Goodbye 2009, Hello Happy New Year!

As 2009 rolls to a close, we will leave you with a laugh.

Be safe during the holidays, stay warm and keep your fingers out of the snowblower!

Transport Accident Commission- Australia Christmas 2009 Montage

The following video is a montage of images taken from 20 years of advertising by the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria, Australia. Similar to the United States, Australia has enjoyed a reduction in motor vehicle fatalities since 1989. It is frequently argued that graphic images such as those seen here (WARNING TO VIEWER) do not change driver behavior and data seems to prove that premise.

So perhaps this could instead be seen as a tribute to the work you as traffic safety professionals do every day to make our roads safer. This IS the reality of traffic crashes- lives are lost senselessly and families lose loved ones... The heartbreak is enormous.  YOU make a difference.  



(Thanks to Sgt. John Bruno, Traffic Accident Reconstructionist from MSP 8th District HQ for passing this on)

MADD STATE LIFE SAVER NOMINATIONS SOUGHT

MADD Michigan is taking nominations for the annual State Life Saver Award. According to their office, "Madd understands the essential role law enforcement has in the ongoing effort to remove alcohol impaired drivers from the roadways of Michigan. These awards are to honor the law enforcement officers who have demonstrated a dedication to combating drunk driving and have contributed to these life-saving efforts."

The six Life Saver Award recipients will be honored at a luncheon in Lansing on February 26, 2010. Each nominee will receive a certificate of recognition from MADD Michigan. Applications for this award are available through the U.P. OHSP office.  Please contact Jamie at 906-225-7036 to have one sent to your agency.  The completed nomination form must be received by the MADD state office no later than Friday, January 15, 2010.

Typically, Upper Peninsula law enforcement officers have not submitted nominations for the State Life Saver Award, yet it is clear that they should.  Their diligent efforts have reduced the number of deaths and serious injuries in the region that are attributed to impaired driving. If you have a peer or someone under your command who has made a significant number of arrests for impaired driving, please consider them for a nomination. The form is short and simple to complete.

SPEED ENFORCEMENT MATERIALS AVAILABLE!

Facts About Speed-Related Crashes in Michigan:

Speeding greatly reduces the driver’s ability to slow a vehicle when necessary or to steer safely around an unexpected curve, another vehicle, or an object in the roadway.

In 2008 in Michigan, there were 232 speed-related fatalities.

In Michigan, 57 percent of all speed-related traffic fatalities occur on roads where the posted speed limits were 55 miles per hour or under.

In bad weather (heavy rain, snow, icy roads, or heavy fog) motorists may need to reduce speeds to below the posted speed limit to safely travel the roadway.

Excessive speed was a factor in 20 percent of all fatal crashes on dry roads, and in 18 percent of those occurring on wet roads.

Speed was a factor in 43 percent of the fatal crashes when there was snow or slush on the road, and in 84 percent of the fatal crashes that occurred on icy roads.

Conducting Speed Enforcement? The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning has colorful, full size banners (see above) available at no charge for law enforcement agencies in Michigan. We also have Speed Tips and a news release to let the media (and of course the general public) know about your enforcement efforts. 

 

Give us a call at 906-225-7036 for more information.