MADD – Mothers Against Drinking & Driving

Visit their website: www.maddsandiego.org

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving incident you can call the  24/7 Victim Services Hotline at 1-877-623-3435

Stats
http://www.madd.org/Drunk-Driving/Drunk-Driving/Statistics.aspx

Victims Impact Panel – VIP Panel Information – or scroll down for the schedule:

http://www.maddsandiego.org/webpage/10

Victim Impact Panels

Spanish           4th Tuesday of every month               4:45 pm

San Diego Hall of Justice Jury Lounge, 330 West Broadway SD 92101

Spanish           3rd Wednesday of every month         6:00 pm

Vista Courthouse Jury Lounge, 325 South. Melrose Vista, 92083

English            4th Wednesday of every month         4:45 pm

Spanish           2nd Wednesday of every month         4:45 pm

THERE ARE NO CLASSES ON COURT HOLIDAYS

You must bring photo ID, your case number and due date
Visitors are allowed as space permits.

Please call (858) 564-0785 for detailed recorded information. 

Getting Around As Safely As Possible! Be Your Own Traffic Reporter!!!

Since leaving the world of traffic reporting, I rarely hear any traffic reporter give “alternate routes”…or, they’ll say “it’s the usual slowdown” with no detailed information! The following web sites can give you the full picture on traffic.

Please get in the habit of checking these traffic sites before heading out the door, so you’ll know what’s really happening out there – and most important – the areas to avoid. Good planning can save you time – and reduce tragedies! Always buckle-up and follow laws made for our safety!

Note: On this site, you’ll also find where’s the cheapest gas, a good car buying site and other helpful information.

TRAFFIC?

• Traffic Speeds! Click here to see the estimated speeds of traffic on our local freeways: Current San Diego Freeway Speeds – great to check before leaving for your destination or work – be your own traffic reporter! “Know before you go!“
• CHP Traffic Info? Check here for major freeway, and some surface street problems click here: CHP Commute Problem Information Make sure it’s the city you need at the top…but if you’re traveling out of San Diego, you can check other cities as well.
• Once you’re on the road – you can call 5-1-1 for traffic information.
• Caltrans web site to help you calculate your travel time and the best route to take – Travel Time Calculator the icon is in the upper right corner.
• Weather? Latest weather information – click here: San Diego Weather Forecast
• More weather information from the Local Weather from National Weather Service
• Traveling? National Weather Service – - click here: Nat’l Wx Service
• Need Gas? Looking for the cheapest gas?
  Fueltracker
• Looking to buy a fuel efficient vehicle? Check here: Fuel Economic Buying
• Alternate forms of transportation. To reduce congestion and stress, check this site: San Diego Transit Commute Information
• Power Outage Information from S.D.G.& E. and other useful information.
• Problems In Dealing With Stress? At Home, at work, on the road or in life: Stress Management
• Looking for certain health or disaster help organizations, especially following firestorm or earthquake – call 2-1-1.

Earthquake?

• Did we just have an earthquake? Click here: http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Quakes/quakes.big.html
  • SanDag – San Diego Association of Governments – SAN DAG -This group watches over San Diego’s growth and design.

Are you prepared? Check the CERT web site on www.elcajonfire.com

What’s The Future Planned Growth In San Diego? Check With The Experts Here

A new website that offers tips on Safe Driving for teens and stresses the importance of “speaking up” when you’re a passenger in a car and the driver is driving recklessly.   Once on this website  check out their Safe driving tip section.  Also check the “Safety Videos” section on my website.  Don’t be afraid to “speak up!”

“Speak Up Or Else”:

Note: The number one cause of death for a teen is a traffic collision – most die as passengers – when they don’t speak up!

Be safe!

There is No argument – “Red Light Runners” injure and kill! Our emergency agencies respond to these collisions almost everyday!

What’s the big deal about “red light running”? Take a tragic look at a red light runner – This was sent over the internet, it’s a dramatic crash, caught on photo enforcement, involving a red light runner striking a vehicle that inturns rolls over a pedestrian “walking” against a red light – warning – it is shocking, read the story and scroll down and hopefully you can open the video: Dayton, Ohio Red Light Runner Crash

Click on and see: National Campaign To Stop Red Light Running!

• FACT: Of the 6 Million Plus Crashes Each Year In The U.S. – over 40%of the most “serious injury – fatal crashes” occur at intersections…most often caused by Red Light Runners! You see the people who make it through the RED – WE, as emergency agencies, see and transport the people Who Don’t Make It! (See the numerous examples below.)
• FACT: It’s not photo enforcement systems making big money for the government agencies that use them – it’s the law breakers-the red light runners who generate that money. There’s a great way to beat a photo enforcement ticket and this system? It’s “very” easy, just follow the laws made for our safety and don’t run RED lights – we all win in saving money, but more important in “saving lives”! Don’t run red lights and the cameras will no longer be needed. What a concept!

The City of El Cajon City was the first city in San Diego County to issue photo enforcement tickets. It began in October of 1996, with the first ticket issued in December of 96′. The new system with added cameras, a rear camera shot and a streaming video camera, started in June 2002. This system has been very successful in El Cajon.

Also remember, as noted earlier, if you “don’t run red lights” – no fines – no crashes – no injuries – no deaths…and the photo enforcement system goes away”…it’s that simple!

Note: I base my feelings on fact – (see the examples below) my facts come from both professional and personal experience, especially during my previous 18 year career as a traffic reporter and traffic researcher. Almost daily I reported on these types of crashes. When driving, just by being alert behind the wheel, I’ve avoided being hit by “red light runners” numerous times. I also happen to be someone who truly cares about everyone’s safety…and I know, by your emails, I’m not alone!>

Note: Despite the facts…there are those who do not agree with me in the importance of obeying laws, and supporting “Photo enforcement”. But, I do respect your right to disagree. In this country we have a right to free speech…but not through threats or obscentities. I’m trying to stop future deaths and injuries caused by red light (or stop sign) runners. It happens more than you realize.

The following crashes involve “Red Light Runners” – Then you’ll see why I’m passionate about this issue and about safety:

The following are facts – not fiction…

Date: 12/20/05 2149 (9:49 p.m.) – Location: FRIARS RD / FRAZEE RD, MISSION VALLEY WEST

Type: SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENT
Synopsis: A female driving a Toyota Camry was at the stoplight E/B Friars Rd. in the left hand turn lane to N/B 163. The light turn green and she proceeded into the intersection and was struck by a male, 20 years old, driving a Ford Explorer W/B Friars Rd while running the red light. Nine people from the two vehicles were transported to local hospitals. A sig-alert was issued for traffic congestion in the area. Traffic Division is handling the investigation.

10/01/05 at 2016 (8:16pm)

Location: I-805 N/B OF RA / IMPERIAL AVE., LINCOLN PARK

Type: SERIOUS INJURY CRASH

Synopsis:
P-1, a mini van, failed to stop for a red light while on the exit ramp. The van struck the curb of the ramp and continued into the intersection striking two E/B cars on Imperial Avenue. An 11-year-old girl was in the back seat of the van with no seatbelt. She suffered a broken right femur when she was thrown to the floor upon impact. She was transported to the hospital for treatment. Traffic Division is handling.

This “red light runner” was a bicyclist…it was a fatal mistake:

06/19/05 2213 – (10:13pm)

Location: MIRA MESA BL & REAGAN RD, MIRA MESA

Type: FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Synopsis: A bicyclist riding south on Reagan Rd was struck and killed by a vehicle driving east on Mira Mesa Bl. Witnesses reported that the bicyclist ran a red light before entering the intersection. The bicyclist was a male in his 30’s. Traffic Division is handling the investigation.

• Teacher Late For School Kills Motorcyclist – Driver Ran Red LightPOSTED: 11:09 am PDT September 21, 2004

  SAN DIEGO — San Diego police said a teacher who was running late for school killed a motorcyclist on Tuesday morning.

  Police said Kent Johnson, 57, was headed north on Kearny Villa Road about 7:40 a.m., using a bicycle lane to pass vehicles, when he veered left onto Miramar Road near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. His Pontiac sedan struck the eastbound motorcycle, according to San Diego police.

  Randy Sanchez, 37, of Mira Mesa died at the scene, a coroner’s investigator said. Police said the biker had a green light when Johnson’s vehicle hit him.

  Officers arrested the teacher on suspicion of felony gross vehicular manslaughter. San Diego police spokesman David Cohen said that the teacher told officers that he ran the light because he was late for school. He was not hurt in the crash.

  Detectives closed lanes at the intersection for the rest of the morning to conduct their investigation.
  2004 by NBCSandiego.com

• Date: July 2, 2004 – 11:41am
  Location: 3800 CARMEL MTN
  Synopsis: A Mercedes-Benz was going E/B on Carmel Mtn Rd. A Ford F-150 was going N/B on Vista Sorrento Pkwy. The Mercedes ran a red light. The Ford struck the Mercedes and force of the impact pushed the Mercedes into a tree. The driver of the Mercedes had to be extricated from his vehicle. The driver was transported to a hospital for a fracture pelvis. Traffic handled.
• July 1, 2004 – 5:56pm
  Location: 30th & Market Street
  Synopsis: The victim was driving his car S/B on 30th Street, when a white Explorer drove through a red light at Market Street and hit the victim’s car. The driver of the Explorer kept driving and made a right turn on to Island Street. At Island and 26th Street, three occupants of the Explorer exited the vehicle and rushed the victim, stabbing him in the neck. They then drove off in an unknown direction. The victim tried to follow the suspects, but crashed into a parked car. Officers later stopped the suspects at Sicard and Irving and took all three suspects into custody.
• May 6, 2004 – 3:24am
  Location: 1424 Continetal Street, Otay Mesa
  Type: Vehicle Collision w/Injuries
  Synopsis: A moving truck was making a left turn on to S/B Cactus from W/B 905, when a semi-truck driving E/B on 905 drove through a red light at Cactus smashing into the moving van. The driver of the moving truck was extracted out of the truck and transported to the hospital via Life Flight with internal injuries. The other driver was also taken to the hospital.
• May 5, 2004 – 3:25pm
  Location: 7814 Caminto Santa Luz, Black Mt. Ranch
  Type: Vehicle Collision With Injuries
  Synopsis: A driver of a pick-up truck was N/B on Camino Del Sur and failed to stop for a red signal light. A car driving W/B on Caminito Santaluz was making a left turn on to Camino Del Sur and was broadside. The driver of the car has a fractured pelvis and was taken to the hospital.
• May 1, 2004 – 3:18pm
  Imperial Ave. at Valencia Park, Neighborhood: Valencia Park
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: P-2, a 24-25 year old male was driving a 1993 Toyota sedan westbound Imperial. He had the green light, as he turned southbound on Valencia. P-1, a 22-year-old male was also driving a 1993 Toyota sedan drove eastbound on Imperial through a red light and struck P-2. Several people in both vehicles were transported to two local hospitals for treatment of their injuries. The driver of P-1 possibly has internal injuries.
• May 1, 2004 – 11:25pm
  Location: Lincoln Avenue at Washington Street, University Heights
  Type: Serious Injury Collision
  Synopsis: Yellow Cab #59 was S/B on Lincoln Ave approaching a green light at Washington Ave. A Suzuki motorcycle with two people on it was W/B on Washington Ave. It (the motorcyclist) ran the right light at Lincoln and ran into the Yellow Cab. The driver suffered a fractured pelvis and serious head injuries. The passenger had minor injuries. The cab driver was not hurt. Traffic Division is handling.
• April 19, 2004 – 7:30am
  La Jolla Village and Genesee, University City
  Type: Serious Injury/Bike Collision
  Synopsis: A 43 yr old male rode his bicycle against the red signal N/B Genesee and into the path of a Toyota traveling W/B La Jolla Village. The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital with multiple fractures. Traffic is investigating.
• Location: 6949 Genesee Avenue, University City
  Type: Serious Injury Crash
  Synopsis: A male in his 50′s, driving a Volvo station wagon was making a left hand from the parking lot at University High School to southbound Genesse Ave. An 83 year old female driving a Toyota station wagon failed to stop at the red light and struck the Volvo station wagon. Both parties were transported to local hospitals with internal injuries. Traffic Division is handling.
• March 29, 2004, at 6:04pm
  Location: Del Mar Heights Rd/El Camino Real, Carmel Valley
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: A 17yr old male driving a BMW was traveling southbound on El Camino Real and failed to stop at the red light at Del Mar Heights Rd. The BMW made a right turn onto Del Mar Heights Rd and struck a motorcycle being driven by an 18 yr old male. The motorcycle driver suffered a broken femur and a broken hip and was transported to a local hospital.

Red light runners are not always just a sober driver ignoring laws:
Here is one example of a local news story of a “red light runner” you may have missed:

• San Diego Police Arrest Suspect In Downtown DUI CrashJuly 6. 2003 – San Diego police said that a man suspected of running a red light and broadsiding another vehicle, injuring three people, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol Sunday.

  The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., two blocks from a police station at 13th and Market streets, San Diego police acting Lt. Rodney Vandiver said. According to Vandiver, Tobin White, 30, allegedly ran a red light at the intersection and his vehicle broadsided another vehicle. A woman in the other vehicle suffered a broken shoulder, and two other people were slightly injured. Vandiver said White’s vehicle then struck a third vehicle heading west on Market. Police said White was booked into the central jail on suspicion of felony DUI.

  -0-

This was DUI related, but many red light runners are sober – in a rush and/or driving aggressively! Photo enforcement often takes a picture of these crashes helping the innocent collect toward their hospital – OR FUNERAL costs.

Another example of RED Light Running – but this time the driver (who ran the red) dies:

• January 2, 2004 at 6:30pm
  Location: 1625 Heritage Road, Otay Mesa
  Type: Serious Injury Collision
  Synopsis: A female, driving a Honda Accord, failed to stop for a red traffic signal, while she was traveling S/B on Heritage crossing I-905. As she crossed 905 a Tractor trailer traveling N/B on 905 hit the Accord flipping it over. The Driver of the Accord was pronounced dead at the scene.

In this crash, the Red Light runner was injured:

• January 16, 2004 at 9:33am
  Location: Black Mtn Road at Carroll Canyon Road, Mira Mesa
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: An adult male was driving a motorcycle on Black Mountain Road. The driver failed to stop for the red traffic light at the intersection of Carroll Canyon Road and hit another vehicle. The driver sustained a serious compound fracture to his right leg.

But, starting off the New Year of 2004, here’s another RED Light Runner that injures several innocent people:

• January 1, 2004 at 1:15am:
  Location: Clairemont Drive at Clairemont Mesa Blvd, N. Clairemont
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: P-1, a 1995 Toyota, made a turn from E/B Clairemont Mesa Blvd to N/B Clairemont Drive, against a red light, colliding with P-2 a 2002 Ford Ranger. Three people were transported to the hospital. A female passenger’s in P-1 suffered serious injuries. Traffic Division is handling.

Yet another example of the injuries caused by “red light runners”, this on Christmas:

• December 25, 2003, Location: Poway Road at Sabre Springs Road, Sabre Springs
  Type: Serious Injury Collision:
  Synopsis: A 19 yr old female was southbound on Sabre Springs Rd crossing Poway Rd on a green signal. A 31 yr old male was driving westbound on Poway Rd and ran the red signal. He struck the driver’s side of the other vehicle causing serious injury to the female driver. She was transported to a local hospital. The driver at fault was transported to a local hospital with less serious injuries. Traffic investigated.

(Who’s next?)

Still need more proof? Here’s a report that answers your questions from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety:

*For over 30 years the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been a leader in finding out what works and doesn’t work to prevent motor vehicle crashes in the first place and reduce injuries in the crashes that still occur. The Institute’s research focuses on countermeasures aimed at all three factors in motor vehicle crashes (human, vehicular, and environmental) and on interventions that can occur before, during, and after crashes to reduce losses. In 1992 the Vehicle Research Center (VRC) was opened. This center, which includes a state-of-the-art crash test facility, is the focus of most of the Institute’s vehicle-related research. The Institute’s affiliate organization, the Highway Loss Data Institute, gathers, processes, and publishes data on the ways in which insurance losses vary among different kinds of vehicles.

Now the report….

AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT MYTHS
March 2001

Background
Traditional traffic law enforcement relies exclusively on the presence of an officer to observe violations and identify and cite offenders. Obviously, this limits the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement because police cannot be everywhere. Even when they observe violations, it is not always possible to safely stop the violator because to make the stop, the officer may have to speed or run a red light.

Red light cameras and other photo-enforcement systems are designed to identify traffic law violators without depending on the presence of police officers. Red light camera systems are connected to traffic signals and to sensors buried in the pavement at the crosswalk or stop line. The system continuously monitors the traffic signal and triggers the camera to photograph the tags of vehicles entering the intersection after the light has turned red. In most cases, a second photograph is taken to show the offending vehicle in the intersection. The camera records the date, time, and speed of the vehicle; a clear image of the vehicle is produced under a wide range of light and weather conditions. Images are carefully reviewed, and citations are mailed to the registered owners of the vehicles for which there is unambiguous evidence of a violation.

Although courts have repeatedly upheld photo enforcement, opponents often claim that it violates a variety of constitutional and other legal protections. The following is a list of some of the objections that are most often raised and responses to those objections.

Myth: Like old-fashioned speed traps, photo enforcement is designed to make money, not protect the public.

Myth: Photo enforcement allows police to act as “Big Brother,” continuously spying on law-abiding citizens.

Myth: With photo enforcement, owners are guilty until proven innocent.

Myth: Photo enforcement violates the Fourteenth Amendment because it does not provide immediate notice that an offense is alleged.

Myth: Photo-enforcement cameras make too many mistakes.

In addition, a couple of other laws typically ignored…please do not park in “handicapped marked” spaces, otherwise you’re looking at a $300-$400 fine! This also means the areas marked with blue lines. Driving without insurance? The fine can be $1,425! And for 2004, the fines have doubled for not wearing a seat-belt.

Did you also know: It’s not just cell phones that cause us to become so distracted while driving that we have a collision. It’s also old-fashioned “rubbernecking” that is our top driving distraction.

Read the full story here

Use caution at ALL intersections.  Motorists in a RUSH are speeding up or often “flooring it” for a YELLOW light a block or two away – and often end up running a RED light by 3 to 6 seconds.  If someone waiting at the RED light is not alert and drives off quickly, as soon as the light turns Green, the two shall meet with a very dangerous side impact crash.  Most of the collisions emergency crews respond to are at intersections and are usually caused by RED LIGHT RUNNERS!

Reasons motorists run RED LIGHTS?  Some drivers are on cell phones, text messaging, sleepy, DUI…or sadly “don’t care” and will do what you’ll see in this scary red light runner video - WATCH & DRIVE carefully:

An example of very scary red light runner – be VERY alert at intersections!  For a driving safety lecture on these and other bad driving habits to watch for or avoid contact me at (619) 441-1737.  I’ll help you reduce the risk factors of having a collision.

Wireless Communications Device and Wireless Telephone Laws FAQs

It’s crucial to your survival on our roadways to be 100% alert behind the wheel.  That’s why the cell phone laws were passed, whether you’re holding a cell phone to talk or text.  In California, laws were passed when it was found that 60% of our collisions were cell phone related.  But, you still see people “breaking the law” – taking the risk of getting a citation – or causing a collision, leading to injury  and/or DEATH! 

Below is a refresher on these laws…made for our safety.

 The new Wireless Communications Device Law (effective January 1, 2009) makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.  

Two additional laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving went into effect July 1, 2008. The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device. The second law effective July 1, 2008, prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these laws.

Q: When did the wireless communications device (no texting) law take effect?
A: The law took effect January 1, 2009.

Q: When did the handheld wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The laws took effect July 1, 2008.

Q: What is the difference between these laws?
A: The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device.” The second law prohibits all drivers from texting while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23123.5). The third law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124). 

Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency and I do not have a “hands-free” device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.
Q: What is the fine if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. With penalty assessments, the fine can be more than triple the base fine amount.
Q: Will I receive a point on my driver license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone or wireless communication device law?
A: No. The violation is a reportable offense; however, a violation point will not be assigned to your DMV record.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
Q: Is there a grace period, or will motorists get a warning?
A: No. The laws became effective July 1, 2008, and January 1, 2009. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate action for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by these laws?
A: No. These laws only apply to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my wireless communication device?
A: Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. However, the law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. A push-to-talk feature attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt, as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property.
Q: Are there exceptions for dialing?
A: This law does not prohibit reading, selecting or entering a phone number, or name in an electronic wireless device for the purpose of making or receiving a phone call. Drivers are strongly urged not to enter a phone number while driving.

DRIVERS 18 AND OVER

Drivers 18 and over are allowed to use a “hands-free” device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.
Q: Does the “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q: Is it legal to use a Bluetooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the “hands-free” law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes, as long as you are not holding the phone.
Q: Does the “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text message while driving?
A: No; sending, receiving, or reading text while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited as of January 1, 2009 (VC §23123.5).

DRIVERS UNDER 18

Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone “hands-free?”
A: No. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even “hands-free.” EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire, or medical authorities (VC §23124).
Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless devices, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.
Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: No. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department, or other emergency entity.
Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.
Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: No. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.
Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No.
Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: No. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.
Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my “hands-free” device while driving?
A: For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a “hands-free” wireless device if you are pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless device while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.

Note: Remember, when buying a safety car seat you’re investing in your child’s safety & future!

*But not all car seats fit all cars. You may have to try out different models to fit your vehicle. In San Diego County many of the California Highway Patrol Offices,and some police departments have a designated officer to help install your car seat. Check the list below for the nearest office.

• For some immediate help visit: www.carseat.org - great for recall information. Check it regularly for any changes or alerts.

and/or:

• Safety Council On Line

Resources For Safety Carseat Installations…

Here in San Diego County – to check and see if your carseat is installed correctly, several people have been trained to help install safety car seats to better protect your children. There are several resources to turn to for help.

Here are some of the Law Enforcement sources trained in Safety Car Seat installations – these are by appointment only:

By appointment:

CHP Offices -
El Cajon CHP – 619-401-2000 – Officer Brian Pennings
Pacific Highway CHP 619-220-5492
Oceanside CHP 760-757-1675
Temecula CHP 951-506-2000

Lemon Grove Sheriff 619-337-2000
Escondido Police 760-839-4707
Encinitas Sheriff 760-966-3587
Bonita Fire Department 619-479-2346
Solana Beach Fire Department 858-720-4411
Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department 858-756-5971

Saturday Events:
Safe Kids San Diego 858-576-1700 x 5096
www.rchsd.org

Services for a fee:
Pacific Safety Council 858-621-2313 x116

La Mesa Police 619-667-1400

Car Seat Safe 619-379-7980
carseatsafe@cox.net

Absolute Safety 619-925-1628
Services for a fee:
Saferidinkiz 619-312-2045

***************************************************************************
Additional Information:

Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Sub Station
3240 Main Street
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
(619) 337-2000

Escondido Police Department
700 West Grand Avenue
Escondido, Ca. 92025
For A Child Car Seat Inspection Call – 760-839-4707

Sadly – An example of what can happen if you or your child is not buckled up or buckled up correctly:

Holiday Highway Crash – LAST UPDATE: 7/5/2004 7:27:02 PM

An unrestrained baby boy who was thrown from an SUV in a crash in Chula Vista died Monday, and his aunt, also ejected from the vehicle, was hospitalized, along with the boy’s sister and mother, who were also injured in the accident.

The crash on northbound Interstate 805, south of state Route 54, happened just before 8 last night, California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Gregg said.

The family members, from Inglewood, were headed home from the Tijuana Airport, where they picked up a family member, Gregg said. The driver drifted off the road, over-corrected and lost control of the 2003 Ford Expedition, he said.

“All I remember was the car zig-zagging,” said Esmeralda Ramos, 26, who suffered a broken arm in the crash.

Her baby, four-month-old Wilbert Ramos died at Children’s Hospital about 1:25 a.m., medical examiner Investigator Michael Ellano said.

He and his mother were sitting in the middle row of the SUV, he said.

Ramos said the child was restrained in a car seat, which she said was tied down.

Ramos said she had to be extricated from the SUV.

“My head hurts and my hands and I feel very tired and sleepy,” Ramos said in a telephone interview.

Ramos’ daughter — five-year-old Valerie — broke both her legs in the crash and was taken to Children’s Hospital, Ramos said.

“They told me she’s being released today,” Ramos said from her hospital bed.

“She’s coming to see me before she goes home,” Ramos added.

Ramos’ sister, Maritza Felix, 27, was thrown out the back window, said Ramos.

Felix suffered a broken shoulder and had internal bleeding, according to Ramos.

Felix was listed in fair condition at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

The other passengers in the vehicle suffered minor to moderate injuries, Gregg said. Alcohol was not suspected in the crash, he said.

The family was headed to pick up Felix’s mother-in-law, Ramos said.

]]> http://monicazech.com/2009/03/is-your-safety-car-seat-installed-correctly-2/feed/ 0 http://monicazech.com/2009/03/cert-are-you-prepared-for-a-disaster-2-2/ http://monicazech.com/2009/03/cert-are-you-prepared-for-a-disaster-2-2/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:50:55 +0000 Monica Zech http://monicazech.com/wp/2008/01/12/cert-are-you-prepared-for-a-disaster-2/

CERT – The East County Community Emergency Response Team – 2010 Schedule Posted

FREE training is available through CERT. To see the CERT schedule for 2010 please visit the El Cajon Fire website.  Due to a great community response our 2010 CERT academies are both full.  Please click on the CERT Council link below for another CERT program near you.

• Or go directly to our new East County CERT website – East County CERT
• There are other CERT classes available in the county! To find another CERT class please click here – CERT Council

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference. While people will respond to others in need without the training, one goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

Frequently Asked Questions About CERT

What Is CERT?

(CERT) The Community Emergency Response Team program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

The CERT course is taught in the community by a trained team of first responders who have completed a CERT Train-the-Trainer course conducted by their state training office for emergency management, or FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI), located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations.

Over the next two years, the CERT program aims to double the number of participants, with over 400,000 individuals completing the 20 plus hours of training. Train-the-Trainer sessions will be held in all 56 states and territories over the next year to expand the program throughout the United States.

Q: Why take the CERT training?

A: Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there are emergencies and disaster that can overwhelm the community immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need help. The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making and physical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

A success story about CERTs comes during the wildfires in Florida. The Edgewater CERT helped emergency management and the fire department by assisting with evacuations, handling donations, preparing food for firefighters, and answering the phone while the professionals were fighting the fire. It is a great example of CERT members and response personnel working together for the benefit of the community.

Q: How do CERT members maintain their skills?

A: CERT members and the sponsor work together to maintain team skills. It is suggested that the sponsor conduct refresher classes and an annual exercise where all CERT members are invited to participate. Some response agencies have conducted joint exercises with CERT team and operate as they would during an actual disaster. The last point does bring up a lesson learned. Besides training CERT members, it is also important to train members of response agencies about CERTs, the skills that teams have and the role that they will have during a major disaster. One way to develop this trust is by encouraging agency personnel to participate in classes as instructors and coaches and activities involving CERTs.

Understanding that CERTs may operate independently following a disaster. CERTs can practice this independence by taking some responsibility for their training. Teams can design activities and exercises for themselves and with other teams. Some members can be rescuers, some victims, and some evaluators. After the event, there can be a social so that teams get to know each other

Q: What if I want to do more than just the basic training?

A: CERT members may attend classes provided by the community agencies on animal care, special needs concerns, debris removal, utilities control, advanced first aid, Automatic External Defibrillator use, CPR skills, and others.

CERT members are a potential volunteer pool for the community. They can help with special projects like distributing preparedness material, staffing medical booths during special events, and assisting with installation of smoke alarms for seniors or special needs households. Some CERT members have sought additional training opportunities in shelter management, community relations, and donations management.

]]> http://monicazech.com/2009/03/cert-are-you-prepared-for-a-disaster-2-2/feed/ 0 http://monicazech.com/2009/01/cigarette-smoking-cancer-risks/ http://monicazech.com/2009/01/cigarette-smoking-cancer-risks/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:09:46 +0000 Monica Zech http://monicazech.com/wp/2007/08/19/cigarette-smoking-cancer-risks/

Key Points

Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and is responsible for most cancers of the larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, and bladder (see Question 1).

Secondhand smoke is responsible for an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths among U.S. nonsmokers each year (see Question 2).

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical agents, including over 60 substances that are known to cause cancer (see Question 3).

The risk of developing smoking-related cancers, as well as noncancerous diseases, increases with total lifetime exposure to cigarette smoke (see Question 4).

Smoking cessation has major and immediate health benefits, including decreasing the risk of lung and other cancers, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease (see Question 5).

Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking alone is directly responsible for approximately 30 percent of all cancer deaths annually in the United States

(1). Cigarette smoking also causes chronic lung disease (emphysema and chronic bronchitis), cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cataracts. Smoking during pregnancy can cause stillbirth, low birthweight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other serious pregnancy complications

(2). Quitting smoking greatly reduces a person’s risk of developing the diseases mentioned, and can limit adverse health effects on the developing child.

What are the effects of cigarette smoking on cancer rates? – Answer: Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths

(1). Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women (3). Smoking is also responsible for most cancers of the larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, and bladder. In addition, it is a cause of kidney, pancreatic, cervical, and stomach cancers (2, 4), as well as acute myeloid leukemia (2).

Are there any health risks for nonsmokers?

The health risks caused by cigarette smoking are not limited to smokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke, or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), significantly increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease in nonsmokers, as well as several respiratory illnesses in young children (5).

(Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke that is released from the end of a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers.)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institute of Environmental Health Science’s National Toxicology Program, and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all classified secondhand smoke as a known human carcinogen – a category reserved for agents for which there is sufficient scientific evidence that they cause cancer (5, 6, 7).

The U.S. EPA has estimated that exposure to secondhand smoke causes about 3,000 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers and is responsible for up to 300,000 cases of lower respiratory tract infections in children up to 18 months of age in the United States each year (5).

For additional information on ETS, see the NCI fact sheet Environmental Tobacco Smoke, which can be found at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/ETS on the Internet.

What harmful chemicals are found in cigarette smoke?

Cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 chemical agents, including over 60 carcinogens (8).

In addition, many of these substances, such as carbon monoxide, tar, arsenic, and lead, are poisonous and toxic to the human body. Nicotine is a drug that is naturally present in the tobacco plant and is primarily responsible for a person’s addiction to tobacco products, including cigarettes. During smoking, nicotine is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and travels to the brain in a matter of seconds. Nicotine causes addiction to cigarettes and other tobacco products that is similar to the addiction produced by using heroin and cocaine (9).

How does exposure to tobacco smoke affect the cigarette smoker?

Smoking harms nearly every major organ of the body (2). The risk of developing smoking-related diseases, such as lung and other cancers, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses, increases with total lifetime exposure to cigarette smoke (7). This includes the number of cigarettes a person smokes each day, the intensity of smoking (i.e., the size and frequency of puffs, the age at which smoking began, the number of years a person has smoked, and a smoker’s secondhand smoke exposure.

How would quitting smoking affect the risk of developing cancer and other diseases?

Smoking cessation has major and immediate health benefits for men and women of all ages. Quitting smoking decreases the risk of lung and other cancers, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease. The earlier a person quits, the greater the health benefit. For example, research has shown that people who quit before age 50 reduce their risk of dying in the next 15 years by half compared with those who continue to smoke (3). Smoking low-yield cigarettes, as compared to cigarettes with higher tar and nicotine, provides no clear benefit to health (2). For additional information on quitting smoking, see the NCI fact sheet Questions and Answers About Smoking Cessation, which can be found at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/cessation on the Internet.

What additional resources are available?

For additional information about cancer or tobacco use, call 1-800-4-CANCER or visit the NCI’s Web site about tobacco at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/tobacco on the Internet.

For help with quitting smoking, call NCI’s smoking cessation quitline at 1-877-44U-QUIT or visit NCI’s smoking cessation Web site at http://www.smokefree.gov on the Internet.

Information about the health risks of smoking is also available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) at 1-800-CDC-1311 (1-800-232-1311) or via their Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco on the Internet.

Selected References

Ries LAG, Eisner MP, Kosary CL, et al. (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2001, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, 2004 (http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2001).

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2004.

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2004. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 2004.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Targeting Tobacco Use: The Nation’s Leading Cause of Death. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and Other Disorders. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1992.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Report on Carcinogens: Tenth Edition. Research Triangle Park, NC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program, 2002.

International Agency for Research on Cancer. Tobacco Smoke and Involuntary Smoking. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Vol. 83. Lyon, France, 2004.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tobacco Use in the United States. Retrieved September 30, 2003, from: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/overview/tobus_us.htm.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nicotine Addiction: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, Center for Health Promotion and Education, Office on Smoking and Health, 1988.

Related Resources
Publications (available at http://www.cancer.gov/publications)

Cigars

6 Things You Should Know About Cigar Smoking
From Terry Martin,

Your Guide to Smoking Cessation

The Health Hazards of Smoking Cigars

It’s a common misconception that cigar smoking is less dangerous than cigarette smoking. The truth of the matter is that cigars are dangerous and every bit as deadly as cigarettes. However, because upwards of 75 percent of cigar smokers are occasional smokers, they are generally exposed to smaller quantities of the poisons and carcinogens present in cigars than cigarette smokers are with their cigarettes. It’s because of this that there are fewer instances of disease and fatality due to cigar smoking.

6 Facts You Should Know About Cigars

1. One cigar may contain as much tobacco as an entire pack of cigarettes.

A single cigarette usually contains less than a gram of tobacco, while cigars, which vary in size and shape, can have between 5 and 17 grams of tobacco.

2. Cigars are Addictive.

The amount of nicotine in a single cigar is many times greater than what is found in a cigarette.

A typical cigarette contains approximately 8 milligrams of nicotine, while an average cigar has between 100 and 200 milligrams of nicotine, and some have upwards of 400 milligrams. Cigar smoke is more alkaline than cigarette smoke. It readily breaks down in saliva, allowing the smoker to easily absorb nicotine through the lining of the mouth in quantities sufficient to cause addiction.

3. Cigar smoke is more concentrated and toxic than cigarette smoke.

ETS from cigar smoke varies from that of cigarette smoke for a couple of reasons. First, the manufacturing process for cigars requires a fermentation period. During this time, high concentrations of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA) are produced. TSNA are some of the most carcinogenic compounds known to man. Secondly, cigar wrappers are not as porous as cigarette wrappers, making the combustion of a cigar less complete. These two factors result in higher concentrations of nitrogen oxides, ammonia, carbon monoxide and tar in cigars than in cigarettes.

4. Smoking as little as one cigar a day increases the risk for cancer.

Cigar smoking has been linked to several different cancers, most notably those of the oral cavity, which include lip, tongue, mouth, throat and larynx. Cigar smokers are also at an increased risk for lung cancer and cancers of the pancreas and bladder.

5. Cigar and pipe smokers are at risk for early tooth loss.

In a study published in the January 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, it was discovered that cigar and pipe smokers are at an increased risk for early tooth loss, compared to that of their nonsmoking counterparts. Cigar and pipe smokers are also at an increased risk for alveolar bone loss.

6. Cigar smoking has been linked to erectile dysfunction in men.

Smokers are twice as likely to be impotent as nonsmokers due to the adverse effects smoking has on circulation, hormones and the nervous system. Cigar smoking and exposure to second hand smoke in particular have been shown to be significant risk factors for erectile dysfunction.

Steer clear of cigars, and avoid the second hand smoke they produce.

There is no such thing as a safe tobacco product!

Sources:
Questions and Answers about Cigar Smoking National Cancer Institute
Action on Smoking and Health

Krall, Elizabeth et al. Alveloar Bone Loss and Tooth Loss in Male Cigar and Pipe Smokers Journal of the American Dental Association 1999 Jan;130(1):57

Feldman HA et al. Erectile Dysfunction and Coronary Risk Factors: Prospective Results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study Preventive Medicine 2000; 30: 328-338. Updated: July 10, 2006

Terry Martin, About.com’s Guide to Smoking Cessation since 2003, quit smoking cigarettes in 2001 after 26 years of nicotine addiction. She is now dedicated to helping others to do the same.

About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information.Important disclaimer information about this About site.

]]> http://monicazech.com/2009/01/cigarette-smoking-cancer-risks/feed/ 0 http://monicazech.com/2008/05/188/ http://monicazech.com/2008/05/188/#comments Wed, 21 May 2008 04:11:11 +0000 Monica Zech http://monicazech.com/?p=188

A great CNN article talked about “Hypermiling” – you’ll save fuel and drive less stressful. Read the article and save…

www.hypermiling.com

For more ways to save on fuel, visit: http://www.fueleconomy.gov./

Here’s the article on “hypermiling” –

Take it slow and save big on gas
Driving style has a big impact on fuel economy. Backing off can save big.
May 9, 2006: 5:41 PM EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) – You can get 35 percent better fuel mileage out of your current vehicle by using a device most drivers already have.

That would be your right foot.

Most drivers agonizing over the cost of gasoline fail to realize the enormous impact their driving style has on fuel consumption.

During the last run-up in fuel prices, we wrote about Edmunds.com’s tests of common fuel-saving driving tips. Some common tips, it turned out, had little or no effect on fuel economy. (Edmunds.com provides data and content for CNN.com’s automotive Websites.)

For example, using the air conditioner at highway speeds had no appreciable effect on fuel economy compared to rolling down the windows.

Keeping your tires properly inflated, while important for safety, has only a small effect on fuel mileage, according to Edmunds.com’s tests.

Using cruise control on the highway, though, really does have a noticeable effect on fuel economy. In Edmunds.com’s test using a Land Rover LR3 and a Ford Mustang, the Land Rover got almost 14 percent better mileage using cruise control set at 70 miles per hour rather than cruising at driver-controlled speeds between 65 and 75 miles per hour. The Mustang got 4.5 percent better mileage.

Using cruise control cuts down on unnecessary speed changes which can eat up gas and it prevents “speed creep.” the tendency for a driver’s average speed to gradually increase with time spent on the road. (In that way, it can save you from an expensive speeding ticket, as well.)

If you want a big gain in fuel mileage, though, you need to seriously lay off the pedals when driving around town. Accelerating more slowly away from green lights and stopping more gradually for red lights cut fuel consumption in Edmunds.com’s tests by 35.4 percent for the Land Rover and 27.1 percent for the Mustang.

Slamming down the gas pedal pushes more fuel into the engine while it also keeps the engine running faster.

You can also save a lot of gas by just lifting your foot off the accelerator as soon as possible when approaching a yellow or red light or a stop sign.

For one thing, letting up on the gas sooner gives your car more coasting time.

By the way, when we say “accelerating hard” and “stopping abruptly” we aren’t necessarily talking about juvenile tire-squealing antics. If you start keeping a conscious eye on how you drive, you may realize that you’ve been hot-rodding around for years without realizing it.

In Edmunds.com’s tests, they slowed acceleration times down to a 20-second run from zero to sixty miles per hour. Compared to the kind of zero-to-sixty times we hear car makers bragging about these days, 20 seconds may sound impossibly slow. In fact, it is slow. But, while it won’t get your pulse pounding, it will get you safely onto the highway.

Since most drivers don’t have a stopwatch handy to time their acceleration, Cole Quinnel, a spokesman for Chrysler Corp. engineers, advises not pressing the gas pedal down by more than an inch unless you really have to. Using that approach, the difference in fuel economy will be appreciable.

Let’s say that your car currently gets 22 miles per gallon overall. If this laid-back driving style gets you just 30 percent more in fuel mileage, which Edmunds.com’s tests indicate it could, you’d see that increase to about 30 miles per gallon.

It’s not easy, though. For most people, driving this way will feel, to say the least, awkward. When I tried Quinnel’s high-mileage driving advice, it was difficult to maintain this disciplined approach to acceleration and deceleration without consistent effort. The minute I let my concentration slip — Zoom! — off I’d go again in a gas-wasting rush, just like I usually do.

And, to be perfectly honest, it was a little embarrassing to drive that way. Every molecule of testosterone in my body was begging to be excused for the day.

But, in a couple of short drives, the car was using significantly less gas per mile, even with my occasional slip-up. Maybe if I keep it up, I can soothe my dented ego with a little cash in my wallet.

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer

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