After Long Decline, Traffic Deaths Again on the Rise
Traffic deaths spiked by 8% during the first half of the year, according to a new federal report, reversing a decade-long downward trend.
Officials point to a variety of factors that may be behind the unexpected increase, including both lower fuel prices and the improving economy. That has led to more Americans driving more frequently and for longer distances. A new AAA report, for example, indicates 42 million Americans will drive at least 42 miles over the coming Thanksgiving holiday.
“These numbers are a wake-up call,” said Mark Rosekind, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Fleet Excellence
The proudest moment of my fleet career came in 2014 when I was honored with a NAFA Fleet Management Association ‘Fleet Excellence Award’ (FLEXY) at the Institute & Expo in Minneapolis. The FLEXY award winners I shared the stage with that evening felt exactly as I did.
NAFA is now seeking nominations for 2016 FLEXY awards to be presented in Austin next April at I&E. Do you cross paths with an outstanding fleet professional whom you would like to nominate in the field of safety, sustainability, or overall fleet management achievement? The deadline for nominations is January 10th and all the details are here.
Enjoy this issue of Fleet Management Weekly and check out FleetManagementWeekly.com for daily updates.
Janice Sutton
Executive Editor
How Would You End Distracted Driving?
A study conducted by the Department of Transportation suggests that those who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident than those who drive undistracted. Despite that alarming figure, more than 37 percent of drivers polled admitted to occasionally texting while driving, while 18 percent said they do so regularly.
Judging by the observable evidence here on the streets of Los Angeles these days, I'd say those figures are woefully below reality – nearly every time I look around while in traffic it's clear that most people are paying more attention to their mobile devices than the task of driving.
Donna Setaro Brings Her Message “Slow Down, Move Over, It Is The Law” To NAFA’s I&E
It happens every day somewhere in North America. It puts the lives of those who help us in jeopardy...and it is against the law. Disregarding Move-Over laws contributes to the numbers of deaths of police and emergency responders, but that can change with education. Move-Over law advocate Donna Setaro will be a Keynote Presenter at NAFA’s 2016 Institute & Expo, offering a powerful, thought-provoking presentation.
The Future of the Automobile is Being Reshaped in California
Within walking distance of Tesla Motors' Palo Alto headquarters and across the street from Hewlett-Packard, Ford Motor Co. has set up a new Silicon Valley outpost.
With a team of 100 reporting to a former Apple engineer, the Detroit giant is researching how humans experience machines, running autonomous-vehicle driving simulations and testing software that examines how bicycles and cars interact.
