the hood and in the glove compartment;All Lights: front, high and low beam, brake lights, directional and interior lights;Belts, Hoses And Wires For Wear, loosening or dislocation.HornSpare Tire and access to it. Gardening gloves for changing tires.Contents of First Aid and Car Safety Kit: update and replenish as necessary

Your safety depends on the condition of your vehicle. It’s the driver’s responsibility to maintain all equipment. Don’t wait for your yearly inspection. Keep the owner’s manual in the glove compartment. Check it regularly to note scheduled service reminders and to log maintenance. Oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles provide increased mileage, lower oil consumption and improved trade-in value.

Take safety precautions to reduce your personal risk. Use safety equipment, including safety belts, speedometer, etc.

Save yourself money, headache and the trouble of a breakdown. Learn to detect signs of wear and tear. Catch danger while it’s still only a little trouble.

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Don’t just sit there. Periodically Manually Check:

Maintain your vehicle and all equipment. Know and obey traffic laws. Drive defensively.

IF YOUR CAR SHOULD BE DISABLED, TRY TO GET WELL CLEAR OF THE ROAD. KEEP AN EMERGENCY ROD KIT IN YOUR TRUNK. WARN ONCOMING CARS WITH LIGHTS, FLARES AND A RAISED HOOD. SEE YOUR DEALER OR MECHANIC WHENEVER YOU DETECT ABNORMAL SIGNS.


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EVERY 13 MINUTES SOMEONE DIES IN A CAR CRASH.0

10TRAFFIC CRASHES HAVE KILLED OVER 3 MILLION AMERICANS, MORE THAN ALL U.S. COMBAT DEATHS.

Brakes don’t apply evenly to all wheels.

Out of alignment.

Always check air filter during tune-ups: a clogged filter can hinder braking. Driving with the parking brake on will wear it out. The park brake light should be kept in repair.

Brakes grab. Pedal goes down too far.

Slowly apply brakes to dry them.

Check brake fluid. There could be a leak in the hydraulic system. Brakes could require immediate repair.

Water and dirt canfilter in during wet weather.

As brakes and liningbecome worn, greasemay seep in to causeslipping.

See Mechanic.

Front-end shakes or shimmies, wheel has excessive play. You hear a"growling" noise or belt squeal.

In a blowout or loss of brakes, you can manage the car by steering. When the steering goes, you have no control.

Steering is increasingly hard.

Check and maintain fluid and lube levels, oil and tire pressure.

If hydraulic power supply stops, power steering becomes hard and difficult to control. Front-end alignment and properly inflated tires help maintain the steering system.

SPEEDSPEEDTIMETIME

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S t e e r i n g B r a k e s


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YOUR SENSES FASTER THAN ALCOHOL, AND CAN BE FATAL. NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE, YOU PAYCARBON MONOXIDE IN EXHAUST IS HIGHLY POISONOUS. ONCE IN THE BLOOD STREAM IT HINDERS

Loud muffler.

Check wheel alignment each time your car is serviced.

Check and/or replace muffler.

Uneven steering. Reduced tire life.

Poor alignment can cause excessive wear and looseness. Failure of the king pins as well as the components of the independent front wheel suspen-sion system and tie rod: All dangerous situations.

A leaking muffler creates the hazard of monoxide poisoning and pollutes.

Poor visibility.

Clean away dirt, check and replace bulbs as needed.

Clean it and replenish wiper fluid regularly.

Make sure that headlights, tail lights and directional signals are clean and work properly.

A dirty windshield can reduce visibility by 50% anddistort perspective.

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Low light level.

Crack or divot.

Repair or replaceit immediately.

W h e e l A l i g n m e n t L i g h t s

W i n d s h i e l d

Bumper-to-bumper traffic, extreme heat, a broken seal or gas leak, and clogged tailpipe all

raise the risk of monoxide poisoning.

If you smell exhaust or sense a headache, open the windows or leave the car. Open your garage door while warming your

car. Keep a carbon monoxide alarm in both the garage and the house.


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PAYS $820 EACH YEAR TO SUBSIDIZE UNRECOVERED COSTS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.YOUR SHARE OF THE $250 BILLION EACH YEAR THAT CRASHES COST THE NATION. EVERY AMERICAN

T i r e s

Tires are the best buffer between you and an accident: Buy the best. Buy only the size recommended in the owner’s manual. Driving habits affect tire wear. Check wear often. Make sure treads are at least 1/8” deep, and that there are no cuts or slashes in the sidewalls or breaks in the fabric. When traveling at sustained high speeds, increase tire air pressure by four pounds above normal cold starting pressure. This helps reduce running temperature.

Excessive speed on curves, severe braking, over acceleration and sustained high-speed driving: all shorten the life of tires. Radials last around 40,000 miles, belted around 25,000, and bias from 15 - 20,000 miles. Front tires generally wear out faster than the rear. Avoid tire strain and blowouts on long trips. Excessive heat in a tire for long periods can cause it to come apart.

Engine running hot.

When washing your car, wash wiper blades with soap or alcohol. Replace blades as needed.

Check oil level.

Dirt. Uneven wiping. Scratching.

Windshield wipers should be in good operat-ing condition at all times. Faulty wipers hinder vision and can permanently scratch windshield glass.

Change oil and filter every 3-5,000 miles, and before long distance travel.

Tire failure is a major cause of expressway collision.The friction of high-speed operation wears tire treads rapidly.The faster you drive, the more tires flex, stretch and heat up, reducing their strength and durability.Tires lose about a pound of pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature.Wheels out of balance or alignment decrease performance and wear off tread much more quickly. Properly inflated tires save money. Underinflation can decrease mileage by one mile per gallon.Rotate and rebalance tires every 6,000 - 8,000 miles or as recommended in the Owner’s Manual. This eliminates uneven patterns of wear and lengthens tire life span. w

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OF ALL EJECTED OCCUPANTS ARE KILLED. SEATBELT USAGE IS HIGHEST WHERE LAWS ARE ENFORCED.60% OF ALL UNBELTED OCCUPANTS ARE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A FATAL CRASH. 73%

Three-point safety belts protect you from the dangers of being thrown about the passenger compart-ment or ejected from the car in a collision.

The shoulder harness reduces the severity of injury by protecting the head from striking the steering wheel, windshield or dash.The lap belt allows the hips to absorb much of the force of the collision, reducing the force absorbed bythe head or chest.

Together, the lap and shoulder belts keep you in your seat and distribute the force of the collision to body parts best able to withstand it.

Safety belts can also help prevent a crash. By maintaining your position behind the wheel and near the brake pedal, you are better able to stay in the driver’s seat and regain control of the vehicle.

Fasten all belts before the car isr in motion. It requires two hands.

Make sure the seat is adjusted in the most comfortable position and locked in place, to prevent any free-sliding movement that could stop you from reaching the gas and brake pedals.

Make protection a habit.Cut your risk of death or injury in half: buckle up your safety belt - even for shorttrips, since half of all crashes occur within 25 miles of home. The driver sets the standard: wear your safety belt and make sure your passengers do,too. Parents who buckle themselves are more likely to buckle their children.

DON’T BECOME SOMEONE ELSE’S HUMAN AIR BAG: MAKE SURE PASSENGERS BUCKLE UP

T h r e e - p o i n t S e a t B e l tStandard Gear: Use It or Lose It

In a crash there are two collisions: first, as the vehicle hits an object and stopsand secondly, as passengers within the vehicle strike the interior. Unbuckledpassengers become human projectiles within the vehicle compartment.

Two for the Price of One

3 POINT

SEAT BELT:

SURVIVAL GEAR


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COMPLIANCE: 69% BUCKLE UP. 28 COUNTIES OR PROVINCES HAVE MANDATORY SEAT BELT LAWS.AIR BAG SHUT-OFF SWITCHES ARE NOW STANDARD IN VEHICLES WITH NO BACK SEAT. U.S. SEATBELT

More than half of all fatalities occur to front seat passengers.Air bags provide additional protection in a collision by inflating like a big balloon upon impact to cushion occupants during a crash.

A sensor in the front bumper inflates the air bag contained in the rsteering column and the dash in front of the front-seat passenger.It takes about 1/25th of a second for the air bag to inflate. Air bags require no maintenance, however upon deployment they must be replaced.

Air bags may provide superior protection in frontal crashes, while safety belts provide better protection in side impacts, rollovers and rear-end collisions. Both systems must be used together.

“SMART” Air Bags"Smart” Air Bags include multi-stage inflations and systems that can detect out-of-position occupants. Their deployment can be tailored to the size of the occupant and the circumstances of the crash. Smart Air Bags are available in 2000 model cars. ww

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Air bags can injure children and small adults. Smaller andelderly passengers should move their seats as far backward aspossible, keeping well away from the deployment area.

Side-Impact Air BagsSide impact crashes account for about 1/3 of all passenger deaths.Though not federally regulated, side-impact air bags are a morecommon front-seat safety feature, so ask individual manufacturers. Usually located in the door frame or seat, some are designed to protect the chest and others, the head.Some can sense when a child is too close.

A i r b a g s

Consumers may now install on-off switches for air bags, if you:

Must transport infants in rear-facing child passenger seatsor children between the ages of 1-12 in the front seat.

Cannot position yourself with the center of the breastbonefat least 10 inches back from the air bag cover;

Have a medicalH di l conditionditi where the risk of air bag injuryh th i k f i b i jexceeds the risk of impacting the steering column;


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BETWEEN THE AGES OF 6-27, CAR CRASHES ARE THE LEADING WAY YOUR AGE GROUP DIES.CHILD RESTRAINTS HAVE SAVED OVER 4,OOO CHILDRENS’ LIVES IN THE LAST 25 YEARS. IF YOU ARE

The momentum of a sudden stop or crash gives a 20-pound baby a 400-pound force. Because of their delicate bone structure, children need restraints designed especially for them. Child safety seats have significantly reduced infant and toddler deaths. All states require that young children ride only in approved safety seats.

There are three basic types of child safety seats:1. Rear facing infant seats 0-20 lbs.2. Safety seats for toddlers 20-40 lbs.3. Booster seats for children who are not old enough for lap belts, but need additional height.

40-80 lbs.

There are thousands of child safety seats on the market, yet using an approved safety seat is notenough. Most children are restrained inappropriately for their age.y

Visit a child passenger safety fitting station, where licensed professionals can check your child’s safety seat and make sure it fits properly. Call your dealership, Department of Highway or Public Safety, Police or local Traffic Safety Agencies for details. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website lists child passenger safety contacts in each state. Call National SAFE KIDS Campaign to find a car seat check-up event near you: 800-441-1888

As of September, 2002, all new vehicles and most child safety seats are equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments. A new top tether strap fastens the child seat more securely, and two lower anchors - independent of the vehicle seat belt - attach from behind the seat bight to hooks on the lower frame of the child safety seat. The additional stability points reduce both a seat's tendency to travel forward. and the arc of its forward motion, upon a short stop. Many manufacturers will retrofit existing cars free of charge.

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CAUTION:ALWAYS

READ THE CAUTION SIGN

Photos courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

G e a r f o r K i d s


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CAUSE OF DEATH FOR KIDS AGED 2-14. HALF OF ALL CHILDREN KILLED WERE UNRESTRAINED. THERE ARE 73 MILLION CHILDREN IN THE U.S.; 25% OF THE POPULATION. CAR CRASHES ARE THE LEADING

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INFLUENCEUNDER THE

025

024 Impaired driving is the nation’s most frequently committed violent crime.

These crimes are avoidable.

Most people don’t consider it a crime to drink and drive. Each year drunk drivers cost the U.S.$45 billion in lost productivity, property damages, medical and other costs.

The grief and personal loss they cause cannot be measured.They are the result of ignorance and poor judgment.

DWI = Driving While ImpairedDWI FATALITY = A fatal crash in which the driver or pedestrian Y

had a BAC of .01 in a police reported crash.BAC = Blood Alcohol Content; the level of alcohol present

as a percentage of blood.


027

MILLION INJURIES. DRIVERS WITH .15 BAC ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN A FATAL CRASH.0

26DWI CAUSES ROUGHLY 16,000 DEATHS EACH YEAR. EACH YEAR NON-REPORTED DWI CRASHES CAUSE ONE

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system as an anesthetic,lowering the activity of the brain. It is not digested, but absorbed directly into thebloodstream, where it displaces oxygen and is carried to all parts of the body.

Because the brain requires much blood to function, alcohol affects it more immediatelythan any other organ.

The effect that alcohol has on one’s judgment and physical coordination is determinedby the BAC level.

BAC levels depend on the physical variables of individual’s: body weight and type, age,personal metabolic rate, alcohol tolerance, emotional state, other medications, theamount of food consumed, the time span of drinking, the number and strength of thedrinks and SEX.

BAC levels also vary by ratio of body fat to muscle. Leaner people have more bodywater in which the alcohol is distributed. As women tend to be smaller, and to haveproportionately more fatty tissue and less body water than men, the same amount of alcohol is likely to have a greater effect on them.

Ph

ys

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gy

In a Mount Sinai School of Medicine study, a control group of women and men “drank for science” on several consecutive days. Despite intake levels carefully calibrated to body weight, the women consistently showed higher levels of alcohol than the men.

The subjects were then given alcohol intravenously, to determine the stomach’s role in breaking down alcohol. The women showed little difference in alcohol levels: their diminished level of alcohol dehydrogenates permitted nearly as much alcohol to pass into their bodies when they drank as when it was injected directly into their bloodstream.

Women feel the effects of alcohol twice as quickly as men because they have 1/2 as much of an alcohol-busting enzyme - alcohol dehydrogenate - in their stomachs.


028

029

LEGAL LIMIT IN MOST STATES: 0.10 OR .08 GRAMS OF ALCOHOL PER DECILITER (G/DL) OF BLOOD.ALL STATES: 21 YEAR MINIMUM DRINKING AGE AND ZERO TOLERANCE UNDER 21.

Physical Effects Driving Effects

This chart shows the effects of alcohol consumption by a 150lb person.

Elated pleasant feeling. May affect judgment.

Social EffectsBAC: .03

BAC: .06

BAC: .09

BAC: .12

BAC: .15

B u t r e m e m b e r . . U s u a l l y y o u a r e n o t e v e n a w a r e o f t h e s e c h a n g e s .

Unmistakable intoxication.

Less concern with minor irritations and restraints.Inhibitions lessened. Impulsive behavior.

Exaggerated behaviors; talkative, noisy or morose.

Impaired verbal and fine coordination skills.

Slight change in feeling and physical coordination.

Simple reaction time slowed.

Slurred speech. Diminished coordination.

Staggering gait, clumsiness.

Abnormal and unresponsive mental and physical functions.

Reduced complex reaction time and Divided attention.

Impaired tracking, skilled psychomotor tasks & ocular motor control.

Information processing deficit.

Reduction in concentrated attention and perception.

Unable to function behind the wheel.

Speed and distance judgment is less accurate after 1-3 drinks. 2 drinks in an hour increases your self-confi dence but slows your reaction time by

15-25%. Your peripheral vision is reduced, eye reaction slows and recovery from head light glare takes 7 to 32 seconds longer.

= 12 oz. beer= 5.5 oz. glass of wine = 1.5 oz. cocktail or spirits

SCIENCE


WHEN YOU ARE SOBER. 1 IN EVERY 122 LICENSED DRIVERS (1.5 MILLION) ARE ARRESTED FOR DWI.

031

030

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING INTO A CAR CRASH ARE 7x GREATER THAN

Legislatively, on average 200 DWI-related bills are passed each year, and the Department of Transportation awards grant monies to encourage states to enact and enforce counter-measures and prevention programs, such as administrative license revocation, graduated licensing, programs to prevent alcohol sales to minors, sobriety checkpoints and program-ming to target high-risk populations.

Along with prevention programs, sanctions for repeat offenders have proliferated, includ-ing: electronic monitoring and home confinement, intensive supervision probation, license plate tagging, ignition interlock, special DWI incarceration facilities and stiffer fines and sentences for drivers with high BAC levels.

No P

lace

To

Hide

Only the PASSAGE OF TIME can reduce a BAC level at the rate of .02% BAC per hour.

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ARREST ING DEVELOPMENT

on suspicion of DWI, the officer will require you to take a Breathalyzer, urine or coordi-rnation test.

Any refusal to submit will be used against you at trial. For a complete review of state-by-state administrative laws, illegal BAC levels and sanctions, consult the NHTSA website, "Traffic Safety Facts."

In some states, hospitals can forward BAC levels of ER patients to the police, who would otherwise have no probable cause for arrest. Doctor-patient confidentiality is waived and police need not request the information.

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Photo courtesy of Patrolman Rob Garofalo / NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety

Coffee, cold showers, and other attempts to stimulate an intoxicated person for driving will only wake him up; they can’t sober him up. His blood alcohol concentration remains unchanged and his judg-ment remains impaired.

If you are pulled over


032

033

WEEKDAYS, 1 IN 7 DRIVERS IS DWI. MIDNIGHT TO 3AM SATURDAY IS THE DEADLIEST TIME TO DRIVE.THE RISK OF A DWI RELATED CRASH IS 3X HIGHER AT NIGHT. BETWEEN 10:OOPM - 1:00AM

I N T E R V E N E

Commit an act of friendship. The best time to recognize an impaired driver is BEFORE they get in the driver’s seat!

changes lanes frequentlypasses improperlyovershoots or ignores traffic signs and signals drives at night without lights, or delays turning lights on fails to dim high beams for oncoming trafficdrives in lower gear for no apparent reasonhugs or drives on the shoulder of the roadstraddles the center line

RECOGNIZING IMPAIRED DRIVERS:

SIGNS open in cold weatherwindow while drivingbehind other vehiclestraffic and cornersat excessive speeds

keeps window sticks head out of the

drives or swerves into oncomingturns abruptly or illegally

turns too wide at intersections and corners, drives too closely

Offer to drive them home, take their keys or call a cab. They’ll insist they’re fit to drive, and most likely argue.

It won’t be easy but don’t buy it.


035

2 JETLINER CRASHES EVERY WEEK. 1/3 OF DRIVERS ARRESTED FOR DWI WILL BE REPEAT OFFENDERS.0

34THERE ARE 327,000 INJURED YEARLY IN POLICE-REPORTED DWI CRASHES WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO

par

ty r

ight

The only way to insure that your driving is not impaired is to refrain from drinking or to designate a SOBER driver. If you are 21 or older and choose to drink, exercise responsible judgment: don’t drink if you intend to drive. Know how to protect others from poor decisions, and recognize impaired driving behaviors.

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IT KILLS DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE


00

3

TOLERANCE. HIGHEST INTOXICATION RATES IN FATAL DWI CRASHES ARE AMONG 21-24 YEAR OLD DRIVERS.0

36DRUGS ARE PRESENT IN 10-22% OF DRIVERS INVOLVED IN CRASHES. YOUNG DRIVERS HAVE LESS ALCOHOL

Fighting impairment caused by the use of over-the-counter and prescription drugs is diffi cult, since warning labels to advise patients of the potential impairing effects of their prescriptions have not been implemented in the U.S. Many drivers unknowingly put themselves at risk. Ask your doctor about potential impairing effects of any medication and the effects of combining the medications that you take.

Illegal in all states to drive a car under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both. Ingestion of illegal drugs poses considerable threat to the driving public as well as to you.

Marijuana is harmful to the brain, heart, lungs and immune system. It limits learning, memory, perception, judgment, and complex motor skills, like those needed to drive.

Cocaine renders users unable to concentrate and think clearly for any length of time.

Inhalants can damage heart, kidneys, liver, brain and other organs, depending upon types used.

GETTING WIREDG

Know your meds. While you are fighting a cold you don’t want meone because you were drowsy.to kill som

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039

038

Extreme weather strains every driver's competence and puts us all at greater risk. It reduces visibility, traction, speed and rdistance judgment. It's important to know where weather-related dangers lurk and how they affect your mobility. If possible - avoid extreme conditions. If not - develop your skills and learn to keep other drivers from dragging you down.

LIMITS YOUR CONTROL

R A I N . S N O W . I C E . F O G . D U S T . W I N D

Into The ElementsFM&G_rev2.09_1.3.indd 40-41FM&G_rev2.09_1.3.indd 40-41 3/3/09 9:36:24 PM3/3/09 9:36:24 PM

041

30% OF ALL DRIVERS IN FATAL CRASHES DISREGARD THE SPEED LIMIT.0

40DON’T DRIVE IN BAD CONDITIONS IF IT ISN’T NECESSARY. WEIGH THE RISK AND CHANGE YOUR PLANS.

DON’T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD

WH

ERE D

AN

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REACTIONACTION1. Listen to weather reports to assess road conditions and pick a safe route. Nightfall and dropping tempera-tures can freeze roads and diminish traction.

2. Check equipment: windshield wipers, tire treads for traction on slippery roads, spare tire, radio, heater, and cellphone. Keep all windows defogged. A tank full of gas and other rear weight will enhance traction.

3. Allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance for extra maneuverability. Give othersadvance warning of lane changes and turns. Avoid sudden accelerations. Make slow, wide turns. If you’re weary of thestrain, take a rest or stop somewhere safe.

4. Make yourself visible. Use hazard flashers and low-beam headlights, especially in fog, which refracts light.

5. Anticipate and prevent skids. Shift into neutral as you stop to reduce the force of your wheels on the road surface. Turn and break slowly and maintain a firm grip on the wheel.

Slick Roads reduce your tires’ ability to grip. With less traction, turns, stops and evasive maneuvers require more time & distance.

Heavy Rains not only diminish visibility, they increase the risk of hydroplaning: when a car traveling at high speeds actually lifts and travels on a thin layer of water that forms between the tire and the road.

Light Rains, Fog & Mist following a long dry spell causes a film of dirt, gas and oil to accumulate on the road, creating slippery conditions. WATCH OUT!

On Ice and Icy Patches - You can't STEER. You can’t STOP. You will have NO TRACTION and NO BRAKES.

ICY PATCHES appear DARK, and occur: At temperatures near freezing; Under bridges where the sun hasn't dried water; Over bridges exposed to the weather underneath; On less traveled stretches of road; At sunset when temperatures drop.


CRASHING IS 1 IN 5. YOUR CHANCE OF BEING DISABLED IS 1 IN 83.GOOD JUDGMENT TAKES COMMON SENSE AND LOTS OF PRACTICE. YOUR CHANCE OF

PATH FLOOD WINDSS

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reac

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our

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Photos courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety

043

042


045

044

DRIVING LATE AT NIGHT PRODUCES UNCONTROLLABLE DROWSINESS IN 9 OUT OF 10 DRIVERS.90% OF ALL DRIVING DECISIONS ARE BASED ON WHAT YOU SEE.

MOST COLLISIONS & FATALITIES OCCUR BETWEEN DUSK AND DAWN. NIGHT REQUIRES MORE CAUTION AND LESS SPEED.

An eye exam is essential for night driving.At night, color, depth perception, range of vision and acuityare all reduced. 20/20 vision may not be good enough for night driving. You can still have:- poor peripheral vision,- adapt too slowly to changing light,- focus badly- tire quickly. These are all symptoms of night blindness, which peopledevelop as they age. You should avoid driving at night.

YOU WILL CRASH.

By law you must use headlights from:- 1/2 hour after sunset to a 1/2 hour before sunrise.

- when visibility is less than 1,000 feet.- whenever your windshield wipers are on.

- never use parking lights as a stop-gap between dusk and dark.

It is easier and safer to use low beams at all times, day and night.

LIGHTEN UPNIGHT MOVES

NIGH

T EY

ES

IF YOU CAN'T SEE; IF YOU CAN’T BE SEEN; IF YOU SEE TOO LATE; IF YOU GET BLINDED BY LIGHT;


048

047

BILLION IN DAMAGES. THE NUMBER OF CRASHES AT NIGHT IS HIGHEST AMONGST YOUNGER DRIVERS.EACH YEAR fatigue CAUSES 10,000 CRASHES, KILLS 1,550, INJURES 71,000 and COSTS OVER 12.5

NIGHT VISION TECHNOLOGY was developed by the U.S. MILITARY as an early warning system to enable TROOPS Yto see during NIGHT COMBAT MISSIONS. NIGHT VISION produces a negative photographic image based on the amount of HEAT an object transmits and is now available in limited new vehicles. It enables drivers to see 3 - 5 X farther than with low beam headlights and beyond the glare of on oncoming headlights.

R E D U C E G L A R EAvert your eyes from on-coming lights to reduce glare and the time your eyes need to readjust to the darkness.

Use road edge markings as a guide until the approaching vehicle passes. Adjust your rearview mirror for night driving, to reduce distraction from the rear.

Keep windshield and headlights clean to avoid glare and enhance your visibility to others.

1. Communicate FLASH your beamers if an oncoming car has not dimmed his and return the courtesy likewise. A FLASH can also remind

you to turn on your lights, turn off your high beams or warn you of a HAZARD AHEAD. DIM your headlights to low beamwhen you’re 500’ from an approaching vehicle or 200’ behind another vehicle. DIM your high beams for oncoming pedestrians and cyclists. BE ALERT. Expect nocturnal animals to cross the road at dusk and dawn.

2. Drive within your range of vision. Headlights illuminate the area 350’ ahead of your car, so drive at a speed that allows you to

react and stop within that distance. Increase your following distance to 4 or 5 seconds.

3. Clean glass and mirrors. DIRT blocks light. CLEAN headlights, rear lights, windshield and rear & side windows.

4. Don't wear sunglasses at dusk. There’s no sun.

NIGHT RULES


049

048

speed ROAD, THE VEHICLE GOES OFF THE ROAD AND THE DRIVER DOES NOT TAKE evasive ACTION.THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SLEEP-INDUCED CRASHES ARE: THE CRASH IS VERY serious, IT IS A high

Reduce Your Risk of Drowsiness Lifestyle Habits. Eat light. Exercise regularly. Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Every time you miss sleep, catch up immediately.

Plan Journeys. Before a trip, get a good night’s sleep. Leave early in the morning and stop driving around sunset, or as early as possible, to reduce night-time driving. Drive with a passenger who can alert you to fatigue, talk to you, and share the driving. Schedule stops every 100 miles or two hours. Hunger can make you angry and turn you into an aggres-sive driver. Don’t eat junk or high-fat foods. Keep caffeinated and sugar-laden snacks in the car for short-term energy. Chocolate covered espresso beans can help you make it to the next rest area.

Direct Intervention. Recognize and don’t ignore symptoms of drowsiness. Pull over to a safe rest area; stop for a break, a 20-minute nap, or for the night. Two cups of coffee take 30 minutes to enter your bloodstream, then provide short-term alertness.

Don’t drink alcohol or take medications.

Open windows and loud music do not reduce fatigue.

Drowsiness is a condition most drivers fail to recognize, or believe they can overcome. Without enough sleep the body suffers from “sleep deficit,” which can only be overcome by SLEEP!

Sleepiness results from physical labor or working long hours; a progressive withdrawal of attention; interruptions of sleep; and untreated or unrecognized sleep disorders.

Sleepiness is induced by repetitive actions of longdistance drivers, driving without a break and by the stress of tough road conditions and bad weather. Heavy food, alcohol, sedatives, antidepressants and antihistamines induce sleep.

lATE DEPARTUREPhoto courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety


050 051

WE NEED 7-8 HOURS OF SLEEP EACH NIGHT. YOUNGER PEOPLE NEED MORE SLEEP THAN OLDER PEOPLE.IN MOST SLEEP-INDUCED CRASHES, THE DRIVER IS ALONE. SLEEP IS AN IRRESISTIBLE FORCE.

SLEEP INESS IMPA IRS DR IV ING PER FORMANCE

CHARACTERISTICS of a DROWSY DRIVER:

Slower reaction time.

Reduced ability to respond.Information processing deficit.Decrease in short-term memory.Poor performance.

WARNING SIGNS of a DROWSY DRIVER:

Can’t remember the last few miles.

Experience wandering or disconnected thoughts.

Difficulty focusing or keeping eyes open. Head snaps.

Drifts from lane or hits rumble strips. Yawns.

Tailgates. Misses traffic signs.

4 GR

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AT

TH

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IGH

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OF

D R O W S I N E S S A N D S L E E P - R E L A T E D C R A S H E S :

YOUNG PEOPLE: Men 16-29 account for 2/3 of all drowsy-driving crashes. SHIFT WORKERS: They

work long or irregular hours, at night, or in conflict with cycles of daylight and wakefulness.

PEOPLE with untreated sleep disorders, such as SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME (SAS) and

NARCOLEPSY. In SAS, brief interruptions of airflow and loss of oxygen disrupt and fragment sleep.

Sufferers often are unaware of their poor sleep and feel tired during the day. Narcolepsy is a disorder of the

sleep-awake mechanism, in which 20-minute naps can occur at regular intervals during the day.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS: They have a high prevalence of sleep apnea; drive the highest number of

vehicle miles per year; are exposed to the most tedious long-distance driving conditions and often drive during

the night, when the body is sleepiest. Fatigue causes 1/3 of all commercial driver fatalities and 60% of all

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R O A D R U L E SThe colors and shapes of Signals, Signs & Markings are mapping devices for a 3D road language.

The United States complies with the international system of traffi c control using the visual language of symbols.

You are legally responsible to understand and abide by the codes of the road. Quiz yourself. For comprehensive regulatory coverage, download or order FHWA or state DMV manuals.

Traffic signsindicate speed, rules, routes, hazards, access, direction, services, and points of interest and destination. You should be able to determine the meaning of traffic signs by their color and shape before getting close enough to read them.

Traffic signals keep traffic moving smoothly. When approaching a traffic light, glance in rear-view mirror to ascertain the position of the car behind. On roads with sequenced lights, stay one block behind the changing light - to maintain a constant speed, and to avoid collision with cars from the cross streets.

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THE NATION’S TOTAL TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE EXCEEDS 1.6 TRILLION MILES. MORE THAN 90% OF ALL TRAVELERS AND 75% OF ALL GOODS AND SERVICES ARE CONVEYED BY HIGHWAY.

053

T r a f f i c R e g u l a t i o n s + I g n o r a n c e = C r a s h


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054

TO KEEP RIGHT OF THE CENTERLINE. 1 IN 10 FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY.30% OF ALL DRIVERS IN FATAL CRASHES DISREGARD THE SPEED LIMIT. I IN 7 FAILED

Pavement Markings tell driverswhere the road is and wherethey should go. Almost everypaved roadway communicateswith yellow and white lines.Some markings are raised andrefl ectorized. Some have raiseddelineators, or refl ectors, whichrefl ect your headlights and rumbleunder your tires, should you crossthe line.

A combination of solid and dashed yellow centerlinesmeans that;

1. If the dashed line is on your side, you may pass with caution.

2. If the solid line is on your side, you may not pass a car,or cross the line unless entering a driveway.

Solid edges delineate the edge of the road. Whenslanting inward, they indicate that the road narrows ahead.

Special markers indicate approach to school zones, work zones and railroad crossings: slow down, use cautionand watch for warning signs.

Pavement Mark ings

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White lines separate lanes traveling in the same direction and mark the right edge of freeways and ramps.

Yellow lines separate traffic traveling in opposite directions, and mark the left edge of divided highways and ramps.

Always look for white on your right and yellow on your left.

Solid white lines are also visual barriers to discourage lane changes at critical points in the road -- sharp turns, intersections and where cars enter and exit the highway.

Double solid yellow centerlines mean no passing in either direction.

A single broken dashed yellow line means you may pass a car if the road is clear and it is safe to do so.


056 057

DON’T PASS CLOSE BEHIND A TRUCK THAT IS REVERSING OR CUT BETWEEN A TRUCK AND THE CURB.GLANCE OVER YOUR SHOULDER WHEN CHANGING LANES TO CHECK FOR VEHICLES IN YOUR BLIND SPOT.

You must yield the right of way to:Any emergency vehicle that has its siren and lights flash-ing, such as a police car, fire truck or ambulance. If you are traveling in the same direction as the emergency vehicle, pull over to the side of the road to permit its passage.Any blind person carrying a white cane or accompanied by a seeing-eye dog.Pedestrians in crosswalks.

At intersections yield to traffic:Already in the intersection;With the green light;Without the stop sign;At four-way stops, the vehicle on the right,or the one which arrives first; When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic until spacepermits your turn.

RIGHT OF WAY:Many drivers put their right of way before their common sense.While the right of way is clearly designated in traffic law andcommon courtesy, it’s better to yield the right of way if there isany doubt.

Road rules from state to state are regulated by the Uniform Vehicle Code.

YOUR RIGHT OF WAY DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU DIE HOLDING ON TO IT.


ROAD CONDITIONS, WORN TIRES, BRAKES, AND A DOWN HILL GRADE.0

58

059

FACTORS THAT INCREASE BRAKING DISTANCE ARE: HEAVY VEHICLES, SPEED, WEATHER

BRAK

ING:Cars have blind zones too. You can’t trust your mirrors. You must glance quickly around and

over your shoulder for upcoming traffic to ensure an unobstructed path before turning. Make all turns with caution and reduce speed. Use directionals 100 feet before turning, to alert other drivers. When slowing to make a left turn across oncoming traffic, glance in your mirrorsand keep front wheels pointed straight ahead, so you cannot be rammed into oncoming traffic if struck from behind.

U-Turns take you in the opposite direction, including a three-point-turn. Make U-turns or K-turns from the left lane, never the right. U-turns can be dangerous on highways, four-lane roads or near a curve or crest of a hill, where drivers might not see you. U-turns are illegal when cross-ing double yellow lines, in most business districts, and on limited access expressways.

For quick stops, squeeze the brake firmly until the ABS engages and shudders or until brakes nearly lock. Just before you hit the brakes, send out a warning. Check your rearview mirror and tap your brakes lightly at first to alert the cars behind you of your intention. If you see rear brake lights flashing on the cars ahead, look up the road for the cause and be prepared to stop.

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TECHNIQUE: reduce speed before rounding a curve or entering a turn: gradually acceler-ate within it as you approach the straightaway. Braking or slowing down once you’ve entered a curve can cause skidding or roll over. If you’re going too fast on a curve, brake and steer to avoid hitting the curb or shoulder and spinning out of control. CU

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06

1EACH CAR CONSUMES APPROX. 719 GALLONS OF GAS AND TRAVELS OVER 12,183 MILES PER YEAR.THERE ARE 3.9 MILLION MILES OF ROADWAYS IN THE U.S. AND OVER 245 MILLION REGISTERED VEHICLES

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Highways are a dangerous place to work, and for some reason, many drivers don't respect the need for caution.

In work zones, expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits are reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, lane width can be reduced and people and equipment may be working on or near the road.

Things may appear normal, however circumstances in a work zone differ from normal conditions. Watch for orange, diamond-shaped warning signs posted in advance of construction, or a highway flag worker. Watch also for white regulatory signs posting reduced speed, and REDUCE YOUR SPEED!

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P E D E S T R I A N S TA K E A W A L K

Pedestrians are the road-users most at risk. One third of all pedestrians’ deaths and injuries occur when they cross or enter streets. Always yield pedestrians the right of way, even if they are at fault, since your failure to do so might kill or injure them.

Pedestrian fatalities mostly involve children at play and the elderly. Older people have slower reaction times and get caught in intersections when the lights change. About half the pedestrian fatalities occur during darkness, due largely to poor visibility, low light, dark clothes and poor distance judgment.

Be ready to avoid unexpected actions by pedestrians. At intersections, pedestrians tend to look right and left only, so they miss you if you're rounding a corner from behind. Often, pedestrians are injured as they step down from the curb by cars traveling close to the curb.

Slow down when you see children playing in the street, or a ball bouncing into the road, as a child is likely to follow. When children are around, before starting the car or backing out of the driveway, get out and make sure no one is playing, or has left toys behind the car.

Use sidewalks when available. Otherwise walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic, as far to the left as possible, or on the grass.

Cross on the crosswalk. Watch for traffic carefully. Look left, right & behind, and make sure cars have stopped before leaving the curb.

At night, wear retro-reflective clothing. Like the eyes of a cat, it returns any light that strikes back to its source.

Carry a flashlight at night, and cross the street only where lights are bright. DON'T J - WALK! Obey traffic and pedestrian signals.

Never stand in the road to talk to passing motorists and NEVER HITCHHIKE!

06

2ONE PEDESTRIAN IS KILLED BY A CAR EVERY 99 MINUTES AND ONE IS INJURED EVERY 7 MINUTES.

06

3

PEDESTRIANS MAKE UP 13% OF ALL TRAFFIC FATALITIES. MORE THAN 5,300 PED’S DIE EACH YEAR.


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TWO WHEELIN’With over 5.3 million registered for street use in the U.S., motorcycles are probably the most danger-ous transport you can choose. Because of their vulnerability, whether you’re on one or near one, motorcycles require extra caution and special consideration.

Bikes are less stable, provide less protection to the rider and are less visible to other drivers. Bikers must ride with headlights and TAILLIGHTS ON at all times.

The most serious crashes involve cars turning left at intersections when the motorcycle is going straight. Misjudging the bike’s speed and distance, drivers either turn directly into its path or, while looking at other cars, miss its presence. Dangerous conditions to bikers are potholes, gravel, wet pavement and railway tracks. Bikers may need to change lanes quickly to avoid loose gravel and debris. When approaching a railroad crossing they may slow down and approach the tracks at a right angle. On bridges with metal grates, they may move to the center of the lane and compensate for the uneven surface.

Bikers have the right to full use of the lane, which they may share two-abreast with another motor-cycle. A car may not pass a motorcycle in the same lane or share a lane with one. When passing a motorcycle, be aware that the draft of your car can affect its stability, especially on wet or icy roads.

06

4


06

625% OF ALL MOTORCYCLISTS WHO CRASH HAVE HAD LESS THAN 6 MONTHS RIDING EXPERIENCE. RIDERS WHO COMPLETE A COURSE AND TESTING PROGRAM SHOW A 20% REDUCTION IN CRASHES.

1. Always wear a regulation HELMET.

3. Ride with an INCREASED SPACE cushion between other vehicles.

4. BRAKE and downshift before reaching a hazard or stop.

5. SLOW DOWN to a safe speed upon entering curves.

6. Avoid ABRUPT CHANGES in lane and direction.

8. Cross RAILROAD TRACKS at a 90-degree angle.

9. REMAIN ALERT to other traffic, its speed and proximity.10. BE CAUTIOUS in cold and early rain road conditions.

11. At night, USE HIGH BEAMS but be careful not to override head lights. Wear retro-reflective clothing and other reflective gear.

12. Always UNDERESTIMATE YOUR VISIBILITY to other vehicles.Y

7. Use feet and body to MAINTAIN BALANCE when riding over rough surfaces or turning sharply.

2. Ride with HEADLIGHTS on at all times.

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BE AWARESMART BIKERS

T A K E A S A F E T Y - E D C O U R S E

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LIKELY TO DIE IN A CRASH THAN CAR OCCUPANTS. SINCE 1966, MORE THAN 100,000 BIKERS HAVE DIED.OVER 80% OF ALL BIKERS INVOLVED IN A CRASH SUFFER DEATH OR INJURY. BIKERS ARE 14 X MORE

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Your helmet is your most important piece of equipment. Helmets are 29% effective in preventing fatal injuries. Worn properly, they don’t hamper vision or hearing. Your helmet should fit snugly but not too tightly. Its face shield should afford good eye protection. Fasten the chin strap securely - a loose helmet will come off in a crash. All helmets sold in the U.S. must meet FederalMotor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, the minimum protection performance standard. Make sure your helmet meets the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation, The British Standards Institute or the Canadian Standards Association.

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Proper clothing prevents discomfort and protects against injury. Leather clothing offers better weather and road protection. It protects against hypothermia from wind chill, which can reduce concentration and slow your reflexes. Boots should cover ankles, and have heavy soles & reinforced toes. LEATHER GLOVES prevent hands from getting sore or cold, and can improve your grip. Gloves should fit snugly but not too tightly. Seamless palms help prevent blisters and gauntlets keep cold air from going up your sleeves.

REPLACE YOUR HELMET AFTER AN IMPACT OR DROPPING IT.

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WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET.

ITS PROTECTIVE QUALITIES SURVIVE ONLY ONE IMPACT.

WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR IT.

06

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07

0IN CRASHES WITH CARS. HALF OF ALL INJURIES RESULT FROM FALLS AND IMPROPERLY SIZED BIKES.EACH YEAR 800 CYCLISTS ARE KILLED. ONE-THIRD ARE KIDS, AGED 5-15. 55,000 ARE INJURED

BICYCLES are fun, good recreation and great transportat ion. Yet the 500,000 annual injur ies are cause for taking

1. Cyclist enters roadway mid-block, without looking or stopping. Car is surprised - has no time to react or stop.

2. Cyclist rides the wrong way, facing traffic. Cars expect cyclists to ride on the right.

4. Car overtakes cyclist and fails to react. This happens more at night, on dark or in rural roads, as a result of driver inattention,impairment or fatigue.

3. Cyclist suddenly swerves to the left, colliding with a car.

5. Cyclist rides out into an intersection, disregarding traffic signals. BAM.

G O T H E D I S T A N C ED E S I G N E R R O A D R A S H

Look left-right-left before entering a roadway.

Always ride on the right side of the road, with the traffic.It’s the law.

Ride in a straight line. When preparing to turn or change your lane position, look behind, signal and yield to overtaking traffic.

Avoid dark and narrow roads and roads over 35mph.Use reflectors and light, retro-reflective clothing at night. Stay as

far to the right as possible and be alert for approaching traffic.

Obey traffic signals. Stop and signal before entering an intersection, or walk your bike across. w

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2DURING SUMMER. OF THE 800 CYCLISTS KILLED EACH YEAR, THE CYCLISTS ARE USUALLY AT FAULT.63% OF ALL CYCLIST FATALITIES OCCUR IN URBAN, NON-INTERSECTION LOCATIONS, BETWEEN 5-9PM

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5Exercise your SKILLS, JUDGMENT and REFLEXES to automatically observe and adjust to the changing road conditions

Tgd DqhudqDrive to Live another day. Use courtesy and respect for the law to create a safety buffer around you. Anticipate the bad judgment and mistakes of others.

It's a driver's legal responsibility to do everyyyyyything to avoid being in a collision or causing one.


07

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7

BLIND SPOTS. GLANCE OVER YOUR SHOULDER. EVERY 13 MINUTES SOMEONE DIES IN A CAR CRASH.EVERY TEN SECONDS CHECK YOUR REARVIEW MIRROR, LEFT-THEN RIGHT SIDE MIRRORS. KNOW YOUR

GET THE BIG PICTURE

Keep Your Eyes

Keep a four-second distance between vehicles in front and behind.Maintain a SAFETY BUFFER of space around you. Predict potential actions that could R INCREASE RISK.

Decide what actions to take 4-5 seconds ahead to control and reduce risk. When another car CUTS YOU OFFor BRAKES in front, use your safety buffer to change lanes and maintain speed. Plan your ESCAPE PATH,

especially at merges. Leave room for EVASIVE MANEUVERS, especially near bicyclists and pedestrians.

Make Sure Others See YouMOVINGMOVING

Sweep rear-view and side MIRRORS in a 360 degree circle, every 10 seconds. This is as important as looking

ahead. REMAIN ALERT to the changing conditions which surround you. Regularly check your SPEED and

adjust your POSITION.

Search the whole scene, not just your part of it. ASSESS any elements that might pose a risk.

LOOK at vehicular interaction. Watch for oncoming cars approaching intersections and changing lanes. Check

their speed and proximity. Be ALERT around work areas and exit & entry ramps. Note all STATIONARY OBJECTS, from farthest away to closest. BE AWARE of your environment: traffic control devices, road mark-

ings and how other vehicles respond to them.

LEAVE YOURSELF A MARGIN OF SAFETY

SCAN the traffic, road and area around you. PRACTICE ‘till it’s automatic.Make your INTENTIONS CLEAR.

Driving with LOW-BEAM headlights on - even during daylight - DOUBLES your visibility to oncoming

traffic. SIGNAL TURNS well in advance - especially at sharp turns. TAP your brake lights as a signal to

followers that you are slowing down.

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IN JULY. IN ANY GIVEN YEAR YOU COULD BE ONE OF THE 42,000 WHO DIE IN CAR CRASHES.NATIONAL TRAFFIC VOLUME PEAKS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, REACHING THE HIGHEST LEVELS

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U S E T H I S F I V E [ 5 ] S T E P P R O C E S S T O I D E N T I F Y

SEARCH

IDENTIFY objects and conditions 12-15 seconds ahead that could interfere with your planned path of travel.

PREDICT potential actions or changes in those conditions that could increase risk.

DECIDE what action(s) to take 4-5 seconds ahead to control and reduce risk.

EXECUTE your decision.

1

A N D R E S P O N D T O D R I V I N G C O N D I T I O N S :

the road and off-road area 20-30 seconds ahead. That’s 2 city blocks at 25 mph or 1/2 mile on the

highway. Look for information to help plan your path of travel.

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8


081

080

MOTOR VEHICLES. EACH CAR TRAVELS ABOUT 12,183 MILES PER YEAR AND AVERAGES 17 MPG.AMERICANS CONSUME OVER 155 BILLION GALLONS OF GASOLINE EACH YEAR WITH OVER 245 REGISTERED

Use it sparingly to warn drivers, cyclists and pedestrians of their mistakes, your presence or a HAZARD. Use heavy honks for imminent danger. Use light taps for thanks and courtesies. Horns are not a tool for expressing anger.

Clear windshield, rear and side glass for 360 degrees of unobstructed vision. Before driving use the defroster to remove interior condensation. While driving, use wipers to remove dirt, rain, and incoming splashes.

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Adjust all mirrors before driving. Maintain a continuous sweep of rearview, left-then right side mirrors every 10 seconds. After glancing in mirrors before changing lanes or backing up, turn and glance behind. Attach wide angle and convex mirrors for enhanced views of backseat and driver’s side exterior. Beware of distor-tions and know your blind spots.

GEARS Review gear positions before driving any car. They vary by model. Prepare for the downshift thrust when

accelerating in an automatic.Learn to drive standard, even if you don’t have one.

Low beams double your visibility to oncoming traffic in daylight and reduce glare in fog. Always drive withylow beams on, no matter what time of day. Use high beams to increase night vision. Flash them to alert oncoming traffic to hazards or mistakes.

ABS

HORN - GLASS - MIRRORS

LIGHTS

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The “ABS” symbol on the dash of new cars illuminates upon ignition and trouble. DO NOT PUMP! Apply strong, consistent pressure. The vehicle will shudder loudly and the brake pedal will pulsate. Steer car in direction you wish to travel. Practice in a parking lot and work on your steering precision.

ABS = Anti-lock Brake System, an electronic braking system with four wheel sensors. ABS allows you to apply maximum brake pressure without losing control of the steering.

LIGHTS + GEARS ~BRAKES

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082

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USE YOUR CELL PHONE IN AN EMERGENCY. DON’T ALLOW IT TO DISTRACT YOU FROM DRIVING.85% OF ALL DEATHS OCCUR IN THE OCCUPANT’S FIRST CRASH.

Cell phones bring convenience to travelers as well as new dangers. Today thereare over 200 million cell phones in use. While cell phones can help in an emer-gency, they are a primary cause of driver inattention, posing a danger to the driver and others.

Recognize the signs of distracted talkers so you can ANTICIPATEtheir mistakes and safely AVOID them.don’t signal turns or lane changes;speed, tailgate and swerve erratically;are less aware of cars, pedestrians and conditions around them;are slow to respond to conditions around them, like sudden stops;appear to be intoxicated or respond inappropriately.

Cell phone pedestrians should take care that their conversations do not interferewith their awareness of the environment. When cell-talking refrain from crossingstreets. Try to sit or stand beside the fl ow of sidewalk traffi c. Never cell-talk whileon a bike or skateboard.

You’re in the driver’s seat.From the moment you enter the car until you leave it enforce a driving environment that maximizes your safety and attention. Keep interior and fl oors free of objects, which can roll, spill, shift or impede driving. Look around before opening doors. Attend to your personal comforts before ignition.

Review your close calls and you’ll see why inattentive drivers cause a million crashes every year.

Busy lifestyles, complex car design, techno-gadgets, cell phones, music, food, smoking, and chatty passengers all distract attention from the road.

Select music or pre-tune radio settings. Review MAPS and DIRECTIONS and keep them accessible. SECURE children and organize THEIR needs. MINIMIZE eating, drinking, phone conversations and all non-driving related tasks.

SPOT THAT TALKERMINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD DISTRACTED TALKERSSET THE TONE

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THERE ARE OVER 200,000,000 CELL PHONES IN USE. REPORT EMERGENCIES.0

84SOME STATES NOTE PHONE USE IN CRASH REPORTS. PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD, NOT THE CALL.

“Cell phone use while driving increases the risk of a crash, and the increasing use of cell phones will likely increase the number of crashes”

- NHTSA:

“All forms of cell phone use lead to significant increases in response time and in the establishment of non-response to significant highway traffic conditions. Complex, intense conversations are the most distracting. The distracting effect is similar to that of tuning a radio.”

“Cell phones pose the same risk to driving performance as driving with a .10 BAC. Those who talk on the phone while driving are four times more likely to crash than their silent counterparts.”

- New England Journal of Medicine. 2/1997 New England Journal of Medicine 2/1997

- National Public Services Research Institute

Some states prosecute infractions under reckless driving statutes. Some mandate hands-free speaker phones.

THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL publishes additional safety tips for purchasing and using cell phones safely.

1. Purchase a cell phone with a hands-free speaker-phone option, with the microphone installed in the sun visor directly above the driver's line of vision.

2. Place the handset for the driver's maximum comfort and convenience: easily accessible, so you can drive without removing eyes from the road.

3. Insist on a dealer demonstration of the mobile phone before and during the test drive.

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Purchasing a Cell Phone

Some localit ies restr ict use to emergencies, or ban use altogether.


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YOUR CHANCE OF CRASHING IS 1 IN 5. YOUR CHANCE OF BEING DISABLED IS 1 in 83.DON’T BECOME DISTRACTED. UNDERSTAND AND MANAGE RISK FACTORS.

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Be Cell Safe

1. Assess traffic before placing or receiv-ing calls, and avoid distractions. Checkmirrors frequently. Monitor your speedand surrounding traffic.

2. Dial phone numbers when stopped,or from the side of the road.

3. Pay attention to the road: don't takenotes or look up phone numbers; use thevoice mail feature.

6. Do not engage in distracting or complex conversations. Disconnect and complete stressful or emotional conversations from your destination.

7. Use your phone to call for help. Dial 911 to report a fire, traffic acci-dent, road hazard, medical emergen-cy or aggressive drivers.

8. Know restrictions localities place on cell phone use while driving.

4. Drive in the slow traffic lane to minimize lane changes, and in case you decide to pull over to complete the call.

5. Let callers know that you aredriving. Continue essential callsonly. Suspend conversations duringhazardous driving conditions or sit-uations, which require your atten-tion.

Dr iv ing is your pr ior i ty. Don’ t ta lk un less necessary. I f you must take that ca l l fo l low these RULES:

Young passengers create a potential danger. Place children up to 12 in the back seat. Don’t turn around to accommodate their needs. Instead, stop or pull over to the side of the road. Keep toys or other objects away from the driver, gas and brake pedals.

Bring favorite quiet toys, books, games and story tapes.Wrap new toys individually and give them out along the way.Play car games: “I spy with my little eye something orange,” Count the birdsy ,1,2,3;

Let children help navigate. Review the map, mark the route and let them watch for signs, towns & places of interest.Bring favorite blankets, pillows, dolls, stuffed animals and music to encourage naps and rest.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD

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WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES WITH CHILDREN, PLAN THEIR ENTERTAINMENT:

Set The Tone

IT IS ILLEGAL TO LEAVE A CHILD IN A CAR UNATTENDED.


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089

THERE ARE 12.6 MILLION TEEN DRIVERS IN THE U.S. 20% OF TEEN CRASHES INVOLVE ALCOHOL.1/3 OF ALL CHILD FATALITIES WERE CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 5-9 YEARS OLD.

A good passenger contributes to a better driver. Here’s your cue for a best supporting role:

*Don’t enter an unsafe car. *Don’t drive with an unsafe driver: drunk, high, tired, poor refl exes, incompetent, inexperienced, aggressive, distracted or disrespectful of laws and safety.*Avoid distracting conversation.*Help driver navigate and concentrate during hazardous conditions.*Alert driver to impending dangers he/she might not perceive.*Stay awake to help the driver stay awake.

RITES OF PASSAGE

In addition to your emergency kit, equip your car with a standard Red Cross fi rst aid kit.Also keep on hand water, a blanket and high energy or protein snacks and crackers.FI

RST

AID

If your car becomes disabled, make all safe attempts to pull off to the side of the road. If you can't, do notattempt to make repairs until you have properly protected your position and alerted other traffi c to your condition. Place lights or fl ares behind your car and turn on your emergency fl ashing lights. Raise the hoodto signal car trouble. If you have a cell phone, use it to call for help.

When things don’t go well, don’t panic. Deal with trouble and emergency contingencies with a cool head.

D R I V E R I N T E R V E N T I O N S A N D E M E R G E N C Y P R O C E D U R E S

KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY *NEVER P ICK UP H ITCHHIKERS !

NOW, PREPARE


09

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09

0YOUNG PEOPLE NEED MORE SLEEP THAN OLDER PEOPLE.DRIVING LATE AT NIGHT PRODUCES UNCONTROLLABLE DROWSINESS IN 9 OUT OF 10 DRIVERS.

HIGHWAYS and EXPRESSWAYS are divided roadways with two or more lanes travelling in each direction, which you enter and exit using ramps. The speed limit is usually 55 or 65 mph. In a freeway exchange, both through-traffic and exiting traffic have right-of-way over traffic entering the freeway.

CHECK ONCOMING TRAFFIC in both directions twice when entering any road: look left, right, left then right again.Unless there is a stop light, yield sign or car stopped in front of you, use the entrance ramp to accelerate to the expressway speed when entering. SIGNAL, glance over your shoulder for approaching traffic and, when safe, accelerate quickly to blend into the flow. When waiting in line to enter a highway, make sure that the car ahead actually entered before you move - SO YOU WON’T RAM HIM IF HE CHANGES HIS MIND. When possible avoid coming to a full stop before entering a highway. It’s easier to accelerate while moving. Once on the high-way, move out of the right lane to leave room for other merging traffic.

IDENTIFY ENTRANCE AND EXIT POINTS on a road map, so you can get into theproper lanes well in advance of your exit. Most exits are off the right lane, however in some urban systems, they can be off the left lane.

WHEN EXITING, DRIVE SLOWLY ENOUGH TO READ THE SIGNS. Move into the proper lane well in advance of the exit and slow down as you enter the ramp.

IF YOU PASS YOUR EXIT, DO NOT STOP ABRUPTLY OR TRY TO BACK UP ONTO THE HIGHWAY. Take the next exit and make your way back.

ONCE OFF THE HIGHWAY, reduce your speed, since local speeds are usually lower.

heavy vehicles, speed, weather, road condit ions, worn t ires, brakes, downhil l grade.Factors that increase braking distance are;

H i t t h e H i g h w a y


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NEVER PASS A VEHICLE STOPPED AT A CROSSWALK FOR PEDESTRIANS.IT’S ILLEGAL TO PREVENT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM SAFELY PASSING YOU.

M a k e y o u r P a s s

Your lane has a solid yellow centerline; You cannot return safely to the right lane before reaching a solid yellow centerline; You cannot safely return to the right lane within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle; You are within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, bridge, or tunnel on a two-way road; If the driver you’re attempting to pass accelerates; You are on a two-lane road with roads or driveways to the left; You are approaching the peak of a blind or steep hill.

Consider the road, weather and traffi c conditions. Use directional signals at least 100 feet before making your lane change. Accelerate to at least 10 mph faster than the vehicle you intend to pass but do not exceed the posted speed limit to pass. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for pedestrians.

Check the road ahead and your mirrors behind for oncoming traffi c, or traffi c intending to enter the lane you wish to enter. When the lane is clear, signal your intent to move left, turn and glance briefl y for cars in your blind spot, accelerate gently and pull completely into the left lane. Once past the car, check your rear-view mirror, glance briefl y over your shoulder, make sure you see both headlights of the car you passed, then signal and return gradually to the right lane.

On highways, the LEFT lane is intended for passing, so keep to the RIGHT. Be aware of traffi c around you, regularly checking rear and side-view mirrors. When a car intends to pass you, either move into the right lane or, on a single lane road, slow down slightly and keep to the right. To signal your intention to let the car pass by, use your right directional. Once the car is well ahead, resume your speed. Sometimes a car will decide at the last moment NOT to pass and wish to drop back behind you, so increase your speed to give it room to return to the lane behind you.

The vehicle ahead is making a left turn;You are driving on a one-way road that is marked for two or more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes

and passing is not restricted by signs.

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make sure it ’s legal and safe:

Do not pass on the left if:

Be alert for pedestrians and cyclists on the right side of the road and for traffic entering from the right. Make sure on-coming cars are not preparing to turn left into your path.

You may pass a vehicle on the right if:


Trucks have 4 primary blind spots called the NO ZONE. Avoid these areas:

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ONE MILLION PEOPLE ARE INJURED YEARLY IN NON-REPORTED DWI CRASHES.IF YOU CAN’T SEE THE DRIVER’S FACE IN HIS SIDE-VIEW MIRROR, THEN HE CAN’T SEE YOUR CAR.

Passing trucks can be dangerous. Trucks can be 120 feet long and weigh up to 60 tons: 8 x the length of a car and 60 x the weight! Since their size restricts your vision, you are blind to conditions ahead of them. Due to their length, you must allow at least 7 seconds longer to pass a truck than you would a car traveling at the same speed. Trucks displace more air than cars so stay further to the left when passing. Expect to be buffeted by gusts of wind or temporarily blinded by back splashes when it rains. Because the driver of a truck sits higher above the road, trucks have larger and longer blind spots than cars. The driver can be unaware of your presence and shift into your space without intending to cut you off.

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No Zone

In the NO ZONE, the driver can’t see you in any rear-view or side-view mirror. So when following a truck, allow a follow-ing distance of 4 seconds. When passing a truck or large vehicle do not linger alongside: Pass quickly - never pass onthe right! When returning to the right lane after passing in front of the truck, don’t cut too close. The road immediately infront is yet another blind spot and the truck's large size requires more time for braking.

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09

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LESS TOLERANCE FOR ALCOHOL AND LOSE CONTROL AT LOWER BAC LEVELS.0

96

YOUR CHANCE OF CRASHING IS 1 IN 5. YOUNG DRIVERS HAVE LESS DRIVING EXPERIENCE,

For the over 25 million students nationwide, the greatest safety risk is approaching and leaving the school bus.Be aware of the school zones and bus stops in your vicinity. Use caution, reduce speed and look out for children who may be late for the bus or playing at their bus stop. Expect children to make mistakes: in a hurry they may disregard traffic; they may assume motorists see them and will wait for them to cross.

Know state school bus laws and watch for fl ashing lights on school buses.Yellow flashing lights: the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children.SLOW DOWN AND PREPARE TO STOP.Red flashing lights and extended arms: the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off.STOP AND WAIT until lights stop fl ashing, the extended arm or sign is withdrawn and the bus begins moving.

Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter and exit.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

keep your hands on the wheel > eyes on the road > mind on the action.

if the guy in front is tailgating, > keep your distance. if the guy behind is tailgating, > let him pass.

YOU CAN CRASH IN A SNEEZE.When SNEEZING, you CLOSE your EYES for A SECOND. At 55 m.p.h. that's 81 FEET. It takes 3/4 of A SECOND to move your foot from the GAS to the BRAKE. By then you've TRAVELED another 60 FEET. On a dry road, it willtake 190 FEET to STOP your car, or another T 2.5 SECONDS. On a wet road it takes an additional 250 FEET to stop. The space you allow for yourself ahead, behind and beside is the space you will use to avoid colli-sion in dense highway traffic. Maintain a 3-second distance between the car in front and the car behind. That’s the time that you need to execute an evasive maneuver.

TIP - Measure your distance by counting as the car in front passes a stationary object;

anticipate the need to brake.

one-second-one two-seconds-two three-seconds-three

1-X-1 2-X-2 3-X-3

tailgating:


09

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8 ABOUT 8,000 TEENS DIE IN CRASHES EVERY YEAR AND ANOTHER 350,000 ARE INJURED.CAR CRASHES ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR 15-20 YEAR OLDS.

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IT IS THE DRIVER’S LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY TO DO EVERYTHING TO AVOID BEING IN A CRASH.AGGRESSIVE DRIVING BEHAVIORS ARE LINKED TO HALF OF ALL CAR CRASHES.

- Failing to turn when a right on red is permitted.- Blocking traffic.- Failing to stay in the right lane, except to pass.- Running or rolling through RED lights and STOP signs.- Passing on a double yellow line.- Failure to signal lane changes.- Failure to check traffic before changing lanes.- Inappropriate speed- Distracted driving and inadequate attention to conditions.- Passing on the shoulder during dense traffic.

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These include: speeding, running red lights and stop signs, tailgating, frequent and unsafe lane changes and angry or threatening behavior towards other motorists.

High-Risk Behaviors - Moving Violations that Threaten the Safety of Others.

Aggressive drivers have low regard for others, and use their cars to express their anger and frustration.

How Not to Become Aggressive:Monitor your own state of mind to make sure you aren't a danger to others. Allow enough time to reach your destination without speeding. Keep food in the car. Monitor your emotions; don’t drive if you’re upset.

Don’t Trigger Aggression:Actions that trigger aggression involve a failure to follow basic traffic laws, such as:

How to Handle Them:

Don't look at or challenge aggressive drivers.Steer clear of aggressive drivers.

Let them pass you and, if necessary, phone 911 to report them to the police.

100 101


103

DRIVER’S ED BEGINS AT HOME.

IN THE U.S. TEENS ARE 4 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO CRASH AND DIE THAN DRIVERS 25-69.10

2DRIVERS 50 AND OLDER SHOULD TAKE A DRIVING IMPROVEMENT COURSE.

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There are over 25 million people over 70 in the U.S. - the fastest growing segment of the population,[THAT MEANS WE ARE ALL GETTING OLD AND FAST]. Although we would like to, we cannot discount the impact aginghas on our driving abilities! Older drivers crash more during daylight hours and have most difficulty in left-turn and other right-of-way situations.So the aging process affects driving skills because age affects vision, night vision, hearing, reaction time and judging speed and distance.Exhaustion from stress, constant attention and unfamiliarity with new regulations and car technology all contribute to theproblem.

OUR SUGGESTION: Keep current with eyeglass prescriptions and medications.Learn about the effects of medications and take precautionary measures.When at all possible, do not drive alone.

Equip your family and yourself to live a long and healthy life. New drivers can learn from a variety of training sources, from public school systems to commercial driving schools. Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accreditation standards to make sure schools are accredited regularly and currently licensed. Most courses provide 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 6 hours each of in-car instruction and observation. Select a school that provides:

1. Experienced, licensed instructors with advanced professional development training.

2. A suffi cient and coordinated classroom and in-car lesson plan.

3. State of the art teaching aids: such as driving simulators, interactive videos, CD ROM applications, instructional materials, including your state’s DMV manual.

4. In-car instruction and observation in late-model vehicles in all types of driving environments.

PARENT ALERT

I t ’s too easy to get a l icense. Don’t sett le for the minimum performance standard required by your state.T

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105

TEENS SUFFER HIGHER FATALITY RATES WHEN DRIVING WITH THEIR FRIENDS.10

4MOST TEEN DEATHS OCCUR AT NIGHT AND ON WEEKENDS.

Graduated Licensing Programs typically involves a two or three step process that introduces teens to full driving privileges.

Most states require minimal in car training and experience. Apart from responsible parental involvement in their teen’s learning process, the single-most effective tool in reducing teen death is graduated licensing (GDL). Consisting of mandatory driver education, behind-the-wheel demonstrations and parent involvement, graduated licensing programs are designed to reduce risk exposure while enabling new drivers to develop proficiency. In the states where they are in practice, GDL programs have significantly reduced crash-related teen deaths and injuries.

These steps permit new drivers to develop their judgment and skills over a greater period of time. They permit greater in-car training during daytime and night time and provide ample motivation for teens to develop and practice safe drivinghabits. Upon demonstrating responsible driving behavior, restrictions are gradually suspended, however they may be reinstated if teens aref convicted of serious offenses. This way, teens achieve more maturity before gaining a full andunrestricted license.

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TEENS DIE : KNOW WHY !

Victim’ s Vehicle: 2 dead - wrong way

Personalized license plate on his torched VW was ‘2ND BUG’. Victim: 19 year old male.

Time of day when teens may drive,

Number of teen passengers,

Mandatory on-the-road experience,

with / without parental supervision.

Basic restrictions include:

Most novice drivers crash within the first 10 months of receiving their license. The best way to reduce this likelihood is to gradually phase in driving privileges, so the novice can develop confidence through super-vised experience until safely passing this window of danger.

Car crashes are the leading killer of 15 - 20 year olds. Teens crash more because: they are inexperienced drivers; are immature; have less understanding of danger; take more risks; experiment with drugs and alcohol; and pattern their behavior for social acceptance and conformity. Teens are less apt to wear safety belts than children and adults and are more apt to speed. In a crash, they are usually at fault. They suffer higher fatality rates when driving with their peers.

Truck overturns on freeway.

D r i v i n g i s a l i f e t i m e s k i l l . U p g r a d e y o u r s k i l l s p e r i o d i c a l l y.

TEENAGE DRIVERS

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The Association of Driver Educators for the Disabledwww.driver-ed.org

The Driving School Association of Americaswww.autodrivingschools.com

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Local AAA:

AARP:

The National Safety Council:

State DMV

The American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association.http://adtsea.iup.edu/adtsea

Pre-licensing, continuing, defensive driver education courses include:

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Driving is a lifetime skill which you should upgrade

periodically. Since license renewals require no

demonstration of skill orknowledge of the law, these

tend to decline over the years.

Many insurance companies reduce rates -[$$] if family

driver(s) voluntarily take a defensive driving course.

Contact your insurance company for a schedule of

the driver improvement courses nearest you.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: www.aaafoundation.org

www.aaa.com

www.aarp.org

www.nsc.org

UPGRADE YOURSELF

[2] Intermediate License: Allows less restrictive daytime practice

[1] Learner’s Permit: Allows practice under full supervision [3] Full License: Allows unlimited driving privileges106

AND POLICIES. MOST FATALLY INJURED TEENS WERE PASSENGERS DRIVEN BY THEIR PEERS.REDEFINE DRIVER EDUCATION WITH THE GOAL OF CREATING NATIONAL STANDARDS, PROCEDURES

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109

108 I F W E K N E W T H A T A N

EPIDEMIC IN THE NEXT YEAR WOULD KILL OVER 42,000 AMERICANS, WOULDN’T WE TAKE ALL POSSIBLE STEPS

TO PREVENT IT?

A HALF-PENNY FOR A LIFEA CALL TO ACTIONb y F r a y d u n M a n o c h e r i a n

PROPOSED LEGISLATIONPROPOSED LEGISLATIONPROPOSED LEGISLATION


110 In America, the number one cause of death for people up to the age of 33 is the automobile accident. Car crashes are the leading cause of grief in our nation and the largest cause of injury and disability -- including facial and bodily disfi gurement -- for all ages. Economically, the cost to our citizens is estimated by the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration (NHTSA) at over $250 billion annually.

While alcohol-related crashes are still the number one cause of fatalities on our roads, the majority of deaths and injuries are caused by other factors, such as speeding, skidding, tailgating, taking eyes off the road, road rage and fatigue, drowsiness and falling asleep behind the wheel.

An unexpected auto accident can turn a healthy person into a mere vegetable in one second.

T h i s p r o b l e m c a n b e a l l e v i a t e d . T h e a n s w e r l i e s i n y o u r A C T I O N N O W.

THIS PROPOSAL WOULD RAISE $475 MILLION ANNUALLY TO COMBAT THIS CARNAGE.

Gasoline prices have fl uctuated in 2005 as much as 84 cents per gallon, Gasoline prices have fl uctuated in 2005 as much as 84 cents per gallon, at times as much as 13 cents per day. We propose that a 1/2 of one cent at times as much as 13 cents per day. We propose that a 1/2 of one cent tax be levied on gasoline only. This investment would cost less than 1 tax be levied on gasoline only. This investment would cost less than 1

cent per day or less than twenty cents a month for average drivers. cent per day or less than twenty cents a month for average drivers.

111


112 113New drivers have the worst record of fatalities and injuries. In our high schools, the fi rst program to be eliminated, due to budget restraints, is Driver Education.

To combat this problem, we propose that a National Traffi c Safety Education Program be instituted under the auspices of NHTSA. This Program could empower the National Highway Safety Administration to incentivize high schools to have an effective, uniform driver education curriculum. Through better education and more restrictive licensing, better drivers will be introduced to society initially.

Together, with the use of print and electronic media to retain and enhance competence of new, as well as seasoned drivers, the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration can bring education to our nation’s 200 million licensed drivers in their homes and cars by targeting specifi c age groups.

A N A T I O N A L T R A F F I C S A F E T Y E D U C A T I O N P R O G R A M C O U L D S A V E L I V E S , I N J U R I E S A N D B I L L I O N S O F D O L L A R SThis action would reduce the highest rate of fatalities, which occur among new drivers. This continuous national educational effort will have cumulative effect and undoubtedly reduce the carnage for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists, as well as drivers and occupants of cars.

In 1960, deaths on our highways were 4.5 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. During the past decades, the collective efforts of NHTSA, private organizations such as ours, MADD, as well as insurance companies and auto manufacturers, have helped to reduce fatalities on our roads per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by two-thirds or, 66%.

In essence, this means that had we not made any improvements to safety on our highways, in 2005, 129,000 people would have been killed on our roads instead of 43,000.

How can we afford NOT to take additional steps to reduce this continuing carnage?

E V E R Y L I F E LO S T B R I N G S T R A G E D Y T O M A N Y P E O P L E . AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS ARE THE #1 CAUSE OF GRIEF IN THIS COUNTRY.


115114A H A L F - P E N N Y F O R A L I F E Our proposal of A Half-Penny for a Life is an opportunity for the Government of the People, for the People, to act now to reduce a major killer and the largest disabler and cause of grief to our citizens.

Partly due to our efforts over the past decades, about $533 million annually is authorized from The Highway Trust Fund and distributed to the States for their Governors to implement their own safety programs.

To fi nance the activities of the National Traffi c Safety Education Program, we are proposing a nominal investment be made by drivers in America of less than one cent a day – more specifi cally, based on average gasoline consumption, about an average of 20 cents per month – to improve the safety on our roads.

This nominal investment, which can be derived by an additional half of one cent tax per gallon of gasoline only, would raise approximately $475 million annually. Our proposal is to augment the statewide programs, as well as the efforts of NHTSA and private

organizations. The National Traffi c Safety Education Program would be administered by NHTSA, therefore, almost all the funding would be used toward education, with no need to incur additional administrative expense.

According to the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration, the cost of automobile accidents exceeds $250 billion annually. While we estimate that a 10% reduction in overall accidents is achievable, even a 1% reduction in accidents would save $2.5 billion per year (over 5 times the investment). No price can be put on the injuries, lives and the grief it would save.

Please pledge your support for A Half-Penny for a Life by filling out and mailing in the detachable Vote Card on the back cover.


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116 Throughout ten Presidential Administrations, Fraydun Manocherian has promoted public awareness to increase driver competence and reduce high risk behaviors. His voice was among the fi rst to rally against drunk driving.

Mr. Manocherian has worked with Presidents, legislators, educators, government and private groups to improve driver competence. Beginning in 1955, his advocacy for federal funding of public education in traffi c safety contributed toward passage of The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which established the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration. Advocating for mass media to promote driver safety, his testimonies have helped secure and increase Federal funding for behavioral programs and public service campaigns.

E D U C AT I O N I S D E S P E R AT E LY N E E D E D“Public Service Award” National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration “Man of the Year”The New York Council for Civic Affairs“Honorary Master of Arts”International University of Communications,Washington, D.C.“Man of the Year”Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association“Distinguished Service to Safety Award”National Safety Council“Doctor of Humane Letters”St. John’s University of New York“Outstanding Contribution to Traffi c Safety Award”U.S. Department of Transportation

”

ANFRAYDUN MANOCHERIANand President BILL CLINTON

and Preside t B

FRAYDUN MANOCHERIAN and PresidentJIMMY CARTER, Honorary Chairman, NRSF

FRAYDUN MANOCHERIAN at an hour-longmeeting with President GEORGE H. W. BUSH


00

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118Mr. Manocherian is recognized by the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration and its Administrator, Dr. Jeffrey Runge, as a “tireless proponent of reducing the carnage on our roads.”

On August 22, 2005, Dr. Runge presented Mr. Manocherian with the highest Public Service Award from NHTSA for his “generous and selfl ess support of roadway safety goals for the past decades.”

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T H E M E D I A I S A C R I T I C A L PA R T N E R I N T R A F F I C S A F ET YStudies show that public service campaigns help reduce high risk behaviors that cause crashes. The National Road Safety Foundation urges broadcasters to support the programs of their state Highway and Public Safety Offi ces, and to integrate a balanced mix of traffi c safety psa’s into their annual community safety calendar.

National Traffi c Safety Media Forum The National Road Safety Foundation instigated and hosted a meeting with the National Traffi c Safety Administration and the Governor’s Highway Safety Association in November, 2004. Governors’ Representatives for Traffi c Safety and their media specialists from all 50 states were invited to a three-day forum. The Media Forum was presided over by Dr. Jeffrey Runge, Administrator of NHTSA. The Media Forum’s success resulted in the decision to repeat these meetings every two years.

E V E R Y 1 2 M I N U T E S S O M E O N E D I E S O N O U R R O A D S .

New York, August 2005 – Mr. Fraydun Manocherian and

Dr. Jeffrey Runge, Administrator, NHTSA


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120

Almost Home - Drowsy Driving Program Rusty’s Regret, Tom & Jane, Kevin’s Dad, Maggie’s Law (16 min fi lm) Discussion guide, , psa’s. - CINE Golden Eagle Award, Best in Adult Education and Entertainment (2005)- The Communicator Award for Excellence in Visual Communications (2005)

Speed & Aggression Tool Kit - Speeding/Illegal Street Racing Program “LOV2XLR8” (11 min fi lm)- The Communicator Award for Excellence in Visual Communications (2003)- Crystal Communicator’s Award (2003)

“One Second in Time” (13 min fi lm)- CINE Golden Eagle Award, Best in Adult Education (2003)- The Communicator Award for Excellence in Visual Communications (2003)- Crystal Communicator’s Award (2003)

“Cage the Rage” (7 min fi lm), “Don’t Bug Out! Aggressive Driving Kills!” (3 animated cartoons), Parent Driving Report Card, Discussion guide, PowerPoint, psa’s.

Drinking & Driving Program“The Aftermath” (23 min fi lm), “Sex, Lies and Profi ts” (19 min fi lm). Discussion guides, psa’s.

FREE-ORDER NOW • 866-SAFEPATH • www.nationalroadsafet y.orgPSA Composite More than twenty fi ve 30-second PSA’s cover DWI, Speed, Aggressive Driving, Road Rules, Weather Conditions, Drowsiness and Illegal Street Racing

NRSF en EspañolSpanish voice-over of all NRSF titles and psa’s

Flesh, Metal & GlassA comprehensive 130-page safety manual for life in transit

F R E E - O R D E R N O W • V H S , C D - R O M , B E T A A N D V I A W E B

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) non-profi t charitable organization that promotes safe driving through education and public awareness. NRSF produces and distributes free of charge a traffi c safety manual, “Flesh, Metal and Glass,” educational fi lms and public service campaigns for use by the media and in driver education, traffi c safety, public health and law enforcement programs. Its public safety programs promote improved driver competence, use of safety belts, and educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving and other causes of crashes.


123

122

“Rosalynn and I want to make a personal donation to the National Road Safety Foundation...

Your personal commitment to educating young people about the dangers of drinking and driving

inspires and encourages us. We are proud to have you as a partner and a friend.”

-Sincerely, President Jimmy Carter, June, 1996

“I shared your testimony with my colleagues…I think it shows that, among other things, your

determined advocacy had lead to increased funding for Highway Safety Programs.”

- Sincerely, David Q. Bates Jr., Assistant to President George H.W. Bush, February, 1990

I understand that you were a most effective witness during the recent hearing of the House Public

Works Committee...the importance of improved driving skills of our modern society cannot be

stressed too much...a key ingredient to such a national commitment ought to be appropriate and

frequent demonstration in the media of the tragic results of automobile accidents.”

-Sincerely, Samuel N. Friedel, M.C. (7th District, MD) July, 1970

“So that your suggestion may be given attention by the appropriate offi cials, I am forwarding this

material to the President’s Committee for Traffi c Safety.”

-Sincerely, Assistant to President Eisenhower, September, 1955

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HOW CAN YOU AFFORD N O T T O TA K E A C T I O N T O R E D U C E T H E C A R N A G E O N O U R

H I G H W A Y S ?FM&G_rev2.09_1.3.indd 124-125FM&G_rev2.09_1.3.indd 124-125 3/3/09 9:37:12 PM3/3/09 9:37:12 PM

Web Site Index

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FLESH, METAL & GLASSBy Fraydun Manocher ian

FM&G_rev2.09_1.3.indd 130FM&G_rev2.09_1.3.indd 130 3/3/09 9:37:12 PM3/3/09 9:37:12 PM

“Thank you for your suggestions for education against drunk driving. I agree that education is the key to stopping the deadly combination of drinking and driving. By educating our citizens, we can take the first step in ensuring fewer alcohol-related accidents and fatalities.”

- Sincerely, President Bill Clinton, November, 1994

“... I shared your testimony with my colleagues...I think it shows that, among other things, your determined advocacy has lead to increased funding for Highway Safety Programs.”

- Sincerely, David Q. Bates Jr., Assistant to President George W. Bush and Secretary to the Cabinet, February, 1990

“... So that your suggestion may be given attention by the appropriate officials, I am forwarding this material to the President’s Committee for Traffic Safety.”

- Sincerely, Assistant to President Eisenhower September, 1955

“... Rosalynn and I want to make a personal donation to the National Road Safety Foundation... Your personal commitment to educating young people about the dangers of drinking and driving inspires and encourages us. We are proud to have you as a partner and a friend.”

- Sincerely, President Jimmy Carter June, 1996

18 East 50th Street, New York NY 10012 • Toll-Free. 866.SAFE.PATH • [email protected] • www.nationalroadsafety.org

Published by The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

FLES

H,M

ETA

L &

GLA

SS

THE FORCE OF THIS CRASH SCULPTED THE PASSENGER’S FACE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD.*

By

Fray

dun

Man

oche

rian

FLESH,M

ETAL &

GLA

SS A MANUAL FOR LIFE IN TRANSIT

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.18 East 50th Street, New York NY 10012

Toll-Free. 866.SAFEPATH email: [email protected]

www.nationalroadsafety.org

TO ORDER CONTACT:

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

is a non-profi t charitable organization that promotes safe drivingthrough public awareness.

It produces and distributes free of charge documentaries and educational programsfor use in dirver education,

traffi c safety and enforcement programs.Its public safety programs are geared toward: improved dirver competence;

prmoting use of safety equipment;education the public to the danger of drinking and driving

and other causes of accidents.

18 East 50th Street, New York NY 10012 • Toll-Free. 866.SAFE.PATH • [email protected]

flesh,metal & glass by fraydun manocherian · over 80% of all bikers involved in a crash suffer...

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