Dangers of Distracted Driving and Prevention Resources

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In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. In fact, 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted. Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving.  All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:
  • Texting
  • Using a cell phone or smartphone
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alarmed by these statistics, are urgently educating the public about these dangers in an effort to curb distracted driving.  Together they created the website Distraction.gov, which provides emotionally wrenching personal stories and facts for those interested in educating their own family, classrooms, or community.  If you are interested in these resources, we encourage you to visit Distraction.gov.  Below we've included one of the videos about Joe Teater from Spring Lake, Michigan, who was killed by a distracted driver in 2004.  To see more personal stories, visit the Faces tab at Disctraction.gov.


MichiganFlyer Service Funding Approved

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Last week, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission voted to include bus service between Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport in its Long Range Plan.  The new agreement includes four additional trips per day above the current 8, funded in part by a one time federal grant.  The service is provided by Michigan Flyer, an Indian Trails subsidiary.  The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) and Ann Arbor DDA work with Michigan Flyer to provide the AirRide service, which brings the Michigan Flyer bus to downtown Ann Arbor.  For more information, visit the Michigan Flyer website or the AirRide website.

Michigan's Transportation Funding Choices

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The state of Michigan faces a simple choice on transportation funding, pay more now, or a lot more later.  Growth in transportation funding is outpaced by inflation and deteriorating infrastructure, and funding will only erode faster with the surge of fuel efficient and electric vehicles.  As the state congress evaluates methods for improving our infrastructure, MDOT published a series of reports and infographics to illustrate Michigan's dire need for solutions.  The report, The Road not Taken, examines the 1997 increase in the state's fuel tax increase, and explains why that increase was not adequate to sustainably fund our transportation system.  The infographics are included below.  If you are interested in meaningful solutions to solve Michigan's infrastructure crisis, visit justfixtheroads.com.







More than 8,700 motorists cited for not buckling up during Click It or Ticket

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During a statewide effort to get motorists to buckle up, law enforcement agencies in 26 counties issued 8,701 seat belt and child seat violation tickets, nearly 600 more citations than during last year’s enforcement effort.

Preliminary reports from police agencies indicate 13,453 vehicles were stopped during the May 20-June 2 Click It or Ticket campaign. The enforcement is part of a national effort to save lives and reduce injuries by increasing seat belt use.

Following the state’s record-high rate of 97.9 percent in 2009, seat belt use declined to 93.6 percent in 2012. Every 1 percent increase in belt use means 10 fewer traffic deaths and 130 fewer injuries. In 2012, 225 people who died in Michigan traffic crashes were not buckled up.

“Motorists were warned about the enforcement through advertising on the Internet, television and radio stations and through the media. Those that didn’t heed the advice to ‘click it’ received a ticket,” said Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning Director Michael L. Prince. “The bottom line is seat belts save lives and motorists need to buckle up every trip, every time.”

In addition to seat belt violations, 15 drunk drivers were arrested during the enforcement period and 29 drug arrests were made. More than 1,000 tickets for uninsured motorists and 415 for suspended licenses were written.

In Eaton County, a seat belt stop resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine in the vehicle and the seizure of more than $30,000 in other drugs. Traffic stops in Taylor and Rockwood in Wayne County resulted in narcotics arrests and the forfeiture of more than $3,000.

Twelve people died in traffic crashes over the Memorial Day holiday period. Of those, three were not wearing a seat belt, two were motorcyclists, two were riding off-road vehicles along the roadway, one was riding a moped and one was a pedestrian. This is an increase from the 2012 Memorial Day holiday period when ten people were killed in traffic crashes.

Officers will again take to the streets working stepped up drunk driving patrols July 1-7 and Aug. 16-Sept. 2, during the heavily traveled July Fourth and Labor Day holidays. Seat belt enforcement will also be a part of the Labor Day effort.

ReImagine Washtenaw Online Materials and Survey

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In May, ReImagine Washtenaw held a series of public meetings to share the status of their efforts to envision a new Washtenaw Corridor.  The workshop materials and evaluation forms from the meeting are now online.  Anyone can review this material and provide feedback.  Visit  the survey below if you did not have a chance to provide comment at the public meetings.

The survey closes on July 1st!

The Connector Workshop June 2013 Public Input

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As part of its continuing efforts to engage the public and stakeholders, and provide the latest information about The Connector project, on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, members of the public are invited to provide their opinions during a workshop event at the Downtown Ann Arbor District Library. The Connector is a developing plan for high-capacity transit in an arc from northeast to south Ann Arbor, connecting major destinations including downtown, University of Michigan campuses and medical center, and commercial areas.




During the June 18 workshop there will be several opportunities to provide feedback about The Connector. The workshop is open to everyone — residents, business owners, stakeholders and other interested parties are encouraged to attend.
The Connector June 18 Workshop Agenda
4:30-5:30 pm
5:30-6:00 pm
6:00-7:00 pm
7:00-7:30 pm
7:30-8:00 pm		     Open House
Presentation
Breakout Groups — Connect The Connector
Presentation
Open House

Commuting by Bike: Signaling, Common Intersections, and Traffic (Lifehacker article)

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Lifehacker, a website dedicated to tips, tricks, and downloads for getting things done recently featured an excellent article about bike commuting on its Hackerspace.  In it, author Joseph Skeate covers basic hand signals, how a biker might handle complex intersections, and even how to be safe near a merging bus.  We recommend it!  Read the article at Lifehacker.