The cost of Distraction

One parent told me that they talked to their teenage son for months about the dangers of using the cell phone in the car. Nothing seemed to make an impact. Until this video.

Thank G-D is was a video that made the impact instead of a tree or worse

Warning Warning Warning.... This video is NOT for the weak hearted

Another Family Lost in the Car Accident
Simone Cole was taken by a car accident. Sort of speak. Jus prior she sent a text message to her mother. It did not say calling from the next world, It was regarding Thanksgiving but the family would not have. A doctor had just told her that her son, Kyler Allen Eldon Cole, would be induced on Thanksgiving eve if he were not born by then.

Teen Car Crashes peak in Summer

Summer is the deadliest time for teen drivers

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to reduce teen crashes and fatalities in Minnesota, the Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association, Westfield Insurance and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety are hosting Twin Cities' teens at the Ford Driving Skills for Life teen driving summer camp. This free, once-in-a-lifetime driving experience is being held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, June 26-28.

Vehicle crashes are the number-one killer of teens in Minnesota and nationwide. In Minnesota 2006-2008, teen drivers (16-19) were involved in 48,799 traffic crashes, resulting in 226 deaths. In all, 137 teens ages 16-19 were killed in crashes.

Students will receive hands-on advanced training by some of the nation's top professional driving instructors. Participants will learn techniques in four key skill areas: speed management, space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition. Experts have identified the lack of these skills to be the cause of approximately 60 percent of vehicle crashes for newly licensed drivers ages 16 to 19.

Through the training camp, teens will gain valuable driving experience and improve their driving safety skills; parents are welcome to attend as well.

"We are looking forward to bringing the Ford Driving Skills for Life program to Minnesota," said Jim Graham, community relations manager of the Ford Motor Company Fund. "The Ford Driving Skills for Life program is designed to help teens learn important lessons in road safety that are often not discovered until it is too late. The Ford Motor Company Fund is committed to combating the alarming rate of teen crashes and fatalities."

Cheri Marti, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety and a member of GHSA's executive board, says this event is important to give new teen drivers hands-on experience. She adds the program encourages parents to stay involved in continuing to train and monitor their teen drivers.

"Teen drivers pose a threat to themselves, their passengers and other drivers due to their inexperience and risk-taking behind the wheel," says Marti, noting summer is the deadliest period on the road for teen drivers. "This program is a great opportunity to teach teens valuable skills they need to avoid tragedy on the road."

Ford Driving Skills for Life was created in 2003 in partnership with the GHSA. It is one of the nation's most comprehensive teen driver safety programs. In addition to hands-on events such as the event being held in St. Paul, it consists of learning tools such as an interactive Web site (www.drivingskillsforlife.com) that includes a learning module, quizzes, car care videos, driving tip videos, interactive games and an enhanced eco-driving curriculum. Free educator packets are available for students and parents, as well as teachers and community programs. Additionally, individual programs can be created to meet the specific needs of communities and schools.
Website: http://www.drivingskillsforlife.com

Night Vision for drivers

A group created an electronic system that significantly improves driving ability at night by using information extracted automatically from night visors. Researchers are working within a European project called DRIVSCO, whose participants include researchers from different countries who work on real-time vision and its application to the car industry. The study conducted at UGR developed a microchip which, when installed in a car, makes it easier to extract the information from cameras to elements involved in driving (bends, pedestrians, cars, etc.) which may be present on the road. In other words, this system will inform drivers by means of visual, acoustic or other signs about the obstacles appearing in their way, making intelligent cars even more sophisticated than is currently the case.

Improving visibility

The researcher who carried out this study is Eduardo Ros Vidal, who explained that the aim of this chip is to support the illumination of the car, which is insufficient for ideal vision. "Dipped headlights only illuminate about 56 meters when the breaking distance at 100 km/h is about 80 meters," says Professor Ros Vidal. The system created by his group uses two infrared cameras placed on the car which record the scene even further than the illumination of conventional headlights. Therefore, the chip extracts information about factors such as movement or depth in real time to improve the detection of specific elements and situations of interest.

Current artificial vision systems use this basic information to detect objects, pedestrians, bends etc. For instance, the system generates information about the depth of the scene in real time codifying the distance of every object -- warm colours for close objects (reddish and more dangerous) and cold colours for distant objects (bluish and safer). The system also processes real-time movements, indicating the direction in which the object moves in the scene and how everything changes due to the movement of the car.

Other participants in DRIVSCO include the University of Münster (Germany), which is currently studying where drivers look when driving by using eye-tracking systems. This project is the continuation of ECOVISION, which also focused on the development of Advanced Driving Assistant Systems (ADAS), which are currently applied to high range cars and which will undoubtedly be improved thanks to the progress of DRIVSCO.

Mercedez Trains New Drivers

http://www.girlracer.co.uk/motoring/news/1105-learn-to-drive-with-mercedes-benz-.html Learn to drive with Mercedes-Benz

The new Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is set to revolutionise the way British teenagers learn to drive, with the aim of encouraging safer driving on Britain’s roads. With young drivers amongst the most vulnerable on the roads (nearly 1 in 3 car drivers who die or are seriously injured are under the age of 252), the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy promises to coach its students to become good drivers, not to just pass the test. Launching at Mercedes-Benz World in June, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy offers three main modules: Pre-road module (age 12 – 16yrs), Provisional Licence module (age 17+yrs) and Post-test module (for those who have already passed their test). With the handling circuits at Mercedes-Benz World, in Weybridge, Surrey, students as young as 12yrs can enrol in the Academy and start mastering driving skills in a safe environment off the public roads, under the expert tuition of certified personal coaches. This allows them to get familiar with the car, gain confidence and focus on controlling the car before they have to deal with traffic situations out on the public roads. Concentrating on one thing at a time in a stress free environment eventually leads to more effective learning and better driving habits. The positive impacts of learning to drive at a younger age have been demonstrated in Sweden where the introduction of the Swedish Young Drivers initiative reduced accident rates by 40 per cent in the first year amongst drivers who started behind the wheel 18 months earlier - at 16yrs3. Mercedes-Benz has been working with Dr Mika Hatakka (Turku, Finland), an internationally acknowledged expert of driver education, to develop an innovative curriculum-based programme. The structure of this programme takes into account recommendations from a series of EU road safety research projects that look at the benefits of learning to drive younger and earlier, as well as best practice tuition techniques. With over 190 different skills, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy takes a holistic approach to learning to drive. Passing the driving test focuses on two key areas - basic vehicle control and mastering traffic situations. The new research-based Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy curriculum goes far beyond car control with two completely new ‘psychological’ modules covering journey planning, dealing with peer pressure in the car, personal motivations, time pressures, health and wellbeing and social influences - all of which are adapted according to relevance, age, module and ability. Example tasks also include practical lessons in car maintenance, first aid and the best ecological and economical ways to drive. As well as coaching students to master driving skills, the Driving Academy will also teach risk assessment and prevention via practical experiences and role playing exercises. These exercises will include training on how to avoid losing control of a car, the importance of eliminating distractions and what to do with a car full of noisy friends or loud music. Using a variety of techniques from practical tuition on the handling circuits and on the public roads as well as classroom seminars and peer group discussion sessions, students will be tasked with actively thinking about driving as well as learning to drive. Self-evaluation and effective use of feedback are given extra emphasis in the programme via in-car cameras and post-session interactive discussions. In addition, a web-based skills tracker will allow both students and parents to monitor progress throughout the different levels of the Driving Academy curriculum, and to see exactly what has been achieved in each lesson. The Academy’s holistic approach also offers ‘Parent-Partner-Sessions’ where parents are given practical advice (on the handling circuits) on how to become the best possible in-car advisors when they are with their children outside of the Academy. The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy also recognises the importance of supporting young drivers after they have passed their test as their driving experience in traffic develops. The Post-Test Module offers students a series of refresher courses which go beyond ‘Pass Plus’. It includes practical simulations of emergency situations as well as discussion seminars to review and self-evaluate driving experiences in traffic. Peter O’Halloran, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz World commented: “Learning to drive should be like learning to play an instrument. The more practice you have the better you master it and the more confident you become. With Mercedes-Benz, students start learning to drive at a younger age, which removes the stress of passing the actual driving test. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy provides young people with the skills and thought based experiences that go beyond the requirements of just passing the driving test and prepares them for the actual demands of driving on the public roads, making them better and safer drivers when they have their licence.” Surrey Fire and Rescue Service welcomes initiatives that attempt to raise driving standards in the local area, Area Manager Leslie Dodd said " Last year 14 young people died on our roads and 10 of their passengers were killed. Any scheme which equips drivers with the skills and knowledge to stay safe on our roads deserves our support." www.girlracer.co.uk

Safe Driving for Teens

http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=94840&cat=15

Pompano Beach, FL 6/18/2009 08:36 PM GMT (TransWorldNews)

A special “Kid Spaces” edition of Designing Spaces features an important topic that doesn’t typically get the attention it warrants: teens on the road. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens in the U.S. and speeding, not drinking or drugs, is the leading cause of car crashes among teens. Special guest Stacy Kagan, an Allstate agent in South Florida, discusses this devastating reality on the upcoming show. She offers advice to parents on how to talk with their teens, set limits and provide rewards so that they better understand the responsibilities and consequences associated with driving, as well as find additional tools and resources like an interactive parent-teen driving contract at allstate.com/teen. The show airs nationally on the WE network on June 19^th at 7:30 am and TLC on June 20^th at 7 am.

“The summer months are historically the mostly deadly for teens on the road, so Allstate is taking a strong stand to educate parents and their teens about establishing rules for safe driving,” says Kagan. “A study conducted by The Allstate Foundation found that 89% of teens said that their parents—not teachers or peers—have the most influence on how they drive. Allstate offers a Parent-Teen Driving Contract that is designed to facilitate communication between parents and teens about safe driving and help ensure safe driving habits.”

Created by Quorum Productions, Designing Spaces is a half-hour informative series that inspires viewers to make every space count and instructs them on the smartest ways to make their homes more beautiful and functional. From advice on large scale renovations to small modifications, simple tips on making everyday tasks easier for decorating on a budget, this is the one show that provides you with all the comprehensive information you’ll need, presented in a fun, easy-to-follow format.

Quorum Productions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of O2 Media Inc., is a Florida-based production company that is nationally renowned for creating award-winning educational programming. Their informative shows are geared towards disseminating innovative ideas and practical solutions to everyday challenges. Guests on Designing Spaces have included representatives from companies such as Microsoft, Disney, MTV, Samsung, Chase Bank, Procter & Gamble, Wal-Mart, Celebrity Cruise Lines and many others.

For information on how to get your company’s stories featured on Designing Spaces, contact: Lysa Liemer, Executive Vice President of Programming, at: www.designingspaces.tv or call 954-571-5221.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and brokerdealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.

Senior Citizens Driving Test

By Ariel Wittenberg & Nick O'Malley, DAILY NEWS CORRESPONDENTS

GHS http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x413663335/Seniors-weigh-in-on-driving-restrictions

Posted Jun 21, 2009 @ 12:16 AM

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With Massachusetts lawmakers considering more stringent regulations on drivers over the age of 85, area residents who would be affected had mixed feelings about how additional tests should be implemented.

Richard King, 87, did not give a second thought when he drove to the Fairbank Senior Center in Sudbury on Wednesday.

"I'm almost 90 and still driving, and you better believe it," he said while stuffing envelopes for the Center's weekly senior bulletin.

"Well, don't tell the authorities that," his friend, 78-year-old Peggy Angel of Sudbury, replied, "They'll take away your license."

Angel explained she believes that driving tests are necessary for safer roads but "they should look at who has a bad driving record before they test people."

"I've never gotten a ticket in my life. I have no records with the police or anyone else and I am in good health," she said. "I don't want you testing me just because I'm over 70."

But, King responded "giving a 10-year license to a 70-year-old is a bit ridiculous," he said. "Ten years is a long time when you're our age."

At the Holliston Senior Center, Dorris McGrath, 79, said while she welcomes additional driving tests, she believes that they should be administered to drivers of all ages, saying that while senior drivers might have a tendency to be slow and confused, younger drivers are too fast and erratic to be safe.

Roger Meritt, 71, of Holliston said anyone could be a dangerous driver, but said he becomes concerned when he sees handicapped seniors driving.

"Sometimes you see people at Wal-Mart who it takes all the strength they have to get into the store, and they have the walker and everything," he said. "You just have to wonder, how does this person maneuver on Rte. 495? What happens if they have to stop short and they are going 65, 70 miles an hour? Can they make it?"

Northborough resident Robert Flint, 82, does not drive at night per his doctor's request because he has glaucoma. But Flint, who has no problems with his reflexes, said he "would be lost" if he ever had to stop driving completely because the rest of his family relies on him for transportation.

Living in a town with a lack of public transportation, Flint is responsible for driving his daughter, who has epilepsy and is not allowed to drive for medical reasons, and his 12-year-old granddaughter.

Grace Gledhill, 73, of Wayland said "it would throw me in a tailspin" to have to hand in her license because "I've always been an independent person, and to be independent, I need a car."

Still, Gledhill believes additional tests for the elderly are necessary.

"I know people up in their 80's, who can barely walk, and who I would never get into a car with," she said.

Bob Gagnon of Franklin questioned why elderly drivers were being singled out but said, "If they think it'll make it safer, I guess it's all right."

Anthony Grillo said more accidents are caused by people - not seniors - on cell phones. He thought a doctor should make the call on when a senior should stop driving.

Gordon Curtis of Bellingham said it may be difficult to convince some to give up their license.

"Most of the seniors are independent and they don't look forward to that request. Hopefully, they realize it's time to stop on their own. That's the best way to do it," he said.

Unity on Driver Safety

ESB and RSA to promote road safety in workplace

TThe ESB and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have agreed a landmark strategic alliance to advance their goals for safer driving over the next three years.

The new partnership will see the development of a three-year plan 'Achieving Safe Driving Excellence', to provide a best practice model for developing procedures governing road safety in the workplace.

ESB Deputy Chief Executive Johnny Shine said that ESB is committed to the highest level of safety performance in all its activities including its fleet and private vehicle driving. Implementing safe driving policies within the ESB has resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in serious collisions and a 20 per cent drop in material damage collisions between 2003 and 2008."

"This reduction in fatal collisions and in serious injuries has saved untold human misery and saved the exchequer approximately €28 million. In addition our motor insurance premia fell to 15 per cent of 2003 levels," he commented.

"Going forwardthe ESB is implementing a safe driving programme targeted at improving every facet of driving across its businesses and working towards the elimination of incidents and injuries associated with driving and transport activities. The creation of this strategic alliance with the RSA will allow us to tap into their expertise and will certainly strengthen our safe driving programme", he added.

Commenting on the Strategic Alliance, the Chief Executive of the RSA, Noel Brett said that driving for work involves risk not only for the driver, but also for their fellow workers and members of the public.

"As an employer or self-employed person you must, by law, manage the risks that may arise when employees drive for their work. The ESB has pioneered the way in this country when it comes to road safety in the work place. We are delighted with this partnership with ESB. It will ultimately lead to the development of a best practice model for employers to successfully enable them to manage the risks associated with driving for work", he added.

On a practical level the strategic alliance will involve implementing such measures as:

" ESB promoting its safe driving programme to other employers to demonstrate the benefits to employees and the business.

" Collaborating on new vehicle safety requirements associated with the introduction of new legislation and technologies such as electric vehicles.

" Sharing emerging technology advancements and identifying practical issues within Fleet Management and ways of incorporating them into the ESB vehicle fleet.

" RSA providing assistance to ESB in developing Safe Road Use training programmes

The ESB has a 'liveried fleet' of almost 3,000 utility vehicles but, in addition, 4,000 ESB staff use their own private cars on ESB business. These fleets cover almost 80 million kilometres annually. ESB is also an international company and many staff drive abroad, which introduces further hazards.

http://hgvireland.com/news09a/09hgv285.html

Safe Driving Tips

Whether you're making a quick trip to the grocery store or heading off on a cross-country road trip, the road can be full of unexpected obstacles.

Any trip in the car, truck or motorcycle, no matter how far or near it might be can and almost always will have unexpected challenges that can threaten both property and valuable lives. Even if you're a safe driver with a reliable vehicle, you never know when a flat tire or car accident could derail your plans.

Progressive insurance offers these tips :

Practice cell phone safety. Using your cell phone while driving can be unsafe, but for many people it's also unavoidable. Getting to know your cell phone and its features, such as speed dial and redial, can help you keep your attention on the road while making a call. If possible, avoid even placing a call until you're stopped at an intersection or parked.

Avoid DWD (Driving While Distracted). With more and more people trying to multitask, DWDs are becoming more common. In order to keep you-and the drivers around you-safe, avoid doing things like using your GPS system, texting or eating while driving.

Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires regularly.

Protect your car against theft. Keep electronic items like MP3s, CDs and other attractive items out of the car to avoid being distracted. Help deter criminals from taking your car with security systems, steering wheel locks or an electronic tracking device. In some states, your security system might qualify you for a discount on your car insurance. Ask your local independent agent what discounts could apply in your area.

Of course Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, make sure you're protected. An independent insurance agent can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence. Progressive offers a wide range of coverages that can fit your needs, from Rental Reimbursement to Roadside Assistance.

For more information and to find an agent near by, visit www.progressiveagent.com.

It's safe to say you should try to avoid using your GPS system, texting or eating while driving.
Yes, being the driver of the car means that your top priority is traveling safely all the way to your destination without risking any life or property

Some devices that help drive better