My take on being a Shorty Award Finalist

I normally don't blog, tweet, post or like anything as Traffic Services that doesn't deal with, well...traffic. This will be a little different than the norm, but please keep reading.

The first time I ever saw a mention of a Shorty Award was last year around this time when the winners were being announced and a person I followed won.  I looked to see what they were and thought, "That's a great idea!"  And to be considered the "Oscars of Twitter" made them even more special.

A few months ago, I had fun nominating and supporting other people's nominations.  I was even fortunate enough to have a few nominations thrown my way, which was a surprise to me but I felt truly honoured to be thought of in that light.

Then the notification came that I was a finalist in the Connecting People Category presented by Nokia.  As my son would say, "I did not see that coming!"

What an incredible way to be thought of...as someone who connects people.

My goal is to reduce collisions, injuries and death and using a tool like Twitter and Facebook to help do that has been a great experience for me.  Building bridges between the police and the community, the drivers and the cyclists, the pedestrians and the drivers has been an absolute blast.

Helping each road user group understand the specific needs or the other has been just as educational for me as I hope it has been for you.  Knowing that I have influenced people to think about traffic safety is awesome.

Nurturing relationships in a cyber world to the point they are as honest and true as a person to person environment has been so very rewarding.

Connecting one group to another through key people who can help and offer assistance about an issue has been unbelievably satisfying.

And I can't forget the real reason I am even being considered as a finalist in this awesome category...YOU.  You have allowed me to share my information.  You have listened to what I have had to say.  You have shared information with me.  You have shared information with others.  You have made the difference.  You have said that you had never given traffic safety a second thought until I shared it with you.

You have made our roads safer; you have made each other safer.

What do you know...I was able to make this about traffic ;)

So, winning or losing on Monday night really won't be that important because I have won so much already, because of you.

Thank you for that.

Finally to my fellow finalists.  @jaybumaom @amandapalmer @shannonmmiller @kyraocity @OneDegreeFromMe (Jay, Amanda, Shannon, Kyra and Paul)

Congratulations; for being nominated, becoming a finalist and winning already...because you have all been recognized for connecting people and that makes someones life, some where, some way a little better.

No matter what, on Tuesday I will still be asking, "How can I help you?"

Distracted Driving - Happy Valentines Day

Monday February 14th...HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I really hope you have taken the time to tell the people in your life how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them.  After all, Valentines Day is the day to do it.  In reality, if someone means something special to you....you should tell them every chance you can.

Now, I'm not a specialist in relationships, psychology, sociology or anything like that, so I won't continue on the "tell them you love them" rant.  I will say, there is a really good reason that I'm suggesting it though.  There is a significant chance, it could be the last time you ever see them alive.

Do you have any idea how many people around us are texting, talking emailing, reading, eating or doing any number of "ing" things while they are driv-ing?

I see it everyday driving around...people using a device that has nothing to so with the task of driving a car.  Call it what you want; distracted, multi-tasked, inattentive, ignorant, unsafe, uncalled for...just don't call it safe or acceptable.  And I'm not the only one who sees it.  You see it too.  You probably complain about it and look at others with disgust and contempt when you see it.

Then you hope like crazy no one sees you when you take that 'important call'.  You hold your phone strategically in your lap so you can glance at the screen when the 'life and death' text message comes in.  You justify that there is an incredible value to the email that you have been waiting for...so much value you read it while travelling 120 km/h...that email has more value than your life, my life, or the lives of everyone else around you.

Since February 1, 2010, Ontario Police have been able to lay charges for distracted driving.  In Toronto that has meant 16,708 charges in one year.  (Feb 1, 2010 to Feb 1, 2011)

According to studies that have been done, a driver who is texting increases the chance of being in a crash 23 X.  A driver who is talking increases their risk 4 X.

So, my suggestion for Valentines Day this year along with every day leading up to it and everyday after it...tell the people that are special in your lives how much they mean to you.  With a lot of people around you risking your life, its only a matter of time before the odds catch up to you.

If you are one of the people who are driving distracted...then hopefully when you crash it will only be minor.  Could you imagine how you would feel the rest of your life if you were responsible for killing someone on the most romantic day of the year?

Take a few minutes to watch this video about the REALITY of distracted driving.

Feel free to day to take the No Phone Zone Pledge.

Winter Driving Tips from Toronto Police

Special thanks to my partner, Hugh Smith for compiling the information contained in this press release.
If you have any other safe driving tips for winter, please add them in the comments section.



Following too close!

Winter driving tips
Toronto Police Service

Broadcast time:  2:14 PM

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Traffic services

416 808 1900

This will be the first Major winter storm of the season for the Toronto area. The heavy snowfall and blowing snow may cause whiteout conditions making for extremely hazardous driving conditions.

The public should be prepared to change plans accordingly to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

To ensure you are ready for the rest of the winter season, here are some reminders from the Toronto Police Service.

Driving – avoid any unnecessary trips.

• Slow down and leave more space; driving slower allows more time for reaction and reduces stopping distances.
• Look well beyond where you are travelling, and utilize your mirrors to be aware of your surroundings and other traffic.
• Try to identify possible hazards well in advance.
• Drive within your ability, as well as the vehicles limits and the equipment you have for the conditions.
• Continually evaluate the need for driving, changing environmental conditions and road conditions.
• You should avoid driving while wearing heavy boots, gloves and cumbersome coats. Carry these items with you. The size of these items can hinder your ability to feel the controls and limit your movement.

Equipment

• Tires: whether you are opting for winter, snow or all-season tires, ensure they are in good condition and are properly inflated.
• Battery: have your vehicle's electrical system and battery level checked to ensure adequate cold weather starts.
• Wipers: change worn or broken blades.
• Washer fluid: reservoirs should be filled, and carry an extra container of fluid.
• Booster cables: a set of cables is great insurance to help not only yourself, but others.
• Snow brush/scraper: a long-handled brush, scraper or a broom, are essential for clearing your entire vehicle of snow and ice.

Extras:

• Pack a survival kit for the winter driving season
• Include food, water, blankets, candles, lighter/matches, winter boots, gloves, and hats.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at Traffic Services by following us on Twitter (TrafficServices), and Facebook (Toronto Police – Traffic Services), and the Blog.

Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services

Traffic Safety Quiz on Twitter / Facebook

Today at 10am @TrafficServices will be doing a traffic safety quiz on Twitter and Facebook.
(Sorry for anyone whose wall gets filled by this, but hey, it's all in the name of public safety.

On Twitter follow the hash tag #trafficsafety.
Please include that hash tag with your response or comments.

Questions will be identified as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc.  answers should be #trafficsafety A1, A2, A3, etc.

At the end of the quiz, I will post resources and links for more information.

This is a 3 part quiz consisting of 15 questions.  It will move fast, but I will try to give everyone time to respond if they wish.

Feel free to ask supplemental questions and I will attempt to answer those as well.

Please ReTweet (RT) any information that you find useful or relevant.

As always, keep the answers clean and respectful.

The goal of this is to raise awareness with education for issues regarding road safety in the drive to reduce collisions, injury and death.

Thanks, have fun and see you there.

This is meant to be fun and educational so enjoy it!!!

Future Wish List for Vehicle Safety

Last week's post was the response to me asking people via Twitter and Facebook what present safety features on vehicles they thought were the most important.  This week, the question was modified slightly:

Once again, there were a lot of comments from you that were great ideas.  They broke down into two basic categories though.
Drivers and Vehicles

And there is no way in the world I can argue with either category or the suggestions made.   Mainly because from a traffic safety stand point, they made sense and they were your opinions.

So lets look at them:
Drivers:
Sober
Attentive
Better Skill
Annual Testing
Better Training
Pay Attention
Emotionally Stable
Un-Distracted
Responsible
Common Sense
More Education
Working Brain
Thinking
Advanced Training

Vehicles
Better Automated Lighting Systems
Winter / Snow Tires in Winter
Ignition Interlock
Radar Warning System for Objects Ahead
Proximity Alarms
Full Harness Seat belts
Roll Cages
Red Light Closing Warning
Cell / Wifi / 3G / 4G Signal Blockers
Speed Alarms (Transponders on speed signs)
Blind Spot Alarms
Pedal Extensions
Foam Stuff from Demolition Man
Emergency Vehicle Warning System
Amber Rear Turn Signals
Infra Red Warning System for Night Time Driving

As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be done from both a driver and vehicle aspect that could make our roads safer.

Some of the vehicle things that I would love to see are the signal jammers which wouldn't allow for cell phone, text, email, video signals to be sent or received in a vehicle.  (Naturally the exception being a 911 outbound call).  Ignition interlocks that would not allow a vehicle to be started if alcohol is detected from the driver. Proximity alarms for blind spots and rear area would be a nice touch also.  I'd also really like to see speed limiters.

My concern with all the technology though is that there is a real distinct possibility that drivers would start to rely too much on the technology convenience and forget the skills that are required for safe operation.  If the technology ever failed, you'd still want a driver that can operate a vehicle safely.

So, onto the driver.

Many of the things mentioned to make drivers better, therefore roads safer are already available.  Advanced driving courses, skill development training and specialized equipment (snow tires, better seat belts) are all things that each individual is capable of doing on their own or making the decisions to have them done.

Sober, attentive, aware, non-distracted drivers have made choices to be that way.  Those are choices available to each and everyone of us.  We would probably rather have everyone make a choice to put their smart phones, lap tops and music players in the glove box or trunk before they head out driving as opposed to a new law saying it has to be that way.

Like I said last time, all the best equipment in the world won't make any vehicle safer until a driver has adopted the proper skills, knowledge and abilities to use that equipment properly and displays the right behviour at all times.  The behaviour that says, "Road safety is every one's responsibility and I'm going to do my part."

Safety Features on Vehicles

Last Friday I asked for your input on Twitter and Facebook the following question.

In total there were 21 different responses.  That’s amazing.  What is even more amazing is that the vast majority of the safety features that you brought up have been added to vehicle design in the last generation or so.

When I look at the list that you put together it has become clear that the changes to the design of vehicles have come at a heavy price…the multiple deaths of people both inside and outside the vehicle.

It has been because of those deaths that many of the advancements in vehicle design have come to be.

Here is the complete list:

Tires

Seatbelts

Collision detection radar

Headlights

Taillights

Signals

Airbags

Anti lock brakes

Electronic stability control / traction control

Dynamic head restraints

Crumple zones

Energy absorbing materials

Brakes

Child safety seats

Horn

Side impact beams

Windows

Mirrors

Back up sensors

Child locks

The number one answer given was seatbelts followed in order by, airbags, brakes, headlights and tires.

I’m going to focus on a few of the items that you are in complete control of.  You can’t do much about crumple zones, side impact beams or energy absorbing materials.  For those, we should thank the manufacturers for placing those items into the design of vehicles

Seatbelts – 1976 it became mandatory for the use of seatbelts.  Since that time deaths have been decreasing. There is no arguing their importance.  Still some people don’t wear them.

Anti-lock brakes / Brakes – These are a given.  But so many people rely on them alone for getting them out of trouble.  Proper following distance will extend the life of your brakes.

Lights / Signals– Daytime running lights were a great addition to the safety features of lighting. Most systems only turn on the headlights though and don’t activate the taillights in inclement weather conditions.  Make sure you flip your entire system on for best visibility.  Signaling (including the horn) is the only way you can communicate with the outside word of what your intentions are.  We get along on the roads so much better when we all know what is going on with each other.

Tires – Most people have no idea how small the area of contact is that attaches your vehicle to the road.  Making sure that your tires are in great condition, at the proper pressure and have adequate tread depth is so important.

Everything in the list that you all added are all great safety features.  Here is the last one that I will talk about…the driver.

A few of you mentioned the driver as a present safety feature.  In my humble opinion, this is the most important safety feature.  It doesn’t matter what safety equipment you have.  How much your car cost or how incredible the features are.

The driver’s attitude, behaviour and ability are truly what makes the difference in terms of road safety.   Great drivers obey the laws, drive within the limits of the road, the vehicle and the equipment.  Great drivers respect other road users.  Give me a great driver with ‘bad’ equipment any day over a bad driver with the best equipment.  Great drivers understand that even with their own great abilities, other drivers don’t share the same skill so they are ready for the errors of others.

Thank you all for your input into this list.  Use all your safety equipment available.  Drive within the limits of conditions (road, weather and ability) and be a great road user.

New 7 Day Impoundment Legislation

On December 1st, 2010 new Highway Traffic Act Offences were implemented that have to do with the impoundment of motor vehicles for various offences.  The new sections come under the umbrella of the Road Safety Act, 2009 (Bill 126) and are administrative suspensions.

The sections allow for vehiclesto be impounded for 7 days when the people driving them have committed the following offences:





1.) A driver who's licence has been suspended for any reason, including default of family support (with the exception of unpaid fines or medical reasons) is caught driving. Section 55.2 HTA

2.) A driver who is required to have an ignition interlock device and are found driving without one. Section 41.4 HTA
3.) A driver caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 or who fails/refuses to comply with a demand made by a police officer under section 254 of the Criminal Code of Canada.  Section 48.4 HTA

OK, so that is the legal stuff. Here is what it all really means and what is important for you to remember.

All these offences identify high risk road users.  Those people who have a disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of all of us.

Drivers receive suspension for several reasons.  Most commonly for breaking the rules of the road to such a degree that the punishment handed down by the courts is a suspension.  Some offences come with mandatory suspensions and you can bet that those are the offences that are high risk behaviours that compromise the safety of everyone.  (Impaired driving, stunt driving, multiple demerit point accumulations, etc) = High risk road user.

For a driver to be required to have an ignition interlock device, they have had to have broken the law in terms of drinking and driving.  Part of their conviction is the order that they must have the device installed on any vehicle they drive.  It is a requirement on their licence. = High risk road user.

Anyone charged with over 80 or refusing / failing to comply with the demand, naturally =  High risk road users.

Like I said...the vast majority of us never have to worry about these things.  It is only those drivers who have been self identified as high risk road users.  Self identified? Yes, they are the ones in control of their behaviours and their actions on our roads.

They are the ones who have completely missed section 31 of the Highway Traffic Act:

Driving a privilege

The purpose of this Part is to protect the public by ensuring that,

31.

(a) the privilege of driving on a highway is granted to, and retained by, only those persons who demonstrate that they are likely to drive safely; and

(b) full driving privileges are granted to novice and probationary drivers only after they acquire experience and develop or improve safe driving skills in controlled conditions.  1993, c. 40, s. 1.

No one has the right to drive.  It is a privilege and one that if you don't comply with or abide by the rules and regulations, that privilege is taken away from you.

Back to the impoundments...

The legislation doesn't say the vehicle of the driver...it says the vehicle that is being used by the driver. 

So parents...are you willing to part with your car for seven days because of the behaviour choices of your children?  This is something that you really need to discuss with them so that they understand the importance of good choices.

Friends...are you willing to lose your car for seven days because you loaned it to a friend?  Make sure they have a licence, they aren't required to have an ignition interlock device and they aren't going to be drinking.

These are just a few of things that you have to consider.  Also, the bill for the towing and impoundment doesn't go in the name of the driver...it's in the name of the registered owner of the vehicle.  

Hope this help to educate a few people. 

Remember, RIDE is out there all this month.