Beyond Distracted Driving

Over the Last Several Years Numerous research studies have been conducted regarding driving while distracted One such study relating to commercial vehicles was conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) 2

VTTI Study Focus Driver Distractions related to the use of a hand-held cell phone, reaching for an electronic device and texting while driving Conducted under real world circumstances drivers picking up, driving and delivering loads over nearly 6 million miles 3

VTTI Study Conclusions of Study Large Truck Drivers Dialing a cell phone increased the risk of crash or near crash incidents 5.9 times as compared to non- distracted drivers Talking or listening to a cell phone increased the risk of the same incidents 1.0 times as high as non- distracted drivers Crash Risk Increases 4

VTTI Study Conclusions of Study Large Truck Drivers Use of or reaching for an, electronic device increased the risk of crash or near crash incidents 6.7 times compared to non-distracted drivers Text messaging! Increased the risk 23.2 times as compared to non- distracted drivers A significant increase in crash or near-crash risk Crash Risk Increases 5

Beyond Distracted Driving We know that distracted driving is a concern for all vehicle drivers Both passenger and commercial drivers are part of the problem, but there are other safety factors to consider when driving any commercial vehicle These include information provided in the following documents: Defeating Distracted Driving Beyond Distracted Driving Following the Rules of the Road Driver Responsibilities & Review Part I Driver Responsibilities & Review Part II 6

Driver Safety Belt Usage Number #1 item on the defensive driving list is for drivers to use their safety belts Drivers will be better protected when seated behind the wheel with their safety belt in use The safety belt allows the driver to remain in the portion of the vehicle designed to protect them from harm in a crash situation 7

Commercial Vehicle Safety Belt Usage Survey 2013* Survey Comparison Chart Findings from Study From 2010 to 2013 safety belt usage increased from 78% to 84% Safety belt use was higher in states with a primary safety belt law in place Usage in the West was 91% while the Northeast usage was only 76% * This survey was conducted by NHTSA and the USDOT 8

Commercial Vehicle Safety Belt Usage Survey 2013 Survey Comparison Chart Findings from Study CMV Bus drivers showed a marked increase from 47% to 74% Safety belt usage rates were higher in heavy traffic (85%) as compared to lighter traffic (71%) 9

Protecting Commercial Drivers Driver Compartment Design Manufacturer Design of Vehicle Manufacturers have designed their vehicles to protect the driver while seated behind the steering wheel with their safety belts fastened This design could be called the driver safety zone and can protect the driver from serious injury or death in most crashes 10

SAFETY BELTS SAVE LIVES 11

Driving in Work Zones and on Rural Roads 12

Work Zones 13

Work Zones Present Different Challenges Large Truck Fatal Crashes in Work Zones Nearly 65% of fatal crashes involving large trucks in work zones occur during the day Most fatal large trucks crashes in work zones occur Monday – Friday Nearly six-times as many as occur on the weekend Truck stopping distance increases 14

Work Zones Present Different Challenges At What Locations in Work Zones do Crashes Take Place About 60 % of fatal crashes take place on divided roads Over 70% occur on level roadways 90% of fatal large truck crashes in work zones happen on straight roads Roughly 30% of work zone crashes involve large trucks 15

Stopping Distances Comparison Large trucks traveling at 40 mph require more than 35% stopping distance Large trucks traveling at 55 mph require approximately 50 percent greater stopping distance than a passenger car Large trucks traveling at 65 mph require more than 65% stopping distance than a passenger car 16

Work Zone Driver Safety Practices Recognize that work zones present different driving conditions 1.Unexpected work vehicles entering the traffic flow 2.Shifting lanes 3.Narrow lanes 4.Merging 5.Speed limit adjustments 6.Confused drivers and 7.Flaggers in the roadway 17

Work Zone Driver Crash Prevention Steps 1.Always wear your safety belt 2.Pay close attention to posted signs 3.Watch for signals from flaggers and follow their instructions carefully 4.Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and the one in front of you 5.Take advantage of your view of the roadway and anticipate braking situations 6.Be prepared to slow down or stop suddenly 18

Work Zone Driver Crash Prevention Steps 7.Get in the correct lane well in advance of lane closures 8.Be careful and plan ahead for other motorists speeding to get ahead of you in merging areas 9.Remember your No-Zone areas where crashes are more likely to occur 10.If possible avoid work zones and use alternative routes when feasible and available 19

Driving on Rural Roads 20

Rural Roads Present Unique Challenges Secondary roads in rural areas can present hazards not encountered on urban and suburban highways Blind curves, lack of signs, damaged road surfaces, farm and other slow moving vehicles, narrow roadways and even animals may create driving issues 21

Rural Roads Present Unique Challenges The narrowness of the road may affect all drivers ability to pass safely Passenger vehicles may try to pass even when it is unsafe to do so Sharp curves can prevent you from seeing approaching traffic 22

Rural Road Safety Many rural roads have free range livestock Rural roads can be unpredictable Steep hills (declines) may cause overheating of brakes and lead to brake failure 23

24 Rural Road Safety Solutions

Driving Safely on Rural Roads 1. Observe speed limit signs, rural roads are usually not designed for high speeds 2. Maintain a wide view of the roadway, pay strict attention to changing road situations Connecting roadways Farm vehicles or other large machinery on or near the highway Livestock or other animals in the roadway (Deer and other wild animals can do serious damage to your vehicle) Watch for cyclists and pedestrians, allow plenty of room when passing 25

Driving Safely on Rural Roads 3. Check your mirrors often and watch for vehicles that may be attempting to pass you 4. Only pass another vehicle when it is safe to do so and you have enough room to do so 5. Drive safely and diligently near blind curves 6. Slow down if necessary 7. Adverse weather conditions can be more dangerous on rural roads 8. Never become safety complacent on rural roads 26

Beyond Distracted Driving These driver safety presentations have been developed through the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) “Operation Safe Driver” Program provided through a grant by FMCSA 27

Operation Safe Driver Mission Improve commercial and non-commercial driver behavior and performance through effective enforcement, education and awareness strategies. Message Improving highway safety for commercial vehicle operations starts with the driver. Highway crashes related to large trucks and buses account for 12 percent of the total highway fatal crashes. Focusing more attention on commercial and non-commercial drivers operating in an unsafe manner around commercial vehicles will save lives. 28

Outreach Training program(s); which include five Train-the-Trainer Kits that contain separate PowerPoint presentations, between 25 to 35 minutes each on the following subjects 1) Defeating Distracted Driving 2) Beyond Distracted Driving 3) Following the Rules of the Road 4) Defensive Driving/Driver Review I 5) Defensive Driving/Driver Review II 29

Web Site Access to files for downloading Train-the-Trainer Kits (5) Defeating Distracted Driving Beyond Distracted Driving Following the Rules of the Road Defensive Driving/Driver Review Part I Defensive Driving/Driver Review Part II DVDs (2) Defeating Distracted Driving New Entrant Drivers All training materials provided at no cost and available to meet your individual training needs 30

Thanks for your time! 31