Highway to Safety | Road Safety / Traffic Safety Guy

27 – Teen Drugged Driving: What You Can Do About It

Did you know that: * 1 in 8 weekend nighttime drivers tested positive for illicit drugs in 2007? * 1 in 3 fatally injured drivers who were tested, tested positive for some type of illicit drug in 2010? * In a national survey of high school seniors, 1 in 8 admitted to using marijuana and then driving in the 2 weeks prior to the survey? Drugged Driving is a global problem where more people are using some type of drug, whether it is over-the-counter, prescribed, or illicit, and then trying to drive. Many drugs affect our mental and/or physical abilities; that means our driving abilities are impaired if we try to drive after taking the drug. But there are actions we can all take to be aware and proactive in ending this killer. RADD-ONDCP TEEN DRUGGED DRIVING SUMMIT RADD-ONDCP Teen Drugged Driving Summit [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_8685-300x199.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_8685.jpg] ONDCP Acting Director Botticelli addresses those at the Summit To discuss drugged driving and more specifically teen drugged driving, RADD and the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) co-hosted the nation’s first comprehensive public forum on teen drugged driving. The summit brought together government leaders, scientific experts and community leaders for an in-depth discussion on the latest research and strategies to protect young drivers. While present at this ground-braking summit, I spoke with a number of the speakers and dignitaries and got their viewpoints on drugged driving and its impact on today’s teens. This episode is a compilation of their comments and an examination of the teen drugged driving issue. In this episode you will hear from (in alphabetical order): * Jonathan Adkins, Executive Director, GHSA * Michael Botticelli, Acting Director, ONDCP * Jason Demeter, National Student Leadership Council, SADD * Dr. James Lange, Research Director, RADD * Erin Meluso, President, RADD * Sgt. Wesley Stought, Ohio DRE Coordinator, OSHP * Penny Wells, President & CEO, SADD * Michael Witter, Region 5 Administrator, NHSTA RADD-ONDCP Teen Drugged Driving Summit [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_8908-300x199.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_8908.jpg] A panel discussion on what is being done to prevent teen drugged driving Based on our conversations, we examine three questions: 1. Is teen drugged driving a problem? 2. What do we mean when we say “drugged driving?” 3. What do we do about it? IS TEEN DRUGGED DRIVING A PROBLEM? There is no question that drugged driving, and teen drugged driving is a problem. The number and percentage of people who are driving and testing positive for drugs is increasing at a steady rate. A conservative estimate now shows that drugged driving causes 20% of the crashes in the U.S. Part of the reason for the increasing numbers is the lack of awareness of the issue. MADD and other organizations have done a fantastic job in stigmatizing drinking alcohol and driving, however, the message hasn’t carried over to include other drugs.   There is this mistaken belief that by using certain drugs, including marijuana, we are safer drivers. The research proves otherwise. Any drug that impacts our mind, also impacts our driving skills. WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY “DRUGGED DRIVING?” Drugged Driving is more than illicit drugs. [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Drugged-Driving-1-300x198.jpeg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Drugged-Driving-1.jpeg] Drugged Driving is more than illicit drugs. When many people hear the phrase “drugged driving” they automatically think of illegal drugs. However that is only a portion of the drugs causing the burgeoning drugged driving crisis. Drugged driving does occur with the use of illicit drugs, but it can also happen with the use of prescription or over-the-counter medication.   Most drugs are designed to affect us, even when used as instructed, such as: reducing pain, stopping an allergic reaction or helping us to fall asleep. It is that effect that can also impair our driving abilities. Labels on medicine bottles commonly have the phrase: “Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking the medicine.” A car is heavy machinery. When taking any type of medicine it is important to read the labels and understand how it will affect you. Drugged driving also includes the use of illicit drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The NHTSA Roadside Survey from 2007 found that of the nighttime drivers tested, marijuana was the most commonly detected illicit drug followed by Cocaine and Methamphetamine. States like Colorado and Washington now allow the use of marijuana and its impact on our highways has grown significantly. This is also true in those states that have “medical marijuana.” In a report entitled: The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado—The Impact, the percentage of traffic fatalities where the driver tested positive for marijuana doubled from 2007 to 2012. This is in spite of a 14.8% reduction in overall traffic fatalities during the same time. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT TEEN DRUGGED DRIVING? RADD President Meluso addresses those at the Summit. [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_8659-300x199.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_8659.jpg] RADD President Meluso addresses those at the Summit. The first response to this question from everyone was the essential requirement of increasing the awareness of drugged driving. We all need to learn more about the issue, understand that drugged driving is occurring everywhere and find out what are some steps we can take to prevent it. Furthermore, going beyond an understanding of the issue, there has to be a self-awareness of any drug use. Too many people do not understand the risks many drugs create; they are taking the drugs and then driving, putting themselves and everyone else on the road in harms way. One useful tool in raising awareness is the ONDCP Teen Drugged Driving: Community Awareness Activity Toolkit. The toolkit provides community groups with the facts on the dangers of teen drugged driving, and activities to assist in its prevention. Parental involvement was the second answer to the question of ending teen drugged driving. Parents play a pivotal role in educating their teens. As a parent, you can provide good information to your children along with setting clear expectations on what is the expected behavior. As declared by ONDCP Director Botticelli: “Parents are probably the best prevention program that we have.” Everyone also agreed that to impact teen drugged driving, teens must be at the table, assisting with the development of the message as well as sharing it with other teens. Peer-to-peer messaging is one of the most effective methods of sharing a message; we are more likely to listen to our peers than an outsider who is trying to influence us. This is true for adults as well as teens. RADD-ONDCP Teen Drugged Driving Summit [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_8715-300x214.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_8715.jpg] NTSB Acting Chairman Hart addresses those at the Summit. Finally, besides raising awareness, there was the recognition that law enforcement has to be involved in the process. NTSB Acting Chairman Hart noted that it takes legislation, education and enforcement to change behavior. One group of officers actively involved in preventing drugged driving are known as DREs (Drug Recognition Experts). DREs are specially trained officers who recognize the symptoms of someone under the influence of a drug. All 50 states have the DEC (Drug Evaluation & Classification) program as well as a number of other countries and it is showing results. Using a systematic process, DREs examine a driver to determine if a driver is impaired by drug(s) and what category of drug(s) may be causing the impairment. The research demonstrates that the DEC program is reliable and effective. CONCLUSION There is now a wealth of information on the dangers of drugged driving and it is up to all of us to get the facts and share the message. Parents need to step up and learn about the risks and share that information with the family and the community. Teens must start speaking up and let everyone know what is happening and that it must stop. To end drugged driving requires action by all of us; not just parents, not just teens, not just community leaders, not just law enforcement officers, but everyone. Ending drugged driving will require a comprehensive approach. Yet, when considering the number of lives that will be saved, what could be more important? The time is now, step up, speak out, and save a life. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION To watch video recordings of my conversations with these and other dignitaries, check out this webpage [http://trafficsafetyguy.com/blog/teen-drugged-driving-summit/] on my Traffic Safety Guy [http://trafficsafetyguy.com]website. Finally, I wish to express my gratitude to RADD for arranging the opportunity to speak with everyone. It was a fantastic opportunity. RELATED LINKS: WEBSITES: * Ford Driving Skills for Life [https://www.drivingskillsforlife.com] * Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) [http://www.ghsa.org] * International Drug Evaluation and Classification Program [http://www.decp.org] * National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [http://www.nhtsa.gov] * National Insitute on Drug Abuse [http://www.drugabuse.gov] * National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) [http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/mwl4_2014.html] * NTSB Most Wanted List [http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/mwl.html] * Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) [http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/drugged-driving] * RADD [http://radd.org] * Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) [http://www.sadd.org] RESEARCH: * Monitoring the Future [http://monitoringthefuture.org] * NHTSA 2007 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers [http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Research+&+Evaluation/2007+National+Roadside+Survey+of+Alcohol+and+Drug+Use+by+Drivers] * Stop Drugged Driving [http://www.stopdruggeddriving.org] OTHER RESOURCES: * Highway to Safety Podcast Episode #4 -Drugged Driving: What is it and What Can We Do About It? A Conversation With Dr. Robert DuPont [http://highwaytosafety.com/04-drugged-driving-can-dr-robert-dupont/] * Highway to Safety Podcast Episode #13 – Driving and Marijuana—A Dangerous Combination [http://highwaytosafety.com/13-driving-marijuana-dangerous-combination/] * The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado—The Impact [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/August-2014-Legalization-of-MJ-in-Colorado-the-Impact.pdf] * ONDCP Teen Drugged Driving Community Toolkit [http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/issues-content/drugged-driving/ondcp_teendruggeddrivingtoolkit_41613_final.pdf] * RADD-ONDCP Teen Drugged Driving Agenda [http://radd.org/images/1407010_RADD_-_ONDCP_Teen_DUID_Summit_Agenda_fnl_Printr.pdf] * RADD-ONDCP Teen Drugged Driving Archived Taped Event [http://radd.org/archived-summit.html] * Traffic Safety Guy – RADD-ONDCP Teen Drugged Driving Summit [http://trafficsafetyguy.com/blog/teen-drugged-driving-summit/] ONDCP ACTING DIRECTOR BOTTICELLI DISCUSSES TEEN DRUGGED DRIVING RADD PRESIDENT ERIN MELUSO DISCUSSES TEEN DRUGGED DRIVING

26 – Underage Drinking Laws: Saving Lives in Our Communities

President Reagan signing the NMDAA [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Reagan-Signing-21-Law-300x205.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Reagan-Signing-21-Law.jpg] President Reagan signing the NMDAA Thirty years ago President Reagan signed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act (NMDAA) that required states to make 21 as the minimum age for purchasing or public possessing alcohol. As a result all 50 states now have 21 as the minimum drinking age. Occasionally, there are efforts made to reduce the drinking age to 18, arguing that teens and college students are still drinking, thus the law is a failure. THE NMDAA SAVING LIVES ON OUR HIGHWAYS This episode and the previous one are examining the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. Part one (Episode 25) examined the law’s purpose and asked if has it been successful in achieving that goal.   Part two considers if the law has had any additional benefits and what can be done about underage drinking. To answer that question I speak with Dr. Ralph Hingson, Director of the Epidemiology and Prevention Research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Underage Drinking [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Hingson_sml.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Hingson_sml.jpg] Dr. Ralph Hingson The NMDAA was initially passed to save lives on our roads and highways, and it has been extremely successful in that effort. It is estimated that almost 30,000 lives have been saved because of the requirement to be 21 years old to drink alcohol. Dr. Hingson notes that the estimate of lives saved is most likely very conservative. Since the early 1980s, there has been a 77% decline in drunk driving deaths for drivers ages 16 to 20. No other age group has had a greater improvement. Dr. Hingson declared that the NMDAA is a “success story of major consequence.” It has also had a positive impact in matters other than traffic safety. Underage drinking is associated with a variety of significant problems, including: homicides, suicides, risky sexual behavior and poor academic performance. By reducing the number of teens drinking alcohol, these problems have also been reduced. LOWERING THE DRINKING AGE IS NOT THE ANSWER During our discussion, Dr. Hingson examines the reasons given for reducing the underage drinking law and refutes each claim. The first argument made is that the current age requirement drives teens to drink “underground” and leads teens to drink explosive amounts of alcohol. Supposedly, if the drinking age were lower, then teens wouldn’t be looking for hidden places to drink and they would drink responsibly. However, the research demonstrates that those individuals who are ages 21-24 and are legal to drink, are actually consuming greater quantities of alcohol, 10-20 drinks on an occassion. Thus it is the legal drinkers who are drinking the extreme quantities of alcohol, not the teens for who it is illegal. A second argument raised is that we should follow Europe’s example on drinking age laws and tolerance since European countries supposedly have fewer issues with drinking. But the research says otherwise. European youth drink more alcohol than here in the Untied States, and there is a higher proportion of those who drink to intoxication. Also of concern, when European countries are compared to other regions of the world, Europe has the highest per capita of alcohol consumption, the highest proportion of alcohol dependence and the highest rate of deaths due to alcohol misuse. When looking at all of the measures used to consider this issue, Dr. Hingson stated that Europe is not a model to emulate. In actuality, it is the U.S. that should be considered a role model for other countries when considering an alcohol policy and teens. Underage Drinking [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Teen-Drinking1-300x195.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Teen-Drinking1.jpg] Teens Drinking in Europe THE NMDAA SAVING LIVES IN OUR COMMUNITIES The research on underage drinking demonstrates that the earlier a person starts to drink, the greater the likelihood the person will become alcohol dependent at some point in his or her life. Over 40% of the youth who start drinking at age 14 or younger will become alcohol dependent; versus 10% of those who become dependent when they start drinking at age 21 or later. It is also noteworthy that after New Zealand reduced its minimum drinking age from 20 to 18, there was a significant increase in alcohol-related crashes among 15-19 year olds.  The increase in drinking by those 18-19 years old was followed by an increase by 16-17 years old even though it was still illegal for the younger ages. Other scientific research discovered after the NMDAA was passed also supports the law’s continuation.  Thanks to technological advances involving brain scans, we now know that even at 21 the brain is still developing. There are important changes occurring in brain development during the teenage years.  Alcohol retards these changes, and has both short- and long-term effects, including damage to: * Memories * Learning capabilities * Decision–making process, and * Reasoning ability BATTLING UNDERAGE DRINKING Underage drinking is definitely a problem [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Underage-drinking-copy-3-300x199.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Underage-drinking-copy-3.jpg] Underage drinking is definitely a problem While there is no question that underage drinking is an issue, the answer is not to lower the age, the answer is a multi-level approach that targets: individuals, families, and schools. It is important to note that web-based interventions have also shown some promise. Looking at the individual efforts, having health care professionals to provide screening and brief counseling has been found highly effective, including when it is done at college. Dr. Hingson recommends that all college students who use the health care services should be screened and receive brief counseling, and that the health care professionals take a more proactive role when dealing with young people. Many times a doctor or nurse learns that a teen is drinking or smoking – even though it is illegal – and they don’ provide health care advice on these issues. The research indicates that when these professionals take action, there is a recognized benefit. In considering the family influence, Dr. Hingson pointed out that parents probably have the strongest influence on preventing underage drinking. If parents binge drink, their children are very likely to do so. Parental permission of alcohol use generally leads to greater incidents of alcohol use by their teens, increased binge drinking and higher rates of alcohol problems. On the flip side, parents who talk with their children, and provide good role models can have a significant impact on whether or not their children drink alcohol before the age of 21. This is true even after leaving home for college. TIPS FOR PARENTS Alcohol Conversation [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Alcohol-Conversation-300x199.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Alcohol-Conversation.jpg] Parents can make a difference Dr. Hingson provided some important tips for parents and underage drinking. * You should model behavior that children can (and will) follow. If you drink heavily then your children are more likely to do so. The reverse can be true as well. * You need to start talking with your children about alcohol and have clear and consistent rules, and start monitoring them as early as possible. * Consider what you can collectively do at the community level. Don’t oppose the enforcement of underage drinking laws, support the laws, and collectively monitor where your children are and who their friends are and if they are going to parties where alcohol is available. * You should not provide alcohol to children; it is linked to heavier drinking patterns and greater developmental problems. Parents should also consider getting involved with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). CADCA has 5,000 community coalitions across the United States that focuses on underage drinking and other drug issues. This is an issue that is being looked at in other countries as well. Dr. Hingson is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Coordinating Council focusing on ways to implement WHO’s global strategy plan to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol. But here in the United States, we know from the research that the National Minimum Drinking Age Act has saved lives on our roads and in our communities. It is a law that works. RELATED LINKS: WEBSITES: * Centers for Disease Control [http://www.cdc.gov] * Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) [http://www.cadca.org] * Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility [http://responsibility.org] * Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Power of Parents [http://www.madd.org/underage-drinking/the-power-of-parents/] * National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [http://www.niaaa.nih.gov] * National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens [http://teens.drugabuse.gov/about-us] * Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44360/] RESEARCH: * Case Closed: Research Evidence on the Positive Public Health Impact of the Age 21 Minimum Legal Drinking Age [http://www.jsad.com/jsad/article/Case_Closed_Research_Evidence_on_the_Positive_Public_Health_Impact_of_the_/4919.html] * New Research Findings Since the 2007 Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage  Drinking, Hingson, R. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24411808] * New Zealand – Reducing the Minimum Purchase Age for Alcohol and Traffic Crashes Among 15 to 19 year olds [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470436/] * NHTSA – Young Drivers 2012 [http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812019.pdf] OTHER RESOURCES: * Underage Drinking Laws: Saving Lives on Our Roads – Highway to Safety Podcast – Episode 25 [http://highwaytosafety.com/underage-drinking-laws-saving-lives-highways-part-one/] * Underage Drinking: A Homegrown Remedy? [http://trafficsafetyguy.com/a-homegrown-remedy-to-underage-drinking/]

25 – Underage Drinking Laws: Saving Lives on Our Highways

President Reagan signing the NMDAA [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Reagan-Signing-21-Law-300x205.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Reagan-Signing-21-Law.jpg] President Reagan signing the NMDAA HAVE THE UNDERAGE DRINKING LAWS MADE A DIFFERENCE? Thirty years ago President Reagan signed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act (NMDAA) that required states to make 21 as the minimum age for purchasing or public possessing alcohol. As a result all 50 states now have 21 as the minimum drinking age. Occasionally, there are efforts made to reduce the drinking age to 18, arguing that teens and college students are still drinking, thus the law is a failure. This episode and the one following will be a two-part examination of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. Part one will examine the reason the law was passed and ask if has it been successful in light of that purpose. Part two will consider if the law has had any additional benefits and what can be done about the issue of underage drinking. In this episode, I will be speaking with three different individuals about the initial reason for the law. The three people are: * Bill Bronrott, currently the Deputy Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), played an important role in the battle against drunk driving and the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. * Candace Lightner, President of We Save Lives.org was the founder of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and a strong proponent for this law because of the lives it would save on our highways. * Bill Morrison, a retired officer from Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland. During his career, Bill saw a number of problems caused by underage drinking and developed a plan to combat it. DRUNK DRIVING: STARTING A NATIONAL DISCUSSION When looking at the reason for the NMDAA, it is important to remember in the early 1980s the fight against drunk driving was in its infancy. MADD was established in 1980, back at a time when someone being killed by a drunk driver was tragic, but it was just one of “those things.” Candace Lightner’s daughter Cari, was killed by a repeat drunk driver and she was told by police that it was unlikely her daughter’s killer would see any jail time, let alone prison. In the 1980s, the battle against DUI was just starting [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DUI-Checkpoint-1-300x200.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DUI-Checkpoint-1.jpg] In the 1980s, the battle against DUI was just starting It was during this time that the battle to end drunk driving really started. One of the steps taken was by President Reagan to establish a Presidential Commission on Drunk Driving. The Commission’s purpose was to examine the issue of drunk driving and make appropriate recommendations to combat this deadly issue. The Commission issued a final report one year later with a number of recommendations. Passing national legislation to make the drinking age 21 was the Commission’s number one priority. Already being discussed because of “blood borders,” the recommendation by the Commission helped push the issue to the forefront. In the early 80’s, blood borders were becoming all too common. Mr. Bronrott and Ms. Lightner both describe blood borders as a horrific consequence of teens driving across state borders where the drinking age was lower, become drunk, and then while trying to drive home, crash and die. Teens were literally dying to get their alcohol. In fact, drunk driving was the number one cause of death for teens at this time. It was time to end these blood borders and save lives. Efforts had been made on a state-by-state level, however, that proved ineffectual; a national push was required. THE NATIONAL MINIMUM DRINKING AGE ACT IS PASSED However, like any legislation, getting the Commission’s recommendation passed was not a simple thing. There were competing interest on this issue and they were all speaking with senators and congressmen. Ms. Lightner met with them, talking about her daughter’s death and her desire to stop future deaths. Underage Drinking [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2011-DC-Fall417-300x199.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2011-DC-Fall417.jpg] The NMDAA was one of the fastest bills passed by Congress at the time. Armed with a map of the United States showing the blood borders and followed by the media, Ms. Lightner meet with a number of legislators, including then Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neil. After sharing her story and why the minimum drinking age act was important, Speaker O’Neil told his legislative aide to: ‘get her what she wants.’ The law was passed within a year of the commission’s recommendations, and it is considered one of the fastest bills to successfully get through Congress. At the signing President Reagan declared: This problem is bigger than the individual States. It’s a grave national problem, and it touches all our lives. With the problem so clear-cut and the proven solution at hand, we have no misgiving about this judicious use of Federal power. I’m convinced that it will help persuade State legislators to act in the national interest to save our children’s lives, by raising the drinking age to 21 across the country. UNDERAGE DRINKING IN TODAY’S SOCIETY Of course, it is clear that underage drinking still happens. Teens are finding ways to obtain alcohol, some with fake identification, some at underground parties, and even others through their parents, either with a parent’s consent or just by taking the alcohol from the cabinet. Underage drinking is definitely a problem, and parents can be both part of the problem and part of the solution. Some parents believe that if they let their teen drink at home, then they know the child is safe. It is the belief that if I as a parent did it while a teen, how can I not allow my child to do it.   However, we now know more from the science, and things are different in today’s culture when compared to the way it was 20 and 30 years ago. Underage drinking is definitely a problem [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Underage-drinking-copy-3-300x199.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Underage-drinking-copy-3.jpg] Underage drinking is definitely a problem Officer Morrison noted that today’s teens are driving in their own car to parties where hard alcohol is being served, drinking a significant amount more alcohol and not worrying about others at the party. At underage drinking parties, he routinely saw teens at extreme BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) levels. He also observed an indifference with today’s teens that when someone is drunk, or maybe trying to drive home, or even being sexually assaulted they simply walk on by. It is considered to be inconvenient to respond or help out. As noted by Officer Morrison, he has seen too many “good kids who made poor decisions” because of alcohol, and he has made too many death notifications where a teen has driven drunk and killed himself. His strongest message is for the parents. As a parent, you must become more proactive; show you care about your children, but also hold your children responsible. Take the time to ask questions when your teen is going out and then wait up for them to come home and use all of your senses to learn what is happening. You need to remember that your children will try to push the envelope, and it is part of your job to set boundaries and keep your children safe. ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC SAFETY LAWS ON THE BOOKS Efforts to reduce the minimum drinking age occasionally happen. Are there issues with underage drinking? Of course there are, but there exists other ways to address this issue. To learn about additional benefits of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act and discover some of those ways to address underage drinking, check out Part Two of this discussion. The NMDAA has saved thousands of lives. [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Lives-Saved-300x199.jpeg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Lives-Saved.jpeg] The NMDAA has saved tens of thousands of lives. In the meantime, this law has saved tens of thousands of lives on our roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the minimum drinking age laws have saved 29,292 lives and some consider that number conservative. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was proposed as a traffic safety bill, and as a traffic safety law, it has lived up to its promise. 30 years later the number of lives saved on our roads is staggering, and it is still happening. Thousands of people are alive today because of this law. RELATED LINKS: WEBSITES: * Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) [http://www.madd.org] * We Save Lives.org [http://wesavelives.org] RESEARCH: * CDC – Fact Sheet – Underage Drinking [http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm] * NHTSA – Traffic Safety Facts 2012 Data – Young Drivers [http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812019.pdf] * NIAAA – Underage Drinking [http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/special-populations-co-occurring-disorders/underage-drinking] * NIH Fact Sheets – Underage Drinking [http://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/viewfactsheet.aspx?csid=21] OTHER RESOURCES: * National Minimum Drinking Age Act [https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/the_1984_national_minimum_drinking_age_act_2.html] * Party Patrols Helps Keep Lid on Alcohol [http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/bc-party-patrol-helps-keep-lid-on-alcohol-use/] * Preventing and Dispersing Underage Drinking Parties [http://www.udetc.org/documents/UnderageDrinking.pdf] * President Reagan’s Remarks on Signing NMDAA [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=40164] * Training Officers to Patrol Teenage Underage Drinking Parties [http://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland_gazette/news/government/anne-arundel-police-train-to-patrol-teenage-house-parties/article_13f5e973-8009-5eac-926f-c6119dcfe410.html] BILL BRONROTT TALKS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE NMDAA

24 – Senior Drivers—and All Other Drivers—9 Tips for Safe Summer Driving

Julie Lee, Vice President and National Director, AARP Driver Safety [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Julie-Lee-AARP-264x300.png] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Julie-Lee-AARP.png] Julie Lee, Vice President and National Director, AARP Driver Safety Julie Lee, Vice President and National Director of AARP Driver Safety chats with me about nine important summer driving tips; tips that apply to all drivers. Surprising to many, summer is a more dangerous driving time than winter. In the summer months of June through August 2012, there were 18 percent more fatal car crashes than in the winter months of December through February. In part, the reasons include an increase in the number of people traveling for vacations and the nicer weather, and a major surge in road construction. YOUNG AND SENIOR DRIVERS—NOT THE SAME In 2012, there were 5,560 people 65 and older killed and 214,000 injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes. These older people made up 17 percent of all traffic fatalities and 9 percent of all people injured in traffic crashes during the year. Compared to 2011, fatalities among people 65 and older and injured people in this age group increased by 16 percent. When looking at the vehicle fatality rate by age, there is a noticeable curve, or U shape. For young drivers where the fatality rate is the highest, the cause is a mixture of actions, primarily all related to inexperience and/or risky behavior. But for drivers over 65, inexperience is clearly not the reason. Being an older driver does not mean an inability to drive, but it can mean an increased fragility. Older drivers are more likely to die in crashes that younger people may survive. Being an older driver requires greater awareness and understanding of any limitations because of aging. Fatalities per 1,000 Licensed Drivers by Age [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Fatalaity-Rate-300x216.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Fatalaity-Rate.jpg] Fatalities per 1,000 Licensed Drivers by Age SUMMER DRIVING TIPS Recognizing the danger of summer driving and the issues surrounding older drivers, AARP has nine important tips for getting to your destination safely. In this episode, Ms. Lee discusses the tips in more detail, but a summary includes: * Planning ahead. * Giving yourself extra time and taking regular breaks. * Being prepared for emergencies. * Pulling over to the side—the right way. * Checking your tires to stay safe and save money. * Using the three-second rule when driving. * Avoiding distractions. * Staying Calm. * Looking out for motorcyclists and bicyclists. AARP also has an online Driver Safety Program [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Online-Course-1-300x199.jpeg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Online-Course-1.jpeg] AARP also has an online Driver Safety Program BEING A “SMART DRIVER” Ms. Lee and I also talk about the recently revised AARP driving course, Smart Driver. Earlier this year, AARP revised its older driver course to reflect the current state of the research. It also incorporated a message of accepting change with a theme of “Things Change.” The two-day course is about recognizing that everything changes: ones physical abilities, the cars driven, the roads used, and the laws applied. It is about understanding these changes and learning what can be done about them.  AARP also created an online driver safety program. SENIOR DRIVERS AND SAFETY CONCERNS However, even with the refresher course, at some point, it may be necessary to curtail someone’s driving. Because of safety concerns, you may see the need to have a parent or grandparent stop driving. If that is the case, you will find useful information about having that conversation at “We Need to Talk.” This is always a tough subject but it is an important one, when everyone’s safety is at risk. One of Ms. Lee’s suggestions is to start having this important discussion before it is needed. This is a conversation to do early and frequently to ensure everyone’s perspective is considered, and everyone understands the next steps when it becomes necessary. Continuing to drive later in life can be important. [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Senior-Driving-2-copy-300x199.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Senior-Driving-2-copy.jpg] Continuing to drive later in life can be important. SENIOR DRIVERS MOVING ON For a lot of people, young and old, driving is a demonstration of independence. Being a senior driver does not mean ending that freedom—it means understanding the changes and responding accordingly. Being a senior driver means taking advantage of the tools and information specifically tailored for you. Using the growing body of knowledge can help all of us drive off into the sunset for many years to come. RELATED LINKS WEBSITES: * AARP – Driving Resource Center [http://www.aarp.org/home-family/getting-around/driving-resource-center/driving-resource-center-getting-started.html?cmp=RDRCT-DRC_SEPT16_013] * Smart Driver Classroom Course [http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchDspLocations.action?intcmp=EDO-DSP-PR-CL] * Smart Driver Online Course [http://www.aarpdriversafety.org/?intcmp=LNK-EDO-DSP-PR-OL] * AARP We Need to Talk [http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/we_need_to_talk/?intcmp=EDO-DSP-PR-WNTT] * AARP Carfit [http://www.car-fit.org] RESEARCH: * Pet Safety and Harnesses – Consumers Reports [http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/10/pet-restraints-may-be-inadequate-in-a-crash/index.htm] * Traffic Safety Facts—Older Population 2011 Data [http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811745.pdf] * Traffic Safety Facts—Older Population 2012 Data [http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812005.pdf] OTHER RESOURCES: * Older Drivers—Time to be a Smart Driver? Traffic Safety Guy Blog [http://trafficsafetyguy.com/smart-driver/] * Senior Drivers: To Drive or Not to Drive. Traffic Safety Guy Blog [http://trafficsafetyguy.com/older-adult-drivers-to-drive-or-not-to-drive/] * Useful Traffic Safety Tools – Pet Harness.  Traffic Safety Guy Website [http://trafficsafetyguy.com/resources/useful-road-safety-tools/]

23 – Developing Road Safety Awareness For a Lifetime: Teaching them Young

Jorge Baxter and Road Safety Ambassador Grover [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0164-300x198.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/DSC_0164.jpg] Jorge Baxter and Road Safety Ambassador Grover Jorge Baxter is the Regional Director in Latin America for Sesame Workshop.[1] With over 15 years in the education, arts, and media fields and extensive experience in leveraging media and education for social change, Mr. Baxter is now raising awareness and educating young children about the deadly issue of traffic crashes. In this episode Mr. Baxter discusses what Sesame Workshop is doing to make an impact on traffic safety: globally, regionally and locally. TRAFFIC SAFETY IS A GLOBAL ISSUE * Road traffic crashes take the lives of nearly 1.3 million people every year, with almost half being pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. * Between 20-50 million people are injured in crashes. * Road traffic crashes have become a leading cause of death for our youth. The Road Safety Tag is the global symbol of the movement to improve safety on the roads. [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Road-Safety-trans-300x300.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Road-Safety-trans.jpg] The Road Safety Tag is the global symbol of the movement to improve safety on the roads. Because of statistics like that, the United Nations declared 2011-20120 the Decade of Action for Road Safety. With a goal of saving 5 million lives by 2020, governments and non-governmental organizations are taking action to change those numbers. Sesame Workshop is one of those organizations. Joining forces with FIA Foundation and Road Safety Global Partnership, Sesame Workshop is developing educational and advocacy material that is engaging and captures children’s and even parent’s attention. When looking at the issue of traffic safety, Sesame Workshop noted that road crashes disproportionally effect the youth and believes it can make a difference globally because of its educational experience and established contacts. STARTING AT A YOUNG AGE When making a decision to get involved, Sesame Workshop examines if there is a compelling reason, and if the issue is one for early childhood. Clearly in this situation, the answer to both questions is a resounding yes. With a dearth of early childhood material on traffic safety, it provided an excellent opportunity to be engaged in the issue. Children are not born knowing road safety issues [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Walking-200x300.jpeg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Walking.jpeg] Children are not born knowing road safety issues Children are not born knowing road safety issues, and early interaction can be important. Sesame Workshop’s forte is focusing on children ages 3 to 7 and those individuals in a child’s “circle of influence.” Children learn about their environment from their interaction with adults, so targeting the parents as well as the children is an important part of the process. Real impact happens when children and adults talk about road safety together. It is also important that parents act as a good role model on safety practices, like looking both ways before crossing the road. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH GROVER A lot of the material looks at educating young children on such safety issues as: * Playing near roads * Pedestrian safety, and * Bicycle safety and wearing a helmet To help share the message, Sesame Workshop convinced a well-known celebrity to be a road safety ambassador: Grover, the Muppet. Grover is someone children know and find attractive; and he is curious and adventurous. In the traffic safety PSAs created with Grover, he uses the universal “Thumbs Up” to indicate he is safe and ready to go. DEVELOPING A LOCALIZED MESSAGE In developing the message, it was important to recognize that local issues make a difference. What works for a rural area will not work for an urban area and vice versa. There can even be large differences within a country, thus it is important to create material that can be used in local areas. Children learning about road safety at a young age will be a lesson that will last for a lifetime. [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/467143829-300x225.jpg] [http://highwaytosafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/467143829.jpg] Children learning about road safety at a young age will be a lesson that can last for a lifetime. Partnering with Inter-American Development Bank, FIA Foundation and the Costa Rican government, Sesame Workshop has developed a pilot project for Costa Rica. Using local experts and international research on what works, a tool kit for teachers was created. The kit allows teachers to provide children road safety messages that compliment their current teaching curriculum and daily activities in their own community. Part of the kit includes a “Big Book” that can be used in different group settings. The Big Book includes a series of stories on road safety along with a DVD of audiovisual content. It even has animations created by Plaza Sesamo[2] incorporated into the messaging. Teachers are also trained on road safety so they understand the issues and how they might teach it. By having children take the road safety message home to their parents, it also encourages parents to learn about the issue. Some common topics include: crossing the road, what road signs and signals mean and pedestrian safety. In this fashion, the teachers, the children, and the parents are all learning about traffic safety. THE ULTIMATE GOAL Sesame Workshop focuses on having an impact; getting children motivated, changing behavior and ultimately on this issue, saving lives. This tool kit and the PSA messaging will empower children to respect cars, understand the dangers around roads and likewise engage their parents. This way children also become change agents for the adults. With the parents involved, the messages are spread throughout the family and into the community. Finally, children learning about road safety at a young age will be a lesson that can last for a lifetime. RELATED LINKS WEBSITES: * FIA Foundation [http://www.fiafoundation.org/Pages/homepage.aspx] * Global Road Safety Partnership [http://www.grsproadsafety.org] * Inter-American Development Bank [http://www.iadb.org/en/inter-american-development-bank,2837.html] * Kidsafe Victoria Australia [http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/sesame] * Plaza Sesamo – Road Safety [http://www.plazasesamo.com/padres-y-educadores/seguridad/seguridad-vial] * Sesame Street – Elmo Stays Safe [http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/elmo-stays-safe] * Sesame Workshop [http://www.sesameworkshop.org] * Sesame Workshop – Road Safety [http://www.sesameworkshop.org/what-we-do/our-initiatives/road-safety/] RESEARCH: * WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2013 [http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/road_safety_status/2013/en/] OTHER: * Decade of Action for Road Safety [http://www.who.int/roadsafety/decade_of_action/en/] * Highway to Safety Podcast – Ernesto Arguello – Snap-2- Live [http://highwaytosafety.com/07-snap-2-live-safety-fashion-click-together/] ROAD SAFETY AMBASSADOR GROVER Sesame Workshop has appointed Grover as the Road Safety Ambassador as part of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety. [1] Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Established 40 years ago, its mission is to use media to educate children around the world. [2] Plaza Sesamo is the Spanish-language adaptation of Sesame Street for Latin America.