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Stop The Rage In Driving – Examples

Posted on 11 July 2006 by Monica Zech

My hope in posting some of the road rage incidents we see will hopefully serve as an encouragement to avoid the rage in our own lives – and realize the importance of safety and how precious “life” is…

Stories Of Rage -

The following story shows that some of the people we encounter may be unstable and not worth the time to confront:

Police: Driver Deliberately Hits 8½ Month Pregnant Woman – Victim Tossed Onto Hood Of Car

POSTED: 11:33 am PDT July 11, 2006
UPDATED: 11:53 am PDT July 11, 2006

VAN NUYS, Calif. — Police said an eight-and-a-half-month pregnant woman had some horrifying moments when a driver drove right into her.

Van Nuys police said the pregnant woman was leaving a doctor’s appointment and saw her car had been hit.

After confronting a female driver about the incident, the driver allegedly ran into her.

The victim was tossed onto the hood of the car then fell on the sidewalk, police said.

A Los Angeles news station reported the driver had been taken into custody and is undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.

The expecting mother and unborn child are said to be doing fine.
2006 by 10News.com

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Driver sought in road-rage incident

January 28, 2006

PACIFIC BEACH – Police are seeking the public’s help in finding the driver of an early 1980s light metallic blue Datsun 280ZX coupe involved in a road-rage incident that critically injured a motorist Jan. 11.

The Datsun had black rubber bumpers, and a California license plate with yellow print and a partial plate number of 1SF. It carried a surf board.

Police said the encounter began about 7 a.m. in the 1300 block of Garnet Avenue in a convenience store parking lot.

After a minor traffic collision between two vehicles, the drivers got out to exchange information. One man returned to his car, put it in reverse and drove over the other man who was writing down a license plate number, trapping him under the car, police said. The driver pulled forward and back several times before speeding off.

The driver was described only as in his early 20s. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS.

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$2 million bond set in alleged road-rage death

By Dana Littlefield
Union Tribune STAFF WRITER

June 24, 2005

An Oceanside man pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges that he ran over and killed a truck driver on Interstate 5 during what police said was a road-rage incident in October.

Marc Damon Grossi, 42, faces charges of murder and hit-and-run resulting in death in connection with the death of Jorge Negrete, 47, of Kern County.

Grossi was arrested Sunday in Santa Monica on suspicion of lewd conduct and turned over to authorities in San Diego County.
San Diego Superior Court Judge David Szumowski set Grossi’s bail at $2 million. If convicted, Grossi could be sent to prison for 26 years to life.

Authorities said Grossi and Negrete got into an altercation on Oct. 9 and pulled over onto the shoulder of I-5 near Clairemont Drive across from Mission Bay.

Deputy District Attorney John Ristad told the judge that Grossi believed Negrete had cut him off several times. When Negrete got out of his truck, Grossi ran over him and drove off, Ristad said. Negrete died at a hospital.

Police said Grossi had been at large until Sunday when he was questioned by Santa Monica police. He reportedly presented a falsified vehicle registration and an identification card that didn’t appear to be his.

A fingerprint check revealed Grossi’s identity and he was arrested on a warrant in the San Diego case, San Diego police said.

Defense attorney Kerry Armstrong said in a telephone interview that Santa Monica police contacted Grossi because an officer saw him urinating into a cup inside his car.

Armstrong said his client became frightened as Negrete walked toward him. When Grossi tried to pull his car back into traffic, he inadvertently clipped Negrete, Armstrong said.

“I really think this was 100 percent an accident,” the attorney said.

Armstrong also said Grossi has vision problems because of an injury. He said Grossi’s vision might become an issue in this case.

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Other Past cases:

On Tuesday, July 18, 2000, A truck driver appeared in Court accused of the road-rage attempted murder of three people, after he attempted to run them down with his vehicle.

A case in Alabama Post Herald, September 25, 2000- where a trial is getting underway regarding a road rage shooting death. In that case, Shirley Chapman Henson stands trial on a murder charge in Columbiana after shooting another driver on an Interstate 65 South off-ramp last November after the two women had jockeyed for position in rush-hour traffic. Witnesses testified that Henson tailgated Foster for miles.

In April, 2000, a Tennessee jury returned a verdict of voluntary manslaughter against a man who was shot another driver six times — twice at close range — as he sat in the driver’s seat of his Nissan pickup on a gravel road in Hardin County after a road rage encounter in which the victim failed to signal a turn.

Note: I’ll continue to post the cases I learn about…I also give lectures in controlling the rage – if interested contact me at (619) 441-1737 or by email at monicazech@cox.net

Stay safe and sane behind the wheel…
Monica Zech

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Lecture topic – Are you an AGGRESSIVE driver? How to deal with the rage…

Posted on 01 May 2006 by Monica Zech

Aggresive driving is a leading cause of collisions….

*But, did you know parents/guardians are the direct role models for children in life – especially when it comes to driving! Are you a good role model? “Are YOU an aggressive driver?”

Take the Aggressive Driver Quiz and see. Or…are you a distracted driver? Distracted driving also causes numerous traffic collisions, injuries and even death on our roadways each year!

My driving safety lectures offer very helpful advice on how to deal with aggressive drivers…even road rage.

Some areas I lecture on….

First of all, with the news of rising gas prices – for the average motorists…the best way to handle and conserve gasoline usage is to “stop driving aggressively” – this will also reduce the risk factor of being involved in a collision. It’s a win-win situation.

What is aggressive driving? Plain and simple “breaking laws made for our safety”, such as; driving above posted speed limits – also known as speeding, rushing yellow lights and running red lights – these habits are among the biggest killers in traffic. Also, rolling through stop signs (the California roll), tailgating, constant unsafe lane changes, not using signals – all are signs of aggressive driving.

Motorists – by breaking laws we increase our chances of being in a collision – and we’re burning more fuel. You’re also wearing out their vehicles faster.

Motorcyclists are at an increased danger due to lack of protection on a motorcycle except for the use of good FULL helmet – not those skull cap, beanie cap type helmets.

Seat belts & safety car seats are your biggest life-savers! (See my section on “Is your child buckled up correctly”. But seat belts, if worn correctly – “save lives”.

Speed! What motorists don’t realize about speed will kill them and their passengers – and those they may run into. Motorists don’t realize the crushing factor involved in speed. Basically, at 10 miles per hour (mph) on your speedometer – your crushing impact is equal to being dropped from a “one story” building. 30 mph equals a crushing impact of being dropped from a 3 story building. At 50 mph we start seeing more deaths involved in collisions, and you DOUBLE your chances of being killed in a crash for every 10 mph over 50mph -so at 60 mph you’ve doubled your chances of being killed if involved in a collision. Also keep in mind, the lowest recorded death of someone “not” wearing a seat belt, involved in a crash, was just 12 mph. If more people knew or were taught this – the death factor would probably come down.

Our research also shows “women” -formerly known as soccer moms and now known by “hurried woman syndrome”- are involved in more of these types of collisions. But men were not too far behind in the stats for aggressive driving. It’s anyone in a hurry – or what I call “the rush to die.”

Driving Under the Influence – (DUI) of a drug is a contributing factor to “road rage.” It’s the most abused drug behind the wheel, known as the legal drug called “ALCOHOL”! Alcohol, in the drug category is a “depressant”! A safe rule of thumb, to avoid tickets and collisions – any amount of alcohol in your blood system is considered dangerous behind the wheel. Parents are among those high stats of DUI drivers – injuring and killing their own families. Even driving under the influence of other drugs – even cold medication like “NyQuil” is dangerous. Alcohol is a “depressant” – this type of drug slows down the body’s reaction time and thinking, with an “I don’t care attitude”. It also increases driving aggressively – and quick road rage reaction…also running red lights and stop signs. I know the dangers professionally and personally since my father was killed by a DUI driving June 5, 1992, and my daughter was injured recently, February 10th when she was struck by a 17 year old DUI driver. Luckily minor injuries. DUI is a 24/7 problem, not just during the holidays, or Friday or Saturday nights.

I also discuss teaching your children to respect safety and being a good safety role model for your children – especially when driving. Making sure every one’s always buckled up, not “driving aggressively” – and especially NOT DRINKING AND DRIVING WITH YOUR FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE – OR IF YOUR HAVE A FAMILY WAITING AT HOME FOR YOU!!! I love talking to parenting groups on this one. If you wear seat belts – your children will wear theirs…the same issue when riding your bikes together – if YOU as a parent wear a helmet – your children will wear theirs, especially when you’re not around.

To contact me (619) 441-1615 – to schedule a lecture or email me at monicazech@cox.net

Monica Zech
Public Information Officer & Safety Educator
City of El Cajon, Police & Fire

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“Is It Time To Stop Driving?”

Posted on 15 January 2006 by Monica Zech

Is It Time to Give Up Your Driver’s License?

*A question I’m often asked at my safety lectures is how can someone tactfully ask a parent or grandparent to give up the car keys. First, pick up a DMV California Driver Handbook. In the back of that book you’ll find the information on how to report someone to the DMV you feel should not be driving due to age or health reasons. Hopefully the following information will help as well.” – Monica Zech – Safety Educator

“Giving up driving for a senior citizen is a major event, almost like when a person first gets a license,” says Scott Spier, M.D., chief of the Division of Psychiatry at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. It represents a loss of mobility, which leads to a sense that independence, competence, and well-being are compromised.

Knowing When to Hang Up the Keys

According to Barbara L. Spreitzer-Berent, gerontologist and president of Quest Learning Resources in Detroit, Michigan, senior citizens and their families can tell if an older person should start thinking about giving up his or her driver’s license by answering the following questions:

Has there been a pattern of close calls, violations or minor collisions?

Do you have trouble spotting pedestrians, signs or other objects?

Are you surprised by passing cars or do you brake harder than normal for hazards, stop signs or stopped traffic?

Have you gone through red lights or stop signs? Backed into or over things or run into curbs?

Are you having trouble coordinating hand and foot movements?

Is the glare of oncoming headlights causing more discomfort?

Do you have trouble turning your head, neck and shoulders as you back up?

Are you more nervous behind the wheel?

Do you experience increased anger or frustration while in the car?

Are you quickly fatigued from driving?

Do you lose your way, even in your own neighborhood?

Do you get lost or make poor or slow decisions in traffic?

Have you ever hit the accelerator instead of the brake?

Are other drivers honking, tailgating or passing you aggressively?

Do you take medication for a medical condition which may impair your driving? These conditions often include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), seizure or sleep disorders, or uncontrolled diabetes.

Too many “yes” answers could mean an older person may not be able to handle the vehicle in an emergency situation. Experts also say it’s not a good idea to rely solely on the state testing agency that tests drivers and issues driver’s licenses. People who have reflex problems can squeak by and still pass the test.

Testing Driving Ability

To get a better idea of an older person’s driving skills, rehabilitation centers and insurance companies offer tests that objectively rate driving ability. Moreover, some senior centers, hospitals, retirement communities and civic organizations offer driver improvement programs for seniors who never really learned good motoring habits—but are perfectly capable of doing so.

Starting the Discussion

Many family members rely on the older driver’s doctor to let him or her know it might be time to think about giving up the car. The physician considers muscle strength, eye sight, reflexes and general overall health, along with questions about close calls in traffic.
“When a relative notices the senior’s car is chronically bumped and dented, it may be a good time to gently inquire about his or her driving skills,” Dr. Spier says. But the best way to approach the topic, according to Spreitzer-Berent, is tactfully. Don’t just blurt out: “You’re 87 years old, Dad. You’re just too old to drive anymore!” Instead, try: “Dad, I’m a little worried. I noticed a lot of new dents and scratches on your car. What’s been happening?” You may even find that Dad is relieved to talk about it.

If early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia become evident, Dr. Spier suggests it may be kinder to hide the car keys or even disconnect the battery so the car can’t start. Because these early symptoms are accompanied by a fair degree of frustration, hiding the keys might cause a tantrum or outburst, but it will pass quickly.

Getting Around Without a Car

Buses, taxis, and vans operated by senior citizen centers, hospitals, municipal transportation systems and retirement centers are very helpful. Many seniors also count on family and friends for rides. Dena S., a Boston woman who stopped driving about two years ago has a standing “date” with her 25-year old granddaughter. “She picks me up on Saturday mornings and I have a list of errands that I need to do. We finish up around noon and I take her to lunch. It gives us an opportunity to catch up on family gossip, her life, and makes me feel young again.”

For seniors on a fixed income, giving up the car is also cost effective. “When you add up all the costs associated with owning your own car, it is usually much more cost-effective to take a taxi,” says Dr. Spier.

It may not be necessary to give up driving altogether. If poor vision becomes a problem, an older relative can plan to drive only during the day. If a senior motorist tires easily or gets disoriented in new places, he or she can concentrate on doing errands that are closer to home.

Many Seniors Drive Just Fine
It is not true that all seniors should stop driving. “Numerous national studies paint a more positive picture of mature drivers than many expect,” says Spreitzer-Berent. “Reports show that mature motorists are not involved in a disproportionate number of car crashes.” And in fact, insurance rates reflect this fact. In most states, drivers under age 25 pay higher premiums than drivers over age 65. Stress and fatigue may cause some fender-benders among older drivers, but it’s also a problem with all driving age groups.
Getting more sleep will help you to be more alert behind the wheel, and of course “wearing that seat belt” and obeying all traffic laws made for our safety. – Monica Zech – Safety Educator

RESOURCES:
Association of Driver Educators for the Disabled (ADED)
Drivers.com – Drivers.com
Drivers 55 plus: test your own performance, publication number 362. The American Automobile Association website. Available at: www.aaa.com
DMV website – California DMV

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Dealing With Stress….

Posted on 06 September 2005 by Monica Zech

Safety Information: Dealing With Stress

Your Safety Tip: Rising Gas Prices? Aggressive Driving Increases Stress Levels & Burns More Fuel. Slow Down – Save Fuel And Save Lives! It’s A Win-Win Situation

Tips for Reducing Stress in Your Life

From Safety Educator Monica Zech & The National Institute of Mental Health

Stress – we’ve all felt it at one time or another. Especially behind the wheel….

To reduce the stress, that’s very bad for you healthwise, here are some great tips from the National Mental Health Association:

Many people feel stress often; some even feel it as a part of their daily lives. Stress has been implicated as a possible cause of – or at least exacerbating some of the symptoms of—numerous conditions, including heart disease, stroke, immune disorders, gastrointestinal problems, eating problems, diabetes, sleep disturbances, and sexual reproduction dysfunction.

*Learning to reduce your stress levels can help you live happier, healthier, and maybe even longer….

The National Mental Health Association offers the following tips for reducing or controlling stress:

Be realistic. Don’t take on everything; learn to say no. Set realistic goals for yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try eliminating an activity that is not absolutely necessary. Ask yourself, “What really needs to be done? Is the deadline realistic?” No one is perfect, so do not expect perfection from yourself or others. And ask for help if you need it.

Meditate. It only takes about 10–20 minutes to get a benefit from meditating. These few moments of quiet reflection may bring relief from stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. And it is simple to do: sit quietly, listen to peaceful music, relax, and try and think of pleasant things or think of nothing.

Visualize. Take a moment to picture how you can manage a stressful situation more calmly and successfully. This can work with just about anything, whether it is an important presentation at work or moving to a new place or taking an exam. A visual rehearsal can boost self-confidence and help you have a more positive attitude toward a difficult task.

Take one thing at a time. When you start to feel overwhelmed, try taking one task at a time. Make a list of things you need to do. Put the most urgent task at the top. Once you have accomplished it, cross it off and move on to the next one. The positive feeling of crossing things off can help keep you motivated.

Exercise. Regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress, and it benefits the body as well as the mind. Just 20–30 minutes of physical activity a day can do the trick. Yoga is great if you have a lot of stress – or anger management issues.

Get involved in hobbies. Take a break from the stressors of life and do something you really enjoy. Try gardening, painting, or reading. Schedule time to indulge your interests.

Practice a healthful lifestyle. Eating healthfully will make a difference. Avoiding things like smoking, excessive alcohol, and caffeine will help as well. Make sure you get adequate rest and exercise, and that you balance work and play.

Share your feelings. Talking about things can help you feel better. A conversation with someone can help you relax. And listening to someone else can take the focus off of yourself—something we all need to do every now and then. Stay in touch with your family and friends; don’t try to cope alone.

Give in occasionally. You don’t always have to be right. Be flexible. Be willing to compromise. If you do, others may meet you halfway. If you know you are right, stand your ground. But be calm and rational. And listen and make allowances for other’s opinions.

Go easy with criticism. When you expect too much from yourself or others, you may end up feeling frustrated, let down, and disappointed. Remember that each person is unique and everyone, including yourself, has shortcomings. But each person also has many beautiful qualities to share with the world.

Resources:

National Institute of Mental Health – http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

National Mental Health Association – http://www.nmha.org/

Note: Another source – if you’d like a talk for your class, group or company on reducing the stress levels behind the wheel give me a call at (619) 441-1615.

From Safety Educator Monica Zech, City of El Cajon.

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As A Parent – Is Your Family “REALLY” #1?

Posted on 05 July 2005 by Monica Zech

From Traffic Safety Speaker Monica Zech -

“Sorry – I don’t sugar coat the message when it comes to the dangers of drinking and driving – especially if you’re a parent. I take a hard nose attitude because of crash reports like this one. It’s very sad when people forget the priority of family…if you have a family, you shouldn’t drink period! Too strict? Not after you read the following crash report from the Sheriff’s Dept.”…..

Also keep in mind “how you drive in general”…how you drive will be how your children will drive when they fet their license. So if you’re driving above speed limits, rolling through stop signs and running yellow and RED lights, and, drinking and driving – so will your child.

Here’s the collision report….

Subject: Traffic Fatality
Person Posting Information: Lt. Tim Curran
Email: timothy.curran@sdsheriff.org
Post Time: 7/2/2005 03:29:43

Information

INFORMATION TYPE: News Media Release

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision

DATE & TIME OCCURRED: 07-01-05 @ 2312 hours – (11:12pm)

LOCATION OF INCIDENT: 1400 Leucadia Blvd, Encinitas

VICTIM: White Female Adult. Name withheld pending the notification of the next of kin. (Now identified as 46 year-old Tracy Ann Loftis, husband Tom of Carlsbad)

This information is fragmentary and has not been completely verified. It is based, in part on hearsay and is intended for early informational use rather than being a formal investigative report.

On 07-01-05, at about 2312 hours, a Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy was westbound on Leucadia Blvd, when a white Porsche drove by eastbound at a high rate of speed. The deputy heard the vehicle losing control and impacting a light pole and a fire hydrant. The deputy immediately called for emergency medical personnel and returned to the scene of the collision. The deputy found the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, ejected out onto the ground. He initiated CPR, but the lifesaving efforts of the deputy and the emergency medical personnel were futile. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Note: Preliminary information from the girlfriend that she had been with that evening was that they had gone to four different bars. The driver had become quite intoxicated and the girlfriend tried to take the keys from her. The driver insisted on driving and drove away from the last bar that they had been at. The girlfriend then called the driver’s husband who went searching for her. The driver’s husband drove by the collision scene and recognized his wife’s car. After meeting with the deputy medical examiner, the husband returned home to break the news to her five children.

Preliminary indications are that alcohol, excessive speed and an unsafe turning movement played a part in the collision. When appropriate, the Medical Examiner will release the victim’s name and information.

The investigation is continuing and no further information is available at this time.

PREPARED BY: Sergeant Randy Webb, San Diego Sheriff’s Encinitas Station.

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Red Light Running Does Kill & Injure!

Posted on 20 May 2005 by Monica Zech

Help Stop “RED Light Running”! But be informed…click on the following web site:

Stop Red Light Running

FACT: In 2002, approximately 921 people were killed and 178,000 were injured in as many as 207,000 red light running crashes. Survivors of red light running crashes include people who are injured as well as the family and friends of people who are injured or killed in red light running crashes.

Safety Tip:

Who’s next? Careful at intersections - when you get a green light, don’t move – make sure those who got the RED light have stopped, then check again for those who floored it from one to two blocks away during the YELLOW light…by the time they reach the intersection it’s RED and you may be in their path! Once you’ve seen traffic has finally stopped, then proceed with caution.

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Motorcycles Are Fun, But Deadly…

Posted on 12 November 2004 by Monica Zech

Motorcycle professionals use the phrase “dress for the crash”…yes, as a safety researcher, we’re seeing a darmatic increase in motorcycle crashes – injuries and fatalities!

Sorry, but as a safety educator, especially in transportation…from my research and “on scene” observation, “motorcycles” are one of the most dangerous forms of transportation. In fact, they’re usually the messiest to clear and investigate. What doesn’t help, are the poor excuse for a helmet “skull caps-beannie cap” type helmets! Wear a full helmet! But then again, that only protects the head to a point – but not the torso of the body….especially when striking an object at a high rate of speed.

Examples:

From San Diego Police:
Date: December 16, 2004 – 9:14am

17TH STREET at C STREET, EAST VILLAGE

Type: SERIOUS INJURY COLLISION

Synopsis:
P-2 was a 56-year-old male driving a 2001 Harley Davison Electra Glide Classic motorcycle eastbound on C Street. P-1 was a 19-year-old female driving a 1999 Nissan Sentra southbound on 17th Street. P-1 stopped at the stop sign but then proceeded into the intersection into the path of P-2 who struck her broadside. P-2 was wearing a “half shell,” helmet that did not fully cover his head. He suffered a skull fracture and has a brain injury. He was transported to UCSD Hospital for treatment. P-1 did not have any injuries. Traffic Division is handling the investigation.

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Date: November 12, 2004

From the California Highway Patrol El Cajon Office:
On November 12, 2004 at approximately 12:50 PM Mr. Jeffery Abbey (51, San Diego) was traveling e/b on SR-78 on a 1999 Suzuki SV650 at approximately 40-45 m.p.h. Mr. Abbey entered into a right curve that was posted with a suggested speed of 30 m.p.h. Mr. Abbey was unable to negotiate the curve and crossed over the solid double yellow line. Mr. Wayne Jones (65, Ramona) was traveling w/b on SR-78 in a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country van at approximately 40 m.p.h. Mr. Jones observed the motorcycle cross over the double yellow lines directly in front of him. He swerved to the right. However, he was unable to avoid colliding with the motorcycle. The force of the collision fully ejected Mr. Abbey from the motorcycle where he collided with the windshield and A-Pillar of the van.

Mr. Abbey was wearing a leather jacket and a full-faced helmet. However, he sustained major trauma to his head, face, neck, and chest. Mr. Abbey was transported by air ambulance to Palomar Hospital in Escondido where he is in critical condition. Mr. Jones as well as his three female passengers were uninjured. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

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Date: Sunday, May 2, 2004:

Names Released Of Fatal Motorcycle Crash Victims

(Ramona) – Authorities Monday released the names of two people killed in motorcycle crashes over the weekend. A man who died in a motorcycle crash on a remote road in Ramona was identified as Stan Hutchinson of San Diego. Hutchinson crashed on state Route 78 near Ramona Trails Drive at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday. He was not wearing a helmet.

(Pauma Valley) – 53-year-old Patricia Diane Skiver of Oceanside died when she failed to negotiate a curve and slammed into a guardrail on Cole Grade Road at about 1:40 p.m. Sunday. She died at the scene of the crash.

On Saturday, May 1, 2004:

(Fallbrook) – Two people who died Saturday when their motorcycle went out of control on Mission Road have been identified as David and Susanita Ward of Oceanside.

The motorcycle slid across the road and into a pickup truck about 7:10 p.m., the Medical Examiner’s Office said.

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Date: March 27, 2004

Location: 66TH @ MADERA – ENCANTO

Type: SERIOUS INJURY MOTORCYCLE COLLISION

Synopsis: 30 yr old David Smith was riding a motorcycle on 66th St at a speed too great for conditions. He hit some sand and lost control. He struck the curb then a utility pole. He sustained fractures to both legs. He was transported to a local hospital. Traffic is investigating.

-0- Date: December 30, 2004
Location: 4126 EXECUTIVE DR, UNIVERSITY CITY

SERIOUS INJURY CRASH-MOTORCYCLE

Synopsis: P-2, a W/M 24, riding on a Yamaha motorcycle was W/B on Executive Drive in the number one lane. P-1, a W/F 23, driving a Honda Civic was going E/B when she decided to make a U-turn. As she turned she collided with P-2 in the number one W/B lane. P-1 suffered a compound fracture to his right femur and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

I highly recommended to take a professional motorcycle riding course, and when riding “be alert and be prepared”!

Just the facts….

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Sobering DUI Stats & Facts About The DRUG Alcohol!

Posted on 19 July 2003 by admin

Statistics compiled from NHTSA FARS Data and California Highway Patrol

A Look At The Year 2002 Of Driving Impaired

(Statistics As of May 2003)

NATION-WIDE:

Preliminary statistics for 2002 indicate an increase again in alcohol-related traffic fatalties. An estimated 17,970 were killed in 2002 – an increase of 500 deaths over 2001. 42% of all traffic fatalities were alcohol-related in 2002. One positive note is that injuries decreased in alcohol-related crashes in 2002 when approximately 252,000 were injured, a -8.4% decrease from 2001 when 275,000 were injured.

From 1980 – 1999 the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities declined but progress leveled off and deaths are again on the rise. 2001 showed an increase in alcohol-related traffic fatalities from 2000. 17,448 people were killed in 2001, an increase of 68 deaths over 2000.

Three out of every ten Americans will be involved in an impaired driving crash in their lifetime. Approximately 49 people are killed across the country each day in alcohol-related traffic collisions. One person is killed every 30 minutes and one is injured every 26 seconds. Direct costs of alcohol-related crashes are estimated to be $114 billion yearly.

IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY:

In 2002, 95 people were killed in San Diego County and 3,077 were injured in alcohol-related traffic collisions. These stats represent a 22 percent decrease from the 122 persons who were killed in San Diego County in 2001…but a one percent increase from the 3,050 injured. In 2000, 83 were killed and 2,892 were injured.

FOR CALIFORNIA:

The number of people killed and injured in alcohol-related crashes in California has decreased over 40% since administrative license revocation (ALR) and the lower .08 blood content (BAC) laws went into effect in 1990.

In 2002, 1,206 Californians were killed in alcohol-related traffic collisions and 31,847 were injured. These statistics represent an 8% decrease in DUI fatalities and a less than 1 percent increase in injuries from 2001 when 1,308 were killed and 31,847 were injured. Alcohol-related traffic deaths have declined significantly since 1987 when deaths in California reached a high of 2,754. California law enforcement officials credit tough drunk driving laws and mandatory seat belt laws for significantly lowering the highway fatality rate, but there are concerns that gains have leveled off and deaths have increased in the last few years.

(Statistics compiled from NHTSA FARS Data and California Highway Patrol)

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