New Google Maps Tool

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Anyone familiar with WATS documents and maps knows that we are fans of Google's simple and accessible mapping tools.  This week, Google took a big step to make these tools even more powerful with its Google Maps Engine Lite Beta.  The new tool simplifies the process of making maps and improves control of symbology and data display.  We'll try out the improved tool in the next few weeks as we schedule meetings for our Long Range Plan.  Head to Google Maps Engine Lite if you are interested in testing it yourself, or see the official announcement at Google's Lat Long blog.


2012 Michigan Traffic Crashes Down, Traffic Deaths Up

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While Michigan traffic crashes and injuries were down in 2012, fatalities increased 5 percent over 2011from 889 to 936, according to the Michigan Department of State Police (MSP) Criminal Justice Information Center.  The number of traffic crashes fell 4 percent to 273,891 from 284,049 in 2011. Injuries were down 2 percent to 70,519 from 71,796 in 2011.

Increases were noted in motorcyclist fatalities, up 18 percent over 2011, and alcohol- and drug-involved fatalities, up 3 percent to 281 and 6 percent to 135 respectively.

"Michigan's increase in traffic fatalities mirrors what has taken place across the country," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, MSP director. "Despite an increase in traffic deaths last year, the long-term picture indicates this is the fifth year in a row Michigan had fewer than 1,000 traffic deaths. Ten years ago there were nearly 1,300 people who died as a result of traffic crashes in our state."

Despite increases in traffic fatalities and alcohol and drug involvement, teen fatalities declined 14 percent, from 99 in 2011 to 85 in 2012.

The state has experienced significant decreases in traffic crashes over the past decade, from 395,515 in 2002 to 273,891 in 2012. Similarly, alcohol- and/or drug-involved fatalities have dropped from 463 in 2002 to 342 in 2012.

In other areas:

  • Cell phone-involved crashes decreased 9 percent, from 821 in 2011 to 748 in 2012. Cell phone-involved fatal crashes increased from six in 2011 to eight in 2012. (Michigan cannot track crashes involving texting specifically.)
  • Commercial motor vehicle-involved fatalities increased 10 percent, from 73 in 2011 to 80 in 2012.
  • Motorcyclist fatalities increased 18 percent, from 109 in 2011 to 129 in 2012.
  • Bicyclist fatalities were down 17 percent, from 24 in 2011 to 20 in 2012.
  • Pedestrian fatalities decreased 5 percent, from 140 in 2011 to 133 in 2012.
  • The number of crashes involving deer declined 9 percent, from 53,592 in 2011 to 48,918 in 2012.

NOTE: Additional 2012 crash information will be posted to www.michigantrafficcrashfacts.org in the coming months. Check frequently for updates. Information regarding crashes can be found at www.michigan.gov/msp; select Forms, Publications & Statistics on the left; select Statistics; select Traffic Crash Statistics.

National Train Day

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Trains take us where we need to go, want to go. They remind us of other lives seen only out the window. They employ us, bring passengers with a few extra dollars to spend into local coffee shops, draw activity downtown, attract funds to the roads and buildings around the stations. They bring us to school, to work, to visit a friend in need. 

Join Amtrak on May 11, 2013 at the sixth annual National Train Day to show that trains matter to you, your town, and your community. Attend an event around the country or host your own.  Until then, spend some time on the National Train Day site to learn more about the ways trains impact our lives and share your story.

2013 Commuter Challenge!

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Grab your bus pass, put your walking shoes, or get out those new bike streamers, it's time for the 2013 Commuter Challenge! Each May, GetDowntown sponsors a a month long competition that encourages employees throughout Ann Arbor to try alternative commuting during the month of May. Bus, bike, walk or carpool/vanpool—whatever you choose, the Commuter Challenge makes alternative commuting fun and easy. Whether a lifetime change or just something you try once, you’ll get prizes, save money , and have a great time with your coworkers!

Teamwork
The Commuter Challenge is all about teamwork. You and your coworkers participate together, logging commutes and taking part in weekly challenges that inspire you to keep up your alternative commutes and have some fun. Challenges are always better as a team, so get your coworkers to join in the fun!

Prizes
  • Every person who logs just one commute on the Commuter Challenge website during May will receive a coupon for free ice cream from Washtenaw Dairy.
  • There are also lots of great ways for you to win additional prizes by logging commutes, submitting photos, and more.
  • Organizations that participate in weekly challenges will be eligible for prizes and swag to show off at your worksite. 
  • Your organization will win a grand prize if you get the highest participation in the Challenge in your size category: a celebration at your worksite, with free food and drinks!
More money in your pocket, a healthier and easier commute, and prizes to boot? The time to make a move has never been better.

Events
Every week of the Challenge is a chance to celebrate! Click here to view all the events.

How it works
  • Visit letsmakeamove.org
  • Sign up to participate in the Commuter Challenge 
  • Get your co-workers to sign up, too!
  • On May 1st, kick start the Commuter Challenge with Green Commute Day and log your first commute at letsmakeamove.org! 
  • Keep logging commutes throughout the month. Each commute logged gets your team closer to winning the grand prize.
  • We’ll post a new challenge for organizations to compete to win each week. Check the weekly email updates or letsmakeamove.org to find out what the challenge is each week!
  • Each week will celebrate the benefits of each alternative commuting method: walking, biking, busing, and carpooling/vanpooling. Whatever you choose, we’ll help make it fun!
  • Have other questions about the Challenge? Visit our FAQ page or email us at info@getdowntown.org

Motorists should count on a sober driver, not luck, to get home safely

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Luck may belong to the Irish and might even help a college hoops team make it through the playoffs, but it won’t help Michigan motorists who don’t designate a sober driver over the next couple of weeks.

Law enforcement agencies in 26 counties are conducting more than 13,200 hours of extra patrols to arrest drunk drivers today through April 8. This time period includes the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's and women’s basketball tournaments, high school and college spring break periods and St. Patrick’s Day. A five-year review of crash data indicates both alcohol use and lack of seat belts play a significant role in fatal and serious injury crashes in March and early April.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is coordinating the effort which is supported by federal traffic safety funds.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re out rooting for your favorite team at the local sports bar or celebrating the luck of the Irish at the corner pub, if alcohol is part of the festivities make sure you designate a sober driver to get you home safely,” said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director. “Extra officers will be out on patrol, and if you’re caught driving drunk you will be arrested.”

In 2012, 2,488 people were arrested for drunk driving during the NCAA tournament time period. Of those, 789 were arrested under the state’s high blood-alcohol content (BAC) law with BAC’s of .17 or higher. More than 400 of those arrests were made by grant-funded law enforcement agencies during last year’s drunk driving crackdown.


Fictitious Future of American High Speed Rail

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As the debate over spending continues to divert national attention away from our nation's infrastructure needs, one designer's fictitious map has rekindled discussion about High Speed Rail.  Alfred Twu, a graphic designer and HSR activist from California, piecemealed his map from several 2009 proposals from Amtrak and the Obama administration.  The map is now on the White House Petition website, where proposals that garner 100,000 votes receive a response from the president and his staff.  Visit the proposal at the White House petition website, or get more information (and infograms!) at the project website.

 "More than mere steel wheels on tracks, high speed rail shrinks space and brings farflung families back together. It keeps couples in touch when distant career or educational opportunities beckon. It calls to adventure and travel." Daniel Twu in an Interview with The Guardian

MLUI Article on Need for Local Options for Transportation Funding

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"Grand Rapids will need another $15 million each year just to prevent almost all of its streets from dropping into 'poor' condition..."


The Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI) recently featured an excellent article describing the challenges that cities face funding even basic maintenance of their roads.  The article makes a case for providing more local options to Michigan's city leaders to fund transportation projects while state funding remains in limbo.  Though the article focuses on Grand Rapids, Washtenaw County faces many of the same challenges the author describes.  Read the full article at the MLUI website. 

"Within three years, 80% of the streets in Grand Rapids will be in poor condition. In just six years, that number reaches 90%..."

National “Be Ready. Be Buckled.” Kids’ Art Contest

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2012 Winning Entry
The annual Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Partnership “Be Ready. Be Buckled.” art contest is open to kids in grades K-6 (ages 5-12) who have a relative or sponsor in the truck and bus industries. Artwork should illustrate “the importance of commercial motor vehicle drivers buckling up” with the overarching message “Safety Belts Save Lives.” All submissions must be postmarked no later than Friday, March 15, 2013.

Prizes:

  • Two Grand Prize winners will receive a U.S. Savings Bond and a copy of their artwork mounted and framed, and will be honored at an awards ceremony at USDOT Headquarters in early May.
  • Twelve students featured in a 2014 calendar will receive a certificate of appreciation from the CMV Safety Belt Partnership for their entry.

Visit the  Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Partnership website for more information.


2012 Winning Entry