Monica Zech - Speaking of safety...

TEXTING Still A MAJOR Problem On Our Roadways According To Auto Club Research

Monica Zech — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 03:08:22 +0000

Auto Club: Texting and

Manipulating Devices While

Driving Nearly Triples

July 13, 2011 | Category: Transportation and Traffic Safety

(LOS ANGELES, July 12, 2011) – Texting and manipulating electronic devices behind the wheel, while still relatively low, is nearly triple what it was before California’s texting ban became law, according to findings from the Automobile Club of Southern California’s latest roadside driver survey.

Before California’s texting ban went into effect in January 2009, about 1.4 percent of drivers on average were observed texting or manipulating an electronic device (such as a smart phone) at any point in time behind the wheel. According to the Auto Club’s latest survey using the same methodology at seven locations in Southern California, that proportion is now nearly three times as high – 4.1 percent at any time.

Some of the biggest changes observed in the Auto Club study have come in 2010 and 2011. The most recent survey found that 1.9 percent of drivers were texting and driving at any time, up about 20 percent from a year earlier. Even more significant was the change in the proportion of drivers seen holding and manipulating electronic devices, but not necessarily texting. That proportion doubled in the past year – to 2.3 percent. Increases in texting and the use of electronic devices while driving in California mirror the larger, global trend in these activities throughout daily life.

Auto Club studies have also examined the levels of hand-held cell phone use on the road. These findings demonstrate that California’s hand-held cell phone ban was far more effective than that for texting. Results showed that since June 2008, the month before the hand-held ban went into effect, driver use of the devices has dropped sharply – by 66 percent – from 9.3 percent to 3.2 percent. And that drop is remaining consistent through the second anniversary of the law, July 1, 2011.

The latest Auto Club observational survey results come on the heels of the National Transportation Safety Board’s discussion last week of a fatal crash between a tour boat and a barge that killed two foreign students and dumped 35 others into a shipping channel in Philadelphia. According to news reports, the pilot of the tug pushing the barge was talking on his cell phone and using a laptop.

The safety board said in news reports that the nation risks a surge in these types of distracted driving crashes unless the activity comes to be viewed as unacceptable as drinking and driving.

The Auto Club’s results, which have been showing a sharp upward trend in texting and manipulating devices through 2010 and 2011, indicate that California needs to pay more attention to combating theses important safety problems. “We need greater public awareness of the dangers of texting and using electronic devices behind the wheel,” said the Auto Club’s Government Affairs Manager Steve Finnegan. “The state also needs stronger penalties and targeted enforcement to reduce texting while driving – which is really the perfect storm of distraction that takes drivers’ eyes, hands, and brains off the task of driving.” And he added that “although the growth of in-car texting and related electronic device use mirrors the explosive growth of wireless use overall in society, it’s very troubling that this growth appears to have overcome the early effectiveness of the current law.”

The rise in texting while driving reflects the spike in mobile communications device use overall. According to the wireless industry trade association, CTIA, text messaging is enormously popular, with more than 2 trillion text messages sent and received on carriers’ networks in the U.S. during the 12-month period ending last December – or about 6 billion a day, according to CTIA. (This is up from 1.8 trillion text messages or 4.9 billion a day the previous year, according to CTIA statistics.)

Just-published research from the Nielsen Co. shows that data viewed on smartphones is up an average of 89 percent in the U.S. over a 12-month period that ended in March. The rise in data consumption was attributed to the use of more apps on the Apple and Google mobile operating systems. On average, an American’s smartphone had 22 apps, according to CTIA.

California law bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. According to the California Highway Patrol, enforcement of that ban includes citing drivers for using hand-held phones to access the Internet. The Golden State is one of 34 states, plus Washington D.C., that have banned texting while driving, including the sending, receiving and reading of text-based communication and e-mails. California law does not, however, explicitly ban the use of electronic equipment that is not a “communication device,” but that can access the Internet, such as the iPod Touch.

“Current penalties for texting while driving in the Golden State haven’t deterred the behavior,” said Finnegan. A motorist caught texting while driving is assessed a $20 base fine for a first offense and $50 for a second offense. Adding related penalties, the cost of a citation increases to between $114 and $143 for a first offense and to about $279 for a second offense. Unlike other moving violations, however, no “point” is placed on a motorist’s driving record. “This is unfortunate,” said Finnegan “since research shows that imposing points increases driver compliance with traffic safety laws.”

Senate Bill 28, now under consideration, would impose greater fines and levy a point, in some situations, on a driver’s DMV record for a second or subsequent violation. Unfortunately the bill’s provision on points was weakened from a version first introduced last year. Although not as effective as points, the bill increases the base fine to $50 for a first offense and $100 for the second. Adding current penalties to these proposed new base fines bring the total cost of citations to between $279 and $479.

The CHP has issued about 15,000 cell phone and texting citations per month so far in 2011—up considerably from prior years. Since California’s cell phone and texting laws went into effect, 410,000 citations have been issued by the agency.

“Giving out that many citations helps explain why we’ve seen a continuing decline in hand-held cell phone use in California,” explained Steven Bloch, Ph.D., the Auto Club’s senior traffic safety researcher. “The problem is that issuing citations for texting is far more difficult. Drivers typically hold texting and other electronic devices down low, making them hard for law enforcement officers to see. The result is that police agencies give out relatively few texting citations.”

Because of this challenge, the CHP has created and publicized “high enforcement periods,” in collaboration with local police agencies to target distracted drivers.

The Auto Club in-vehicle cell phone and texting surveys were each conducted using consistent methods of systematic random samples of about 4,000 vehicles that were passing by seven roadside sites in Orange County. Surveys were conducted during: June 2008, prior to the cell phone law first taking effect; July, August and October 2008; May and July 2009; March-April and July 2010 and June 2011. Observational surveys were conducted in morning, early afternoon, evening commutes on freeway entrances and exits, and urban, suburban and small city roadways.

*Note: I provide safe driving lectures for your company safety briefings and company conferences. I offer an eye-opening emergency response perspective, and a victim perspective, at the driving distractions and other bad driving habits that get us into trouble. I’ll change the way view traffic - reducing your chances of being involved in a collision. Email your request to monicazech@cox.net or call (619) 843-7218.

Life-Saving Presentations On Driving Safety For Your Company Or Group

Monica Zech — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:00:28 +0000

Driving Safety is my passion! I deliver my talks in the San Diego County area of Southern California, but I am available to speak outside the city & state by request! Please contact me for your next Company Conference, Company Safety Briefing, or Military safety stand-down! I can be reached at (619) 843-7218, or by email at monicazech@cox.net.

I deliver an eye-opening presentation on what it takes to be safe on our roadways – whether you are driving, riding or walking. You’ll see why traffic collisions continue to be the number one 9-1-1 call emergency agencies respond to. Once you’ve seen my presentation, you’ll never view traffic the same way again. This new awareness will help you to avoid the bad habits we develop behind the wheel…and help to “reduce” your collision risk factor!

Monica’s lectures have taken her all around San Diego County, up into Los Angeles and Riverside Counties – and outside the state. In March of 2010, I was contacted to speak to students, and their parents, at a high school in Miami, Florida on safe driving. She was asked to target “distracted driving” such as cell phones and “texting!” This is the banner they made for Monica in anticipation of her talk.

In arranging for Monica Zech to speak to your group or class, she can target specific issues. She can speak from 20 minutes - up to 3 hours or more for your class, group or Company Conference. Her dynamic power-point presentation is continually updated with the latest stats, pictures and videos to help drive home the message on injury prevention. Note: If air travel is required to speak to your company, group or school, airfare must be provided, hotel stay and a negotiable speaker’s fee.

Audiences will see traffic collisions and what causes them through “Monica’s eyes” as a spokesperson for both a police and fire department, and through her eyes as an award winning air traffic reporter for local television and radio for 18 years in San Diego.

Some of the areas covered in her talks:

What are the dynamics of a crash – what are the major factors that cause injury & death
The importance of obeying traffic laws made for our safety
When officers give tickets
Monetary costs of getting a ticket
The importance of wearing seat belts
Types of crashes – rollover, side impact, rear-ender etc.
Dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs
Motorcycle safety
Distracted driving – texting, cellphones
Being a GOOD safety model for your family
Carseat Safety – Remember your precious cargo!
Pedestrian Safety
Stress & Road Rage – how to curb the rage
Aggressive Driving
Red Light Runners & Red Light Photo Enforcement – examples
The Dangers of Rolling through STOP Signs – examples
Dangers of Speeding
Who are you riding with?

Personal Impact Stories:

Losing her father to a DUI driver in June of 1992.
Daughter injured in collision involving a DUI driver in February of 2005.
I was the victim of a STOP sign runner in August of 2003. I was almost paralyzed.
I speak on behalf of ALL those killed and injured in crashes everyday!

Note: Ms. Zech’s talk would be an excellent compliment to other safe driving programs. For references please contact Monica and/or see the comment section of this website to see feedback from Monica’s previous talks.

Did you know that traffic collisions is the number reason you’ll lose an employee? That’s what makes Monica’s talk so important for your company conference!

*If you would like to arrange for Monica Zech to speak to your group. Please call (619) 843-7218 or email your request to: monicazech@cox.net

*Note: I speak locally (San Diego area) and nationally. If air travel is required to your City, airfare and hotel must be provided in addition to my speakers fee. ”Speaker fees are negotiable.”

My Lectures – A Professional & Personal Perspective

Monica Zech — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:31:27 +0000

In August of 2001, Monica zech made the biggest and most rewarding career change of her life! She chose to leave a 30-year career in broadcasting to become the Public Information Officer and Safety Educator for the El Cajon Fire Department. On July 18th, 2005, Monica was then promoted to become the Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon, and still provide safety education on behalf of the El Cajon Police & Fire Departments. She also writes articles on safety and appears on local television news segments giving valuable safety advice. She continues what she loves doing most – providing safety lectures in the community. It‘s obvious to her audiences that “safety/injury prevention” is Monica’s passion!

Monica has been involved in broadcasting for more than thirty-five years. Her broadcasting career highlights; in 1971, at the age of 16, she became the first female broadcast intern at KGTV, Ch. 10, from Crawford High School. She went on to work for a variety of radio stations as a news reporter/anchor. In January of 1984 she became San Diego’s first female airborne traffic reporter, and soon after – San Diego’s first television traffic reporter for both the NBC and ABC local affiliates and heard on ten radio stations. Since 1984 Monica has been delivering lectures on safety throughout San Diego, Los Angeles and Riverside Counties. Since 1984 to the present, she has received numerous news, safety and community service awards. (See her awards section) Although Monica enjoyed her work as a reporter, she most enjoyed her research and lectures in the community on traffic safety and overall injury prevention. Since the beginning, she has delivered these lectures on her own time, after work, evenings and weekends – and would often use all her vacation and sick leave hours to deliver her safety messages. By representing the City of El Cajon, Police & Fire Departments, she is now able provide safety education as a full-time career. But, due to her passion for safety – she still uses her off hours and vacation hours to lecture outside the city of El Cajon.

It was during her first year as a traffic reporter in 1984, while conducting research and working with local emergency agencies, trauma room doctors and various transportation and safety organizations, that Monica saw the “crucial” need to add safety education advice to her traffic reports – and to lecture on traffic safety in the community.

But, after twelve years of safety lecturing, Monica’s work in traffic safety took on an even deeper meaning, when on June 5th, 1992; her own father was struck and killed by a DUI driver.

The Tragedy; On June 5th, 1992, at about 6:15pm, Monica’s father was crossing at the corner of El Cajon Boulevard at Jessie Avenue in La Mesa. The investigation showed a vehicle stopped to allow Mr. Pacheco to cross. As he started to cross it was the next approaching vehicle, driven by a 23-year-old DUI driver, that began go around and pass the stopped vehicle into the next lane. In court testimony the DUI driver claimed he saw a man crossing the street but thought this man would stop walking to allow him to continue to drive through. But Monica’s father was already in that second lane and the DUI driver, who should have stopped, instead – struck and killed Monica’s 63 year-old father “John G. Pacheco.” It was soon found this 23-year-old driver had a blood alcohol level of .16, twice over the legal limit…so his thinking and judgment was slowed due to his intoxication – it was also discovered this was the driver’s 4th DUI arrest! It took my father to stop him – but it also took his life to do it. In the picture below is the vehicle that struck and killed Monica’s father. The damage to the front windshield was caused by her father’s head striking the windshield, an indentation to the left front end of the vehicle was where his upper body struck. His body was then thrown some twenty to thirty feet into the air coming down head first into the center median across the street crushing his skull and causing his fatal injuries.

More on the driver that killed Monica’s father. This was the driver’s fourth DUI arrest. Demonstrating a continued lack of respect for the law, he never bothered to go to court to answer for his last two DUI arrests, so there were two misdemeanor arrest warrants pending when he struck Monica’s father. From the first DUI, his license had been suspended and he was driving without driver’s insurance coverage. Sadly, despite this DUI driver’s previous DUI record, he was sentenced to a mere four years in prison. After serving only about a year and a half of his sentence he was released for good behavior. (But was later thrown back in jail on yet another drug charge a short time later.) But, Monica’s father is still gone and very much missed by Monica and her family – and has become a part of Monica’s lectures. Although it’s been 19 years since his death, talking about his death is sometimes painful. But it’s important to Monica to take that pain and educate her audiences on how “precious” life is and not to take your love ones for granted. But, she makes it very clear – she speaks in memory of all those killed and injured in predictable-preventable traffic collisions every day.

But, lightning can strike a family twice! On February 10th, 2005, just before 9 p.m., Monica’s then 24 year-old daughter “Victoria,” was struck broadside by a 17-year-old female, unlicensed -DUI driver! Thanks to her daughter’s alertness and quick action behind the wheel she was able to avoid a direct impact into her driver’s door. The young lady did strike the front end of her car then fled the scene – only to be apprehended a couple blocks away. Victoria did suffer some minor injuries to her neck and back, and her vehicle sustained about $4,000 in damages. But most important, Monica is very thankful her daughter was able to avoid fatal injuries…and that she was able to see her daughter graduate from paramedic school in June of 06′ and marry a month later in July. Monica feels very blessed to have seen her daughter achieve two important dreams – to become a paramedic and to marry. Some parents are not so fortunate to see their children achieve their dreams. According to police, the 17 year-old DUI driver that hit Monica’s daughter, may not be able to get her driver’s license until age 21, maybe even until age 25 due to the serious charges against her.

Research shows many drivers, with suspended licenses from a DUI, continue to drive, often repeating the same driving behavior. That’s why it’s crucial we are always 100% alert behind the wheel and as a pedestrian. Stats also show 40% of motorists drive without insurance, so make sure you have good “un-insured” motorist protection on your driver’s insurance policy.

As a driver, Monica herself has been a victim. She was struck by a motorist who was busy talking on his cell phone and had paperwork across his steering wheel as he flew into a parking lot. Monica was in that parking lot and saw his vehicle coming right at her driver’s door. She hit the gas and he hit her back door area – avoiding certain death. Then on August 29th, 2003, Monica was on her way to the CHP office in El Cajon when a motorist ran the STOP sign at the bottom of the ramp from west 8 to East Main Street. The driver ran the STOP by two car lengths and failed to look left and pulled into Monica’s path. Monica slammed on her brakes, leaving 22 feet of skid marks, and hit the woman’s back door. Monica’s quick reaction saved the driver – but caused serious injuries to Monica. Due to her injuries Monica required neck surgery a few months later. Two surgeons said Monica should have been paralyzed by the crash. Her experience adds to the impact of her talks.

Buckle-up and be alert! Keep in mind that a DUI driver may run that red light or stop sign, or pop out of a driveway when you least expect it. Impaired drivers (and pedestrians) are out there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

*For a professional and personal look at what it takes to be a “safe” driver for your school, group, military group or company conference please contact Monica Zech at (619) 843-7218 or email her at monicazech@cox.net.

STOP Red Light Running

Monica Zech — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:51:54 +0000

Celebrate “STOP” Red Light Running Week!

http://www.stopredlightrunning.com/

Yes! Red Light Cameras Save Lives!

Read the report….

http://www.stopredlightrunning.com/pdfs/IIHS%20Study%20Press%20Release%202.1.11.pdf

Stressed, Depressed, Thoughts Of Suicide?

Monica Zech — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:29:10 +0000

Please read this section carefully – there is hope, and a lot of people do care about you…including me!

Suicide affects not only the individual. The devastating impact reaches far beyond those who take their own lives.

People in suicidal danger should call 911. Help is also available by calling the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339 or visiting www.Up2SD.org.

A new website ; www.ToughTimesSD.org offers information, resources and help to men who might be going through some very difficult times in their lives.Risk factors of suicide include talking of hurting or killing oneself, divorce, separation, family stress, loss of health, job or home, increasing alcohol or drug use, and isolation from family and friends.

“When people feel hopeless, helpless, and desperate, they might feel no sense of future, no way to make it better,” said Jeff Rowe, Supervising Psychiatrist for the County Mental Health Services. “When a friend or a loved one comes to you for help, take it seriously. Ask if he or she is having thoughts of suicide or ending it all. That simple conversation can make the difference between life and death.”

People in suicidal danger should call 911. Help is also available by calling the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339 or visiting www.Up2SD.org.

Outreach On The Suicide Issue:

A group that should be invited to speak in ALL schools, especially high schools, is the Light for Life Foundation. They have excellent speakers – all with a powerful message to students on suicide prevention. For more information about their program and speakers please call their local office at (760) 635-5904. Keep the following information handy: Call the San Diego 24 hour Crisis Hotline at 1(800)479-3339, or the National Hotline at 1(888)SUICIDE, (784-2433) *If you are in need and don’t know how to ask for help please call their hotlines.

*Also visit their web site Yellow Ribbon San Diego. Suicide is the number one cause of un-natural death in San Diego county…especially among pre-teens, teens & seniors.

Traffic Deaths Are Down In The State Of California

Monica Zech — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:51:24 +0000

Good news, traffic deaths are down in the state, but one is too many – especially when it’s someone you care about. Please be safe…

http://www.kmir6.com/news/local/126142793.html

How Our Driving Compares With Other Countries

Monica Zech — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:46:16 +0000

Research by the CDC compares driving in the Unied States with other countries:

http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsDistractedDriving/?source=govdelivery

Tobacco Dangers – Strong Messages

Monica Zech — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:00:12 +0000

Several Reasons Not To Smoke – Strong Ads

Motorcyclist Dies During Protest Of Helmets

Monica Zech — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:50:05 +0000

Motorcyclist Dies While Protesting Helmets

Safety & Career Expo – October 8, 2011

Monica Zech — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:34:53 +0000

Join us on Saturday, October 8, 2011, for our annual El Cajon Fire Safety & Career Expo!

A big ”thank you” to our Title Sponsor “San Diego Gas & Electric” – and to our Community Sponsor “Mission Federal Credit Union!”

Location: 100 E. Lexington Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020 (south of Main Street @ Magnolia Avenue)

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This event offers safety and health information for the entire family. This year one of our highlights will be a “Teen Driving” section! County teens are invited to talk with the experts on what it takes to be a SAFE driver. We’ll again have disaster preparedness and fire safety information, with over 50 organizations on hand to offer vaulable information for your family!

Joining us in 2011

Heartland Fire & Rescue – El Cajon Fire Department

El Cajon Police Department

California Highway Patrol

Smokey Bear

East San Diego County Kiwanis – Annual “FREE” Safety Helmet Giveaway

Home Depot’s Kid’s Workshop

San Miguel Fire Safety Trailer

Office of Emergency Services

American Red Cross

CORE Self Defense

Coasty & the Coast Guard Auxiliary

Trauma Research Education Foundation (TREF)

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

San Diego Gas & Electric

Food Sponsor – Rubio’s

If you would like to be one of our community vendors, or if you would like to be a community sponsor or in-kind food sponsor please contact Monica Zech at (619) 441-1737.