Vehicle/Pedestrian Safety June 2013 Cyclist hit from behind, W. Jemez Rd., Summer 2009 (from L.A. Monitor)

Data from Various Sources Every 13 minutes, someone dies on America’s roadways. Fatalities include drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and every other kind of road user. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all 15- to 20-year-olds Distraction contributes to more than 5,000 traffic fatalities each year; 46% of teenagers text while driving Teens are among the riskiest drivers on the road, crashing 4 times more often than adult drivers do

Data: Crashes on LANL/DOE Roads Total number of crashes – 193 (CY2009) – 169 (CY2010) – 151 (CY2011) Three employee fatalities since 2001 – 2001 motorcyclist on Diamond Drive – 2010 motorist on Truck Route – 2011 motorist on Pajarito Road Many serious, life-changing injuries – POV/bicycle accident in 2009 resulted in serious injuries to cyclist; cyclist and motorist both LANL employees. – Rollover accident on at TA-22 (behind the fence); SOC driver/vehicle; alcohol involved

“How’s My Driving?” Launched on March 1, 2012 – Magnetic stickers on Government vehicles – Raise driver awareness of their responsibilities for operating GOVs – Provide an easy way to report concerns – RLMs asked to followup with driver when concern reported and take appropriate action

GOV Rules Should be posted at GOV checkout points Be familiar with the controls and features of the GOV – Fatality and near-miss at LLNL; near miss at Sandia Have a current driver’s license and be at least 18 years old Do NOT use cellular phones or other similar electronic devices or perform other distracting activities Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks Allow a distance of at least 5 feet from bicycles when passing (it’s the law)

Motorist Safety Always use seat belts Perform periodic 360 degree vehicle safety check Abide by speed limits Practice situational awareness Drunk, careless, fatigued, or inattentive driving kills Inattention: at sixty miles per hour, your vehicle travels almost a football field in three seconds. “Do I know what is in my path right now?”

Bicycle Safety Same rules of the road as motorists; obey traffic signs, signals, and lane markings Wear a properly fitted helmet Be visible—don’t ride in the “gutter” and use lights at night Five foot law overtaking law applies to you, too If riding on the sidewalk, pass pedestrians slowly & warn them before overtaking (leave enough room); look for cars before crossing driveways and at intersections If you haven’t, take a bike safety class Practice situational awareness (same as in the laboratory)

Pedestrian Safety Use designated crossings where/when provided Watch for cars even if you have the right-of-way – Don’t text while walking, especially while crossing a street Watch for bicyclists on sidewalks Be visible and pay attention Be especially careful of the “right on red” violation at a crosswalk

Quiz Y/N Motorists must allow 5 ft when passing a bicyclist. Does the same rule apply to a bicyclist passing a motor vehicle? T/F Los Alamos County has a law prohibiting cell phone use while driving. T/F Motorists must stop for pedestrians when they are in a crosswalk. T/F It is legal to make a right turn on a red arrow. T/F It is safer to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk than in the street. T/F After coming across the bridge and approaching the VAP, it is legal to turn right on red after stopping.

Other Stuff Ask questions; don’t make assumptions. If you don’t know who to ask or you have a safety concern, call 665-SAFE or send an to Do you have a current work plan? If not, or you don’t know, talk to your mentor. LA County system to alert you of emergencies via cell phone: If the town is evacuated because of wildfire, what will you do? Make a plan.