Instructions for this report

MY IMPRESSIONS AND REACTIONS OF OTHER G8 REPORTS

BENEFITS OF THIS REPORT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

"Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety ." Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is a coalition of consumer, health and safety groups and insurance companies who encourages policies and programs that reduces the chance of being injured on America's roads. They work on a state and federal level to achieve highway and auto safety. This advocacy group for highway and auto safety seems to be concerned for the people who commute on America's roadways. I find this group to be encouraging for those who would like to have safer highways. They identify critical issues and try to resolve them by taking action. According to "Repealing the National Maximum Speed Limit Means More Deaths, Injuries and Costs to Society," states that have increased speed limits on interstate highways and state freeways to 65 mph have experienced a 30% increase in fatalities. Advocates for highway and auto safety conducted a national public opinion survey, to find out how the American people felt about some of America's highway issues. They found that high levels of support were expressed for nearly every highway and auto safety issue addressed.

Advocates for highway and auto safety pursues policies and standards that mitigate wasteful tragedies. The organization develops programs each year to advocate highway safety through lobbying, conducting research, participating in existing coalitions and so on. The strength of this organization is achieved through dedication for adopting public policies that save lives. I feel that we need to support these groups because they are looking out for the welfare and safety of the American people.

"The National Speed Limit Debate", is a speed trap registry that help drivers be more aware of the speed traps that one might encounter on the roads. Their action is not to undercut the efforts of law enforcement to keep our roads safe but rather, it is a resource to help drivers know where they might encounter speed enforcement so that they can adjust their speed to the limits. Although the speed trap registry helps drivers to be more aware of the speed limit that one is driving, I don't agree with their methods and approach. Their method is to inform drivers about details about highways, streets, and police cars. I believe that if one is breaking the law, such as driving over the speed limit, for example, then that person should suffer the consequences that will occur with it. People should be conscious about the action that is being done (driving fast, for example). We do not need these advocates to help us to be aware of what the law is. If we don't understand the driving laws that protect not only drivers, but passengers also, then we shouldn't be allowed on the road in the first place.

We discussed in class the other day about the issue of driving fast -- is it moral or immoral? I believe that it is a moral issue. We tend to drive fast for reasons that cannot be helped. For instance, if I had a wounded person in the car that need medical attention, then I would have to drive fast in order to get to a place for help. However, if I were late for a job interview, on the other hand, I wouldn't think it should be right, or moral, to take on that perspective. I say let the people suffer the consequences if they don't abide by the law.

Drive Safe is a nonprofit effort to reduce hazardous driving in the environment by enlisting the help of the general public in monitoring and reporting driving behavior. Their goal is to reduce insurance costs and hospital expenses so that the majority of people stay out of hospitals and courtrooms. Their mission is geared toward the young adults in the driving society. People who join DriveSafe (namely parents) are given a bumper sticker for their teens with the words, "How's Our Teen Driving?" On this sticker it features a telephone number that people can get a hold of to make a report of the driver -- this could be a good report or a bad one.

This may help out the situations that teens tend to get themselves into. However, I believe that it should be applicable not only to teenagers, but to everyone who drives a vehicle. This way, we get to report any type of incident that we feel would be hazardous to other drivers. An example of this would be to make a report or a driver who is drinking and driving. I know that I see a lot of people out there who drink and drive, and I think that we, as responsible citizens, should report them.

"The Traffic Institute" is a national non-profit organization. It is a service that provides public agencies (those that are responsible for law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, traffic management, and highway transportation systems) with programs of specialized training, continuing education, research and development, publications and direct assistance. The institute teaches professionals in law enforcement and related fields how to work quickly and efficiently. For example, for traffic accident investigators, time is of the essence in reporting an incident. If they want to preserve significant physical results of the accident before it is altered, they must anticipate what kind of information will be need for enforcing the laws. I strongly agree that law enforcers need continued training in order to do their jobs efficiently for the sake of the people who need their expertise. It is an important issue for citizens who rely on officials to help when they are in need. I would think that this program should be a requirement for all officials so that they can accumulate wisdom in their expertise.

Guide to the Information Highway contains information on driver's education, such as the Driving School Association of the Americas. This is a national organization representing 350 driving schools throughout the U.S. and Canada. This association works to provide and support more effective training and education for drivers. The membership to this association provides reduced cost of participation in educational seminars, reduces prices on audio-visual materials and equipment, and reduced registration fees at the annual conference. Driver education programs should be a requirement for many of the driver's out on the road because it can enhance the quality of driving -- especially if a person has been tagged for traffic violations too many times. In fact, I think it should become a law that if a person is tagged for reckless driving, for instance, driving

"Truckers Perspective" is an article that is shared to us by A. Cummins. He addresses the safety problems that professional truck driver's face. He argues that cars (maneuvered by poor drivers) must have some kind of "magnet installed in their front bumper that attracts them to trucks." This, to him and many other truckers, is not proper when driving behind a semi. It can be dangerous and even fatal. He goes on to mention other quirks that drivers have that is just not suitable to truckers and the safety of motorists. He advocates that people may need to be more attentive to these huge monsters out on the road. It is not just another car out on the road, but a deadly dragon that can cause much damage if proper considerations are not taken into account. His personal theory about how some cars have magnet bumpers is true for many motorists. I have a brother who is a trucker and he has told me the same kind of stories mentioned here. It is a very important issue, because people don't realize that trucks are ten times bigger than most cars and can cause a lot of damage if both parties do not abide by the common courtesy rules. Granted, if people don't have the common sense to know that trucks need a little more maneuvering space, then they shouldn't be out on the road in the first place. His method and approach is to let the people know what kind of idiotic moves can be made while driving and how we all can avoid them.

"Teenvue: A Teenage Driver Safety Program"

This is a program offered throughout the United States that brings the community together to help teenagers drive more safely. It allows members to call a 1-800 number to either reward teenvue drivers for good driving or alert parents of potentially unsafe driving. By enrolling in this program, parents, communities and friends will have the opportunity to make the roadways safer to one of the highest groups to have driving injuries and deaths. When people join teenvue, they send you uniquely numbered teenvue stickers to display on your vehicles, this way caring fellow drivers can call in to the 1-800 number to give an update on whether your teenager is driving properly or if they're driving like a speedracer. Although this sounds like a good program, I'm not sure how well it will work. If teenagers take the car for a drive, you can bet they will not be anywhere close to their neighborhood. This program is not really convincing to me. The only supporters would be the parents. I don't think that the teenagers will be too keen on this program. Teenagers like to have a sense of freedom. With these stickers placed on their bumpers, teens will feel deprived of their freedom -- they'll feel like they are being watched. Teenagers need to feel that they can be trusted. In my opinion, if a parent gives the opportunity for their teen to drive, then they should also feel that they will have the responsibility to abide by the rules.

"Insurance Institute for Highway Safety" is an independent, nonprofit, research and communications organization. They are dedicated to reducing highway crash deaths, injuries, and property damage losses -- they are supported by automobile insurers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has done research on driver death rates that give us an overview of accidents involving young teens. For example, Driver death rate among 16 year-olds has nearly doubled while going down among other drivers is a research conducted by this agency which allows people to get the statistics on the number of car related deaths of sixteen year olds. In this, they include ways of how we can reduce the deaths that is geared toward, not only teenagers, but especially toward sixteen year olds. For instance they have a system called, "How Graduated Licensing Works."

Car Accident Family Web Site this is a site that is like a relief group for families that go through the experience of losing loved ones in traffic accidents. They provide on-line stories, advice, comfort and understanding from other families who have experienced the same type of encounter. This sort of group is necessary for people who go through trauma -- especially traffic accidents. I believe that this is a very helpful resource for people who experience pain because they can do this in the privacy of their own home. Usually, it is difficult for one to admit that a loved one has passed on. With this online relief group, people will be able to feel a little more comfortable in sharing their pain. I'm sure, however, that some may think that being online about a sensitive situation such as this wouldn't help because it's too public. In essence, talking about grieving situations does help -- even if it is online. In fact, some people feel more comfortable in releasing their grief this way.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) includes information anywhere from media education, crash test information to what kind of car would be safe for your children. Another aspect that they cover is the Comparison of Insurance Costs.

The NHSTA has provided the information in this booklet in compliance with Federal law as an aid to consumers considering the purchase of a new vehicle. It compares differences in insurance costs for different makes and models of passenger cars, station wagon/passenger vans and pickups. This can be valuable information to consumers who need to find out just what type of insurance is out there and what exactly fit their needs. We need to have unbiased information that gives us the scoop about what is actually out there as opposed as to having some insurance company rip you off. It supports the consumers, and is convincing enough for one to take heed to the information given. This will help in the overall scheme of things because it'll let the consumer have an option as to what type of insurance he/she can afford -- this will let every one have the opportunity to get insurance without feeling like they can't afford it.

Masculine and Feminine Modes of Driving discusses what exactly makes for a masculine driver and a feminine driver. Before reading the article, I can already assume that a masculine driver would be one that would most likely commit actions of "road rage", and a feminine driver would be the opposite -- one that abides by the rules. I was right! For example, the article claims that, "when I do something that alarms her... he is called a masculine driver. For instance, gaining speed to pass the intersection on a yellow light would be grounds for a masculine driver. I agree with this concept, because a lot of manuevers that people pull on the road is considered aggressive driving, and I guess another name could also be "masculine driving." Now, I'm not saying that only men are masculine drivers --no, no. There is a mixture of both men and women in this category.

This is a very important issue because it deals with road rage. It fits very well in the overall scheme of things in traffic safety because we need to consider just what kind of style we have when we are driving on the road. Are masculine? Or, are we feminine?

"Research on Drinking and Driving -- MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving"

This article is comprised of messages on what to include into alcohol education programs. For example, Mary Nicholson (professor of health education and biobehavioral health), argues that driving a vehicle can still prove to be dangerous -- even if one thinks that two beers aren't enough to make one a hazardous driver. A study was done to show that "a perceived level of intoxication is significantly related to actual performance impairment." Even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is as low as .06, alcohol can still impair the ability to manipulate vehicle controls and also slow down the reaction time to unexpected stimuli. Drinking and driving has become a major issue in today's society. One that will not rest until the problem is eliminated. I agree that there needs to be more alcohol education programs to provide the opportunity for students to discover and understand current scientific information concerning the relationship of alcohol to risk-taking behavior. Alcohol education programs can be effective only if officials make stiffer penalties to those that get caught for drinking and driving. For example, they should make it a law that the driver will lose their license for at least one year along with the responsibility of going to driver's education for at least two months. Drivers that drink need to be punished in a severe way in order for them to get the message that it isn't safe for them to be out on the road while intoxicated.

"Highway loss Data Institute". This article focuses on fatal crashes involving 1990-1995 model cars. There is proven danger that for each vehicle type, there is a relationship between weight of the vehicle and the death rates. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) is a nonprofit, public service organization that gathers, processes, and publishes data on the ways in which insurance losses vary among different kinds of vehicles. In essence, the gist of this article includes facts and figures on how much more dangerous it is to have lighter vehicles in relationship to car accidents. With a lighter car, death rate increases. "New study of relationships between vehicle weight and occupant death rates helps put in perspective issue of crash compatibility," give us an inside look as to what sort of advantages heavier model cars have in contrast to lighter weighing vehicles. As vehicle weight decreases, the number of occupants killed in car crashes increases. This is a major factor in determining what kind of vehicle to purchase.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety advocates highway safety through the use of safety belts and airbags. This group, supported by insurers, is positioned to influence highway safety because "the interests of auto insurers in reducing highway losses coincide with the public interest." Current research programs include performance and evaluation of full-scale crash tests.

Although airbags can prevent many serious injuries, it can also cause injury and death to some people, especially towards infants and children. Airbags reduces driver deaths by about 14 percent. However, lap/shoulder belts need to be used in addition to the airbag device -- one without the other isn't as effective. Improperly positioned people at risk include drivers who sit very close to the steering wheel -- 10 inches or closer -- and infants in rear-facing restraints in front seats. This could be a problem because people are likely to move forward during hard braking or other violent maneuvers before crashes, making them be very closely or on top of airbags before inflation begins. Airbags can be effective if the right steps are taken to prevent fatal injuries. For example, an on/off switch for the passenger airbag is essential if there is no choice but to put a baby in the front seat of a car. Knowing these kinds of facts can virtually save a life or take a life.

The Driver Behind Me Gets Upset. Now here's an article that we can all relate to. I'm sure we don't like to admit it, but we have to. You know why -- Because it's pretty funny. And when an article like this comes around, I think we all kind of chuckle inside because we know that we're doing this type of act out of pure stupidity. For example, when driving on the highway, in traffic hour, don't we all try to stay just as close as we can to the car in front of us so that no one can cut in? Well, I know that I do. It's only because I get hot and frustrated with the traffic that I don't want to lose my place and I want to try and get to my destination as soon as I can -- so, I usually don't let anyone cut. Then in reciprocation, the one that I didn't let in will give me the "stink eye" and try to do the same thing to me. All the while, we're in this traffic trying to compete with each other. It's a stupid game that I'm sure we all have played one time or another.

I guess that this article is activating how to be sensitive to other drivers on the road. Indeed, we all get a little stress while driving, but it's up to us to not let the situation get out of hand. We need to try and have some kind of common courtesy out there on the streets in order to have a safe kind of atmosphere. This article fits well in the overall scheme of things in traffic safety, because without common courtesy, we would definitely be like animals out there on the streets. We all need to take another look at our emotional intelligence and see what we need to do in order to make the streets less stressful.

Overview of Dr. Driving teaches us how to be a "conscientious supportive driver." In essence, Dr. Driving supports the fact that road rage is part of a cultural upbringing. For example, here in the United States, aggression is plainly seen on the roads of America. We, as drivers, need to be more conscientious on the types of acts that we play out on the road. We need to be less aggressive and more supportive, so says "Dr. Driving." I agree with Dr. Driving on the issue that our cultural background has a big influence on the way we handle ourselves on the streets. Our children, for example, grow up in an environment where television can be a big influence on way they behave. For instance, by watching too much violent programs (including cartoons) on television, children tend to act out the types of personalities that they witness on these programs. Some examples, would be commercials that emphasize speed and power; nintendo games that portray race cars that have graphic pictures of aggressive driving habits and even cartoons that give the impression to kids that driving fast is the norm in society.

Dr. Driving goes on to mention ways in which aggressive drivers need training in emotional intelligence. For example, he argues how we need "lifelong drivers education from kindergarten till the end of high school." And on top of that, being enrolled in a Quality Driving Cirlce (QDC) (which are small groups of drivers encouraging each other as drivers to supervise and improve driving) for at least five or six decades to reduce some of the road rage that occurs on our streets. I concur with Dr. Driving, especially for those who are not able to handle the stress of driving on the highways, because they are the ones that are prime examples of aggressive driving.

The Art of Driving gives us an overview of different kinds of driving tips such as, How to set your mirrors, How to Drive Safe, Avoid Tickets, and Save Money . It is part of the National Motorists association. They are a group that advocates, represents and protects the interest of North American Motorists. The driving tips that they have to offer is to the advantage of the driver. These are tips that would seem obvious to many however, it is a good way to remind people of the driving etiquette that one should have while in their car and on the road. It can be effective only if people will actively follow through with it. The methods that they provide are not part of a drivers education program, but should be. It fits well in the overall scheme of things in traffic safety because it applies to the safety of not only the individual but also to fellow drivers on the road.

The Driving Therapist. In this article, overcoming driving phobias, fears and rage is of the essence. It helps people to understand why they have these types of phobias and how they can overcome them. Aside from helping phobics with their driving, it can also help strengthen self-esteem, confidence and motivation. This technique is done through the use of tapes done by "The Driving Therapist", Sy Cohn, M.A., M.F.C.C who specializes in short-term Therapy -Anxiety Disorders and Stress Management - Phobias - Trauma. He offers help to change negative experiences associated with ones car and driving to positive experiences. It is part of a desensitization idea to help relieve some of the stress that drivers go through while driving on the road. His tapes contain a combination of cognitive behavior therapy along with spirituality approaches in which I believe can be very useful to people who need some kind of help in handling situations that they go through while in their car -- whether it be an addiction to road rage tactics or whether they are afraid to become a victim of road rage. This technique may be useful to many drivers, especially if one had gone through a traumatic experience while on the road, such as an accident. It fits in perfectly with this report because it advocates approaches on how to become more confident in ones driving skills.

The Other Lane is Always Faster is a cute episode of what many motorists' go through daily (I'm sure). I know that I've come across a car or two that were in the passing lane going the same speed as the one on the right lane --this makes me want to jump out of my seat to tell 'em to speed up or get on the other lane. It's a sign of aggression, I admit, but I don't let it get the best of me. This segment advocates how to deal with stress while on the road (the fast lane). I can relate to this very much indeed because I go through it a lot. Somehow, when the person in front of you is going slower than he/she should be, we tend to get upset and move into the other lane. However, we do this only to find that the car in the other lane is going just as slow as the one that was in the front of you in the first place. So, what does all this mean? I guess what the writer is saying is that we should not let this type of situation get the best of us. This is how we find ourselves on the verge of committing road rage. We need to realize that whatever lane we're in will lead us to the same destination, and that speeding, and cussing will not get us there any faster.

The Need for Traffic Inspectors advocates self-witnessing. For example, when we are in a residential area driving, we don't normally realize how fast we're going -- as long as it's with the normal traffic flow, it's o.k. However, if we see a motorcycle cop in front of us or, behind us, we would most definitely be conscious and aware of what exact speed we're going in order not to get a traffic ticket. Another example is how we sometimes put our lights on in the tunnel and sometimes not. We know that we should put it on in order to follow safe procedures, but sometimes we just don't -- it could be from not being conscious at the time or we just didn't feel like it. Whatever the reasons may be for committing the acts we do on the highway are usually unconscious. This article takes on the argument that we need to be more aware of what's going on around us -- not only when we see a policeman in close view.

This excerpt includes a story of how we all tend to drive at the legal speed while a cop is amongst the crowd. This suggested maybe the city should think of hiring people who are entitled to report infractions -- we can put them on motorcycles, cars or whatever it takes to let the people know that they can be reported for braking the laws. I agree with this, because it'll probably slow down all the jerks that drive too fast on the road.

Yes, I was very impressed by Ms. Naranjo's (G8) report. First of all her style in making a report is very organized. The color, icons, background and structure of the whole report delighted the eye. As far as the content and approach, I would also comment that it was very well done. She mentions what the organization is about, and goes into detail of how we can all help in certain situations.

Deborah Welicky, another G8 student also did a nice report. I liked how she structured her report. As far as presentation is concerned, I thought that it was very effective. By having graphics of cars, trucks, accidents, etc. reading the report made it pleasing. I like how she introduces the report at the beginning and then goes into specific details of what each advocacy group stands for.

I've looked at all the reports, and I think that everyone did a great job.

By doing this report, I've found that there are many different sources that advocates highway safety. I've also learned that many of the links posted here, especially by Dr. Driving, related to me in many ways. Safety out on the road is a must, and we cannot afford to take chances while driving. Road rage has been a part of society for many years, and it seems to be getting worse. As responsible citizens, we need put forth some effort to keep the roads from becoming a war zone. We need to abide by the rules and share the roadways with others in a safe manner. The advocacy groups mentioned here were just a few that I thought were interesting and important. For example, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) take a strong stand on people who abuses the right to drive.

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