Tag Archives: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Stay Sober or Get Pulled Over

Staff Reports

Chino- On August 26 a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint was conducted on Central Avenue between the hours of 8:00p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The checkpoint resulted in the following: 1080 vehicles screened, 3 DUI suspects arrested, 1 arrested for an active warrant, 21 drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked, and 5 other citations were issued.

The Chino Police Department is showing their zero tolerance in driving under the influence with the goal to end drunk driving, and have also released the following information with the Labor Day Weekend here:

Sadly, this festive time has also become a dangerous time for America’s roads, as many drunk drivers get behind the wheel after celebrating. For this reason, the Chino Police Department is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to stop drunk drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs August 19 – September 5, 2016. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with sobriety checkpoints and increased officers working DUI Saturation Patrols on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roads.

The Chino Police Department will deploy a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint and special roving DUI Saturation Patrols to stop and arrest alcohol and drug impaired drivers during the end of summer 18 day DUI campaign.  The DUI/Drivers License checkpoint will be on August 26 with DUI Saturation Patrols throughout the campaign. Police, Sheriff and the California Highway Patrol will be out looking for the tale-tell signs of drunk driving in order to stop and arrest impaired drivers throughout the region.

According to NHSTA, on average, over 10,000 people died each year (2010 to 2014) in drunk-driving crashes nationwide while California recorded 882 deaths. During the 2014 Labor Day holiday weekend (6 p.m. August 29 – 5:59 a.m. September 2), 40% of the fatalities in traffic crashes involved drunk drivers, which was the highest percentage over the five years 2010 to 2014. And nighttime proves to be the most dangerous time to be out on the roads: During the 2014 Labor Day holiday period, 83% of drunk-driving crash fatalities occurred between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. – as compared to half of all drunk-driving crash fatalities throughout the rest of that year.

Additionally, 40% of crash fatalities on Labor Day weekend in 2014 involved drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations [BACs] of .08 or higher), amounting to 162 lives lost nationwide and 20 in California. And we’re not just talking about a little bit of alcohol, either. More than a quarter (28%) of the crash fatalities that occurred on Labor Day weekend involved drivers with BACs of .15 or higher—almost twice the illegal limit.

“People need to understand that drunk driving is not only deadly, but it is illegal,” said Chief Karen Comstock. “Drunk driving is a massive problem in the United States, with more than 10,000 people dying annually. Drivers need to pay attention to their own driving, but also to others on the road who could be driving drunk,” she added. “It is your business. If you think you see a drunk driver, report them – call 911.”

The reality is that people aren’t invincible. Of the 9,967 people who were killed in impaired-driving crashes in 2014, 64% were the drunk drivers themselves. Those 6,391 drunk drivers thought they would make it to their destinations, but they didn’t.

Chino PD reminds everyone:

  • Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
  • Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
  • Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.
  • DRUGS, MEDICATION & ALCOHOL = CRASHES:  Recent statistics reveal that 30% of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14%) than did for alcohol (7.3%).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4%, slightly more than alcohol.
  • If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take your friend’s keys and help your friend make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely

As the summer winds to an end, remember that there’s no excuse for drunk or impaired driving.  Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

DUI Checkpoint Scheduled for Friday, August 26

CHINO, CA – Chino Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, August 26, 2016 between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes.  Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. Over the course of the past three years officers have investigated 60 DUI collisions which have claimed 0 lives, but resulted in 79 injuries.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily.  When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes.

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role.  They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Chino Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

Distracted Drivers

By Riverside Sheriff’s Department

Using an electronic device while driving is a serious safety problem. Most drivers know that texting while driving is a dangerous behavior, but many still use their cell phones and other mobile devices when they are behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. Many drivers see distracted driving as risky when other drivers do it, but do not recognize how their own driving deteriorates.

In 2012, 3,328 people were killed and 421,000 were injured nationwide in crashes involving a distracted driver. That same year, eleven percent of fatal crashes were reported as distraction-affected crashes.

While anything that takes your eyes off the road (i.e. hands off the wheel) or mind off the task of driving is a hazard, there is heightened concern about the risks of texting while driving because it combines all three types of distraction – visual, manual and cognitive.  In addition, most drivers aren’t aware that just talking on a cell phone, hand held or hands free, can lead to “inattention blindness” as critical brain functions needed for driving are used for cell phone talking.

At any given daylight moment across America, there are about 660,000 drivers using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.  The Jurupa Valley Police Department is focusing on ways to change the behavior of drivers through enforcement, public awareness and education – the same activities that have curbed drunk driving and increased seat belt use.

In a national survey, almost half (48%) of drivers say they answer their cell phones while driving at least some of  the time, and more than half of those (58%) continue to drive after answering the call. Your Police Department recommends the following safety measures:

You can:

  • Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive
  • Speak up when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task

Parents can:

  • Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk with your teens about responsible driving
  • If you know your teen is on the road – don’t call or text them until you know they have reached their destination

Employers can:

  • Adopt, publicize, and enforce company policies that prohibit employees from texting or talking on hand-held cell phones while in a company vehicle, or in a personal vehicle while using a company issued cell phone.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.   For more information about distracted driving, please visit www.distraction.gov .

 

Distracted Driving Fact Sheet / Talking Points

Using electronic devices while driving is a serious safety problem

  • Most drivers know that texting while driving is a dangerous behavior, but many still use their cell phones and other mobile devices when they are behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. Many drivers see distracted driving as risky when other drivers do it, but do not recognize how their own driving deteriorates.
  • Almost half (48.6%) of drivers say they answer incoming phone calls, and 1 of 4 drivers (23.9%) are willing to place calls on all, most, or some trips. About half (48.5%) said they never place calls while driving.
  • Considering there are more than 210 million licensed drivers in America, slightly more than 102 million drivers were answering calls and 50 million drivers were placing calls while driving in 2012.
  • At any given daylight moment across America, there are about 660,000 drivers using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.
  • Distracted Driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.

What Data Tells Us

  • At this very moment, there are some 660,000 drivers talking on hand-held cell phones – 5% of all American drivers at any given typical daylight moment. www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811718.pdf 
  • Almost double that number – 1.18 million drivers (9%) – were using some type of mobile device (either hand-held or hands free) at a typical daylight moment.
  • Use of an electronic device while driving can distract drivers from appropriately thinking about the driving task, watching the road and surrounding environment, and keeping their hands on the steering wheel. Texting while driving, a common activity in today’s world, involves all three types of distraction – visual, manual, and cognitive. (www.Distraction.gov )
  • Accurate reporting of distracted driving in fatal crashes poses a challenge for police officers who prepare crash reports after the incident. The highway safety community is working to create uniform reporting guidelines for distracted driving and to train officers to use them. In 2011, 7% of the drivers in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes, and of these, 12% were using cell phones. More than half the drivers in fatal crashes using cell phones were 5 to 29 years old. Almost 1 in 6 (17%) injury crashes involved distraction, resulting in 387,000 injured people in 2011. Cell phone use was reported in an estimated 21,000 distraction-affected crashes (www. Distraction.gov).

What People Tell Us

  • Almost half (48%) of drivers say they answer their cell phones while driving at least some of  the time, and more than half of those (58%) continue to drive after answering the call. This has not changed in the past two years. (www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/traffic_tech/tt407.pdf )
  • Fewer drivers (14%) say they send text messages or e-mails, but about one-third of those (35%) continue to drive when sending text messages.
  • Drivers of all ages use their phones while they are driving at least sometimes. More drivers recognize the risk and say they do not make or place calls or messages while driving than in 2010.
  • Most drivers support bans on hand-held cell phone use (74%) and texting while driving (94%), and they approve fines of $200 or higher for talking on cell phones or texting while driving.

Crashes

  • Some 6% of drivers say they were involved in a crash and 7% were in a near-crash situation in the past year. Of those, 2% say they were using cell phones at the time, and 3% were sending or reading text messages.

Communities can

  • Enforce strong laws banning texting and handheld cell phone use to let drivers know distracted driving is a serious safety matter.
  • Conduct high-visibility enforcement campaigns of existing texting and cell phone laws
  • Publicize the results of enforcement campaigns
  • Work with partners such as advocacy groups, youth groups, schools, traffic safety agencies, law enforcement agencies, and public health agencies to continue the discussion on the dangers of distracted driving.
  • Go to www.distraction.gov  for comprehensive information about distracted driving and see Blueprint to End Distracted Driving.

Employers can

  • Adopt, publicize, and enforce company policies that prohibit employees from texting or talking on hand-held cell phones while in a company vehicle, or in a personal vehicle while using a company issued cell phone.

You can

  • Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive.
  • Speak up when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task.
  • Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against other unsafe drivers.

Parents can

  • Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk with your teens about responsible driving.
  • Make sure your community and State laws include electronic device bans in graduated driver licensing laws for young novice drivers, and make them part of your teen’s driving responsibilities.

While driving:

  • 1 in 2 drivers answer calls
  • 1 in 4 drivers place calls
  • 3 in 5 young drivers answer calls
  • 1 in 3 young drivers place calls
  • 2 in 5 young drivers were observed manipulating a hand-held device.