Illinois Department of Transportation Summer 2009 Traffic ... - Caution

TEEN DRIVINGThe top school in each region is as follows:Region 1: De La Salle InstituteRegion 2: Alan B. Shepard High SchoolRegion 3: Gardner-South Wilmington High SchoolRegion 4: Clifton Central High SchoolRegion 5: Roanoke-Benson High SchoolRegion 6: Hillside Bethel Christian SchoolRegion 7: Gillespie High SchoolWinners of the Janet Kelley Teen Safe DrivingScholarship in each region are as follows:Region 1: Yvette Temple, Williams High SchoolRegion 2: Laura Richardella, Dwight D.Eisenhower High SchoolRegion 3: Deanna Ptak, Bolingbrook High SchoolRegion 4: Erica Salamone, PecatonicaHigh SchoolRegion 5: Laura Hess, Morton High SchoolRegion 6: Mackenzie Davis, Quincy SeniorHigh SchoolRegion 7: Tyler Sandretto, Gillespie High School,*Top Winning Student Overall*Article Source: IGNN Press Release. Revised by Kristen Chiaro,Editor-in-Chief. The full release can be read at:www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=23&RecNum=7519CAUTION!-Summer 2009 5

TEEN DRIVINGDTS created 100 PROM packages for Illinoishigh schools on a first come, first serve basis.The packages contained pre-prom remindersto students that they should have fun at PROM,but “Please Return On Monday.” The packagesincluded: 25 t-shirts for teachers to wear on the lastschool day before prom, 100 lanyards, 100 pensand 100 key chains all with the PROM messageon them for the students as well as 200 copies of afact sheet with information and statistics regardingteen driving issues.Each year in the United States, more than 8,000teens lose their lives in traffic crashes. The majorreason teens are killed or seriously injured intraffic crashes are: lack of safety belt use, speed,distraction, impaired driving and lack of drivingexperience. In 2007, there were 155 teen fatalitiesdue to traffic crashes in Illinois. During 2008, therewere 93 teens fatalities due to traffic crashes inIllinois; 62 fewer fatalities than the previous year.Illinois has taken this problem under attack andstarted the Operation Teen Safe Driving (OTSD)program, a “peer to peer teaching program” aswell as instituting one of the toughest GraduatedDriver’s License (GDL) programs in the country.Programs like the GDL and OTSD do make adifference in saving teen lives but this is notenough.Prom is a big event in teens’ lives and too manyteens are killed or seriously injured over promweekend. The Division of Traffic Safety (DTS)has started a new PROM program to assist highschools in their efforts to encourage teens to drivesafely.In order to participate, each school was requiredto download an application form (TS 514) from theIDOT website and fax or mail it to DTS. The first100 schools that applied were accepted into theprogram. Because of the huge response we arehoping to increase our PROM budget for 2010.Schools were also required to complete formTS515 reporting on how PROM materials wereused.In a future edition of CAUTION! Magazine, we willupdate you on how schools utilized the PROMmaterials and if it made a difference. Based onhow many schools wanted more t-shirts, lanyards,etc. this year, it certainly shows promise.Information on PROM can be found on our websiteat:www.teensafedrivingillinois.org/prom/index.asp .Information on OTSD can be found on our websiteat:www.teensafedrivingillinois.org .By John Werthwein, PROM Coordinator with assistance fromMarianne Hankins, OTSD Program CoordinatorAt an Operation Teen Safe Driving pressconference in 2008, Illinois Secretary of StateJesse White asked a group of teenagers if theyknew what PROM stood for, but none had a goodanswer. Secretary White explained it stood for“Please Return On Monday” and thus the idea forthe DTS PROM program was born!6 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY1953---Movie “The Wild One” released1962---“You meet the nicest people on a Honda”campaign launched1965---1.4 million motorcycles registered in the U.S.1955---450,000 motorcycles registered in the U.S.1957---Snell Memorial Foundation established to createhelmet performance standards1958---California Highway Patrol motorcycle officersbegin using helmets1966---First ANSI Z90.1 performance standard formotorcycle helmets1966---Law directing the issuance of Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) enacted1967---Bell Helmets introduces the first full facialcoveragehelmet1958---Harley-Davidson introduces rear suspension1958---Over 500,000 motorcycles registered in the U.S.1959---First Japanese motorcycle manufacturer(Yamaha), enters U.S. market1969---660,000 motorcycles sold in the U.S.1969---Stock motorcycles run quarter-mile in less than13 seconds1970---1.1 million motorcycles sold in the U.S.1970---2.8 million motorcycles registered in the U.S.1962---646,000 motorcycles registered in the U.S.CAUTION!-Summer 2009 9

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY1970---Movie “Easy Rider” released1981---Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors andIdentification of Counter measures, (referred to as theHurt Report) released1983---Stock motorcycles run quarter-mile in less than11 seconds1985---U.S. traffic fatalities: motorcycle occupants–4,564; passenger car occupants–23,2121985---5.4 million motorcycles registered and 700,000sold in the United States1986---Superbike ban proposed and defeated1972---FMVSS 123 standardizes motorcycle controls1973---Motorcycle Safety Foundation created1974---FMVSS 218, Motorcycle Helmets promulgated1974---55-mph speed limit established nationwide1990---U.S. traffic fatalities: motorcycle occupants–3,244; passenger car occupants–24,0921990---Second International Motorcycle SafetyConference sponsored by MSF1991---First antilock brakes on motorcycles1995---U.S. traffic fatalities: motorcycle occupants–2,227; passenger car occupants–22,4231997---USC Head Protection Research Laboratoryconducts feasibility study of updating FMVSS 2181997---U.S. traffic fatalities: motorcycle occupants–2,116; passenger car occupants–22,1991975---5 million motorcycles registered in the U.S.1975---U.S. traffic fatalities: motorcycleoccupants–3,265; passenger car occupants–37,8971976---Harry Hurt begins study of motorcycle crashesat USC with NHTSA funding1977---NHTSA funds rear-wheel-steering motorcycleproject1978---Stock motorcycles run quarter-mile in less than12 seconds1980---U.S. traffic fatalities peak: motorcycleoccupants–5,144; passenger car occupants–27,4491980---First International Motorcycle Safety Conferencesponsored by MSF1997---Organization for Economic Cooperation andDevelopment/Road Safety Committee 9 (OECD/RS 9)Technical Experts Group formed to develop commoninternational methodology for in-depth motorcyclecrash investigation1997---MSF and NHTSA sponsor development of theNational Agenda for Motorcycle Safety1998---Stock motorcycles run quarter-mile in less than10 seconds1998---OECD common methodology first used inBangkok, Thailand1999---U.S. traffic fatalities: motorcycle occupants–2,472; passenger car occupants–20,818Article Source:www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/00-NHT-212-motorcycle/history5-6.html10 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

BICYCLE SAFETYBICYCLE SAFETY TIPSBicycle riding is fun, healthy and a great way to beindependent. But it is important to remember that abicycle is not a toy; it is a vehicle!Follow some basic safety tips when you ride.Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready toride. You should always inspect your bike to makesure all parts are secure and working properly.Remember to:Adjust Your Bicycle to FitStand over your bicycle. There should be one totwo inches between you and the top tube (bar)if using a road bike and three to four inches if amountain bicycle. The seat should be level frontto back. The seat height should be adjusted toallow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fullyextended. The handlebar height should be at thesame level with the seat.Check Your EquipmentBefore riding, inflate tires properly and check thatyour brakes work.See and Be SeenWhether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul weather or atnight, you need to be seen by others. Wearingwhite has not been shown to make you morevisible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent orother bright colors when riding day or night. Alsowear something that reflects light, such as reflectivetape or markings or flashing lights. Remember, justbecause you can see a driver does not mean thedriver can see you.Control Your BicycleAlways ride with at least one hand on thehandlebars. Carry books and other items in abicycle carrier or backpack.Avoid Road HazardsBe on the lookout for hazards such as potholes,broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves and dogs. Allthese hazards can cause a crash. If you are ridingwith friends and you are in the lead, yell out andpoint to the hazard to alert the riders behind you.Avoid Riding at NightIt is far more dangerous to ride at night than duringthe day because you are harder for others to see.If you have to ride at night, wear something thatmakes you more easily seen by others. Makesure you have reflectors on the front and rear ofyour bicycle (white lights on the front and red rearreflectors are required by law in many states), inaddition to reflectors on your tires, so others cansee you. Many bicycle-related crashes resultingin injury or death are associated with the bicyclist’sbehavior, including such things as not wearing abicycle helmet, riding into a street without stopping,turning left or swerving into traffic that is comingfrom behind, running a stop sign and riding thewrong way in traffic. To maximize your safety,always wear a helmet AND follow the rules of theroad.Be PredictableRide in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signalyour moves to others.CAUTION!-Summer 2009 11

MOTORCYCLE SAFETYProtect Your Brain-Save Your LifeWear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.Helmets come in various sizes, just like hats. Sizecan vary between manufacturers. For the mostcomprehensive list of helmet sizes according tomanufacturers, go to the Bicycle Helmet SafetyInstitute (BHSI) site:www.danscomp.com/products/charts/helmetchart.htmTo select and properly fit a bicycle helmet, followthe helmet fitting instructions below. It may takesome time to ensure a proper fit.Step 1 - Size:Measure your head for approximate size. Try thehelmet on to ensure it fits snuggly. While it is sittingflat on top of your head, make sure the helmetdoes not rock side to side. Sizing pads come withnew helmets; use the pads to securely fit to yourhead. Mix or match the sizing pads for the greatestcomfort. In your child’s helmet, remove the paddingwhen your child’s head grows. If the helmet has auniversal fit ring instead of sizing pads, adjust thering size to fit the head.Step 3 - Buckles:Center the left buckle under the chin. On mosthelmets, the straps can be pulled from the back ofthe helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps.This task is easier if you take the helmet off tomake these adjustments.Step 4 - Side Straps:Adjust the slider on both straps to form a “V” shapeunder, and slightly in front of, the ears. Lock theslider if possible.Step 2 - Position:The helmet should sit level on your head and lowon your forehead—one or two finger-widths aboveyour eyebrow.CAUTION!-Summer 2009 13

OCCUPANT PROTECTIONCPSINSTRUCTORMEETINGAt the April 13, 2009 meeting in Springfield, over60 Child Passenger Safety (CPS) instructorsreceived important updates from KerryChausmer, Certification Department Director forSafe Kids Worldwide and Lorrie Walker, TrainingManager and Technical Advisor for the SafeKids Buckle Up program. Lorrie also serves asthe curriculum committee chair for the NationalCPS Board. Kerry and Lorrie gave pointers onhow to become better CPS instructors, and howto assist new instructors.Kerry updated instructors on all aspects ofnational CPS certification from class registrationto recertification. She works to improvecommunication between technicians/instructorsand Safe Kids Worldwide through a monthlye-newsletter, the CPS Express, as well asmaintaining a list of all nationally-certified CPStechnicians and instructors. Examples of thesewere presented at the meeting.Lorrie gave an overviewof her community-based educationalprogram on vehicle safety. She also updated thegroup on the more than 300 Safe Kids Coalitionsthroughout the United States.Prior to this meeting, Susan Hocker, IllinoisDepartment of Transportation’s first OccupantProtection Coordinator, was honored for hercontributions. Susan was instrumental in thepassage of the Child Passenger Protection Act andworked tirelessly to educate all Illinois citizens onthe importance of child safety seats and bucklingup, every trip, every time. We wish her a longand healthy retirement.By Megan Eairheart, Assistant State OccupantProtection CoordinatorCAUTION!-Summer 2009 15

OCCUPANT PROTECTIONClick It or Ticket!Local Law Enforcement Agencies Issued Tough Reminder to PublicFor anyone who complains about getting a ticketfor not buckling up when driving or riding in a motorvehicle, here is a crash course in reality from theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration:• 41,059 people were killed on America’sroadways in 2007.• Over 14,000 passenger vehicle occupantskilled in 2007 were not wearing their safetybelts at the time of the fatal crash.• In 2007, nearly 2.5 million people wereinjured in crashes.• Motor vehicle crashes cost the US economyan estimated $230.6 billion every singleyear.While those may sound like just statistics, thoseof us at the Illinois Department of Transportation’sDivision of Traffic Safety (IDOT/DTS) know thatthose numbers are the actual faces of mothers,fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, aunts,uncles and friends right here in Illinois.in Illinois there are still almost ten percent of thepublic convinced that they do not need safety belts.People often ask, “Are there not more seriouscriminals on the street other than those who simplyare not buckling up? They are not hurting anyonebut themselves.”To the contrary, the people who choose to disobeythe law by not wearing their safety belts are takinga chance with not only their lives, but the emotionaland financial health of their families, friends andentire communities.Law enforcement was out in force to show ourdedication to solving this problem. We want 100percent of motorists to buckle up. Buckling upcosts you nothing, but the costs of NOT buckling upmay be a ticket, or worse — your life. Treat this asa tough and potentially life-saving reminder: ClickIt or Ticket!By Jahari Piersol, State Occupant Protection CoordinatorThis goes to the heart of the IDOT/DTS mission toprotect the public. That is why we teamed up withover 500 local law enforcement agencies to supportthe 2009 national Click It or Ticket safety beltenforcement mobilization, May 18-31.The good news is we have seen unprecedentednumbers of motorists buckling up over the pastseveral years. Safety belts can be credited withsaving more than 15,000 lives in 2007 alone.Thanks in part to high-visibility enforcementcampaigns like Click It or Ticket, this has led to anall-time high observed national safety belt usagerate of 83 percent in 2008—a 25-percent increaseover the past 14 years. But the tragic reality is that16 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

OCCUPANT PROTECTIONMeeting Chad...and development of the CHAD sticker. Afteran interview with a local TV station, Chadautographed stickers for the attendingtechnicians.In the world of Child Passenger Safety (CPS),Chad Bodine is a rock star! In 1992 at 13 monthsof age, Chad was involved in a serious automobilecrash that resulted in the death of his babysitterand left him injured. With no identification, Chadwas left helpless in the hospital emergency room.Luckily an emergency room nurse, who knew thefamily, recognized him and located his parents.As a result of this meeting, Chad and his parentswere invited to participate in the recent pressevent kicking off the statewide Staying AliveTraffic Safety Conference. Appropriately, thepress event was held in conjunction with a citywideCPS check and technicians from across thestate got to meet him. While uncomfortable withall this attention, Chad left these events with theknowledge of the importance of this tiny sticker,started years ago. Other states have copied ouridea and the CHAD sticker has proven to be aneffective means of identifying children.By John Werthwein, PROM CoordinatorOut of this horrific incident, the CHAD sticker wasborn. As CPS technicians, we distribute thousandsof these stickers each year, but have we taken thetime to read the story on the back of the sticker?CHAD stands for “Children Have An Identity.”Thanks to the efforts of Chad’s parents, thislifesaving program was started to assist police andemergency response staff in identifying children inemergencies.At a recent Operation Teen Safe Driving eventat the New Berlin High School, CPS technicianshad the opportunity to meet Chad, his parentsand view albums which depicted the creationCAUTION!-Summer 2009 17

It is not too late to sign up for 2009 Child PassengerSafety (CPS) update courses. Earn all 6 CEU’s neededfor recertification.Attend a CPS class near you!Course dates are as follows:September 2 • StreamwoodSeptember 9 • WaterlooSeptember 10 • FreeportFor more information please visitwww.buckleupillinois.org.18 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

WORK ZONE SAFETYELEMENTARY STUDENTSPROMOTE WORK ZONE SAFETY12 STATEWIDE CALENDAR CONTEST WINNERSTwelve elementary students from around the stateare raising awareness about the importance ofslowing down in work zones by helping the IllinoisDepartment of Transportation’s work zone safetycampaign: See Orange. Slow Down. Save Lives.These 12 students recently won the 2008-2009Illinois Work Zone Safety Calendar Contest. Over2,400 participated in this contest by drawing theirview of a work zone.IDOT, along with the Illinois State Board ofEducation (ISBE), American Traffic Safety ServicesFoundation (ATSSF) and the Illinois Chapter of theAmerican Traffic Safety Services Association(ATSSA), coordinated this statewide calendarcontest for elementary students. The contest wassponsored by:• Midwest Region Laborers• Illinois Radio Network• Southern Illinois Construction AdvancementProgram• Country Insurance & Financial Services• AmtrakCAUTION!-Summer 2009 19

WORK ZONE SAFETYThe 12 finalists will have their drawings displayedin the 2010 Illinois Work Zone Safety Calendar. Thetop six winners’ drawings were sent to ATSSA’snational contest to vie for a spot in its nationalcalendar.Of these six winners, two students won thenational contest. Mia Garrison, a first graderfrom Algonquin Primary Center in ParkForest placed 3rd in the Kindergartenthrough 1st grade category. ChelseaMcTeague, a fifth grader fromPleasant Valley ElementarySchool in Peoria received anhonorable mention for herdrawing in the 5th-6thgrade category. BothMia and Chelsea willhave their drawingsshowcased in the ATSSAnational calendar. Over6,500 students participated inthe national contest.The 12 finalists were honored at anawards ceremony on Wednesday, May 20,2009 in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda inSpringfield. Each winner received cash prizesfrom the Illinois Chapter of ATSSA, and the topsix winners received savings bonds provided byATSSF. The finalists also received t-shirts andother items from the contest sponsors.The purpose of the contest is for students to helpIDOT promote work zone safety by becomingaware of work zones and encouraging their parentsor caregivers to remember the importance of drivingsafely in work zones.The contest consisted of three categories: K-1stgrade, 2nd-4th grade and 5th-6th grade. Last fall,elementary schools around the state were invited toparticipate in the contest. Children were asked todraw their view of a work zone. Each school had tochoose four entries from each category and submitthem to IDOT for the state contest.IDOT received 181 entries and these entrieswere given to three judges to narrow downto 30, the top 10 from each category.From there, the top 30 drawingswere sent to a panel of six judges,who then selected the final12 contestants. Eachentry was judged on aseries of questions todetermine if the entryportrayed a work zoneand if the student had a clearunderstanding of a work zone.By introducing children at an early ageto safe driving practices, IDOT hopesto instill a lifelong awareness of work zonehazards and foster safe driving behavior in thefuture. Teachers or parents who are interested inentering their students or children in the upcoming2009-2010 calendar contest can contact IDOT’scontest coordinator, Jessica Baker at 217/785-3062.By Jessica Baker,Work Zone Safety Calendar Contest Coordinator/Acting Bureau Chief of Safety Data & Data Services20 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETYThornridge Biodiesel Club Teams up with DTSWins $50,000Being environmentally friendly paid off for theBiodiesel Club of Thornridge High School in Dolton,Illinois. Earlier this year, the club joined 775 othermiddle and high schools from across the countryin a contest aimed at countering environmentalissues. Thornridge chose to focus on air andclimate issues involving diesel emissions.Their project was to build a biodiesel processorto convert used vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel.With the cooperation of area restaurants thatdonated their used oil, the club converted the oilinto biodiesel fuel. The students built a vehicleand filled it with their fuel. However, the emissionstill needed to be tested. This dilemma was soonsolved at the South Holland Illinois Official TestingStation which is part of the Illinois Department ofTransportation’s Division of Traffic Safety (IDOT/DTS). Steve Kurvers and Ron Kooima, of RelianceSafety Lane, met with the students, explained theprocess of emissions testing and performed therequired tests on their vehicle. The results werevery positive as the vehicle emissions releasedvery few particulates.When judging was complete, Thornridge HighSchool’s Biodiesel Club won 1st place and receivedan award of $50,000. In addition to scholarships,the school will use the award for laptops aswell as equipment for their physics and sciencedepartments. Congratulations to Thornridge HighSchool Teacher Brian Sievers and students GarrickBradley, Darryl Chavers, Terry Harris, Lamar Israel,Tramel Jones, Jay Woods and Gabby Yates.Their ingenuity and teamwork opened a door forresearch into clean alternate fuel sources.By Jason Ashmore, Safety & Claims ManagerCAUTION!-Summer 2009 21

IMPAIRED DRIVINGSTEP-BY-STEPIllinois’ first time offender BAIID LAWIn August 2007, SB300 was signed into lawmandating Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices(BAIID) for first-time DUI offenders who want todrive during their statutory summary suspensionperiod. On January 1, 2009, the law finally tookeffect and Illinois became the largest state toimplement such a law mandating first-time DUIoffenders use these devices that require a breathtest every time they start their vehicle.Now that the law has been in practice for a fewmonths and more offenders are coming into thesystem each day, let us look at exactly whathappens when a first-time offender is arrestedand becomes part of the new BAIID program. Inaddition, we will look at some of the differencesbetween the previous and current laws.Prior to the new BAIID Law, a first-time DUIoffender, once arrested, would be subject to a3-month suspension of his or her driver’s license ifthey participated in the chemical test or 6 months ifthey refused to submit to a chemical test. The newlaw makes those suspension periods 6 months ifthey take the test and 12 months for refusing thetest.Previously, once arrested, a sworn report was filledout by the officer and sent to the Illinois Secretaryof State (SOS). A letter was then sent to theoffender notifying them that the statutory summarysuspension takes effect on the 46th day after thearrest date. None of this changes, but now, theoffender also receives BAIID information with theletter notifying them of the statutory summarysuspension. In addition, once the suspensiontakes effect, the first 30 days is a “hard suspension”period with no option for driving relief. This 30 dayhard suspension period restriction did not changewith the new BAIID law.At this point in the process, a DUI offender will havetheir first court appearance where his/her JudicialDriving Permit (JDP) is replaced by the MonitoringDevice Driving Permit (MDDP) and limits the court’sinvolvement in deciding whether to grant drivingrelief to an offender. The chief difference is thata JDP would place restrictions when and wherethe offender could drive. Conversely, the MDDPallows driving anywhere at anytime, but with therequirement that the driving MUST take place onlyin a vehicle equipped with a BAIID device.Now, the offender is asked by the judge if he orshe wants a monitoring device driving permit. Ifthe answer is “yes”, the offender fills out an orderand the judge signs it. If the answer is “no”,the offender must sign an “opt out” form statingthey will not drive during their statutory summarysuspension period. These forms are sent from thecourt to the SOS and the information regardingwhether they opted to have a BAIID or not is loggedinto their driving record.Quite simply, if the offender opted out, they mustnot drive and are subject to a Class 4 felony if theyare caught driving. If they elected to have a BAIIDinstalled on their vehicle, SOS issues the MDDP(which serves as their temporary drivers license)and sends them a letter letting them know where toget the device installed and also telling them theymust have the BAIID installed within 14 days.Once the offender pays for and has a BAIID deviceinstalled and begins driving, the device begins tomonitor the driver’s behavior, storing informationevery time the offender blows into the device. Theoffender is required to bring the device in every30-60 days, so the information can be downloadedand sent to the SOS.Finally, the SOS looks over the submitted informationfor high BAC readings (generally, over 0.025).If violations are found, suspension periods arelengthened meaning offenders are forced to keepthe BAIID for longer periods of time.By Shannon Alderman, Alcohol Programs Coordinator22 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

IMPAIRED DRIVINGThe 2009 Labor DayYou Drink & Drive. You LoseCrackdown is Coming!August 21 – September 7!Law enforcement, we need your help!SIGN UP NOW!Participate in the 2009 Labor Day You Drink & Drive. You Lose impaired drivingcrackdown and become eligible for prizes.Please contact Shannon Alderman at217.557.6670orshannon.alderman@illinois.govfor more information.CAUTION!-Summer 2009 25

DISTRACTED DRIVINGHave You Been a Distracted Driver?When driving, do you ever?Tune the radio;Eat, drink or smoke;Pick something up from the floor or betweenthe seats;Read, write;Reach for the glove compartment;Talk on the cell phone;Clean the inside of the windshield;Argue with another passenger;Comb or brush your hair;Break up fights between your kids;Put on makeup;Put on contact lenses or use eye drops;Shave;File, clip or polish your nails?• Share the driving responsibilities on long trips.Do not drive when angry or upset.Emotions can interfere with safe driving. Wait untilyou have cooled down or resolved problems todrive.Avoid “gawking” or slowing down to look at acrash or other activity.If you need to use your cell phone while driving:Pull off the road and stop in a safe place beforeusing your phone.Article Source:www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/distracted.htmlIf you answered yes to any of the above, youare driving while distracted and are at risk of acrash. Sometimes drivers inadvertently focus theirattention away from the roadway,thus putting themselves and theirfamilies/passengers in jeopardy.How to Avoid Being DistractedStay focused and pay attention!• Limit interaction with passengers.• Avoid talking while driving.• Avoid taking your eyes off theroad.• Keep both hands on the wheel.Avoid driver fatigue.• Stay focused on the road.• Do not daydream.• Do not drive if you are tired.28 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

GRANTEE FEATUREOperation Teen Safe Driving Regional Coordinators HonoredTwo Operation Teen Safe Driving (OTSD) programcoordinators were honored at the statewide“Staying Alive Conference” on April 16, 2009.Illinois Department of Transportation’s Divisionof Traffic Safety Director Mike Stout presentedJennifer Toney and Kathy White with the Director’sChoice Award for their work on the OTSD program.Jennifer Toney is the Regional Occupant ProtectionResource Coordinator for East Central Illinois andserved as the Regional Coordinator for Region6 for OTSD. She coordinated the recruiting andprogram management for the 15 schools selectedin Region 6 to compete in this year’s program andled the judging efforts for her schools.Jennifer ToneyKathy White is the Regional Occupant ProtectionResource Coordinator for Southeastern Illinois andserved as the Regional Coordinator for Region7 for OTSD. She coordinated the recruiting andprogram management for the 15 schools selectedin Region 7 to compete in this year’s program andled the judging efforts for her schools.Jennifer and Kathy both praised their regionalteams for all of the hard work and dedication to theprogram this year. The success of the programwas truly a team effort and could not have beenachieved without their entire team.Kathy WhiteBoth of these women did an exceptional job inworking with the high schools in their region toensure they met all of the program criteria andput on programs that will have the most impacton teen drivers. Congratulations to them on thisrecognition of their efforts that went above andbeyond.By John T. Werthwein, Grant Program CoordinatorCAUTION!-Summer 2009 29

COMMUNITY OUTREACHThe statewide 2009 Staying Alive Conferencewas held at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield,Illinois, April 14 -16. Three days were dedicated toreducing the tragic toll of deaths and injuries on ourstate roadways. Nearly 400 people from aroundthe state and the nation were in attendance.A wide range of traffic safety topics wereaddressed, from child passenger safety andoccupant protection to new media campaignsand grants. The latest information on trafficsafety advances and successful programs werehighlighted and emerging traffic safety issues andsolutions were examined.It was a high energy, exciting event filled withlearning opportunities. Speakers includedrepresentatives from the Ford Motor CompanyFund, The Allstate Foundation along with radiopersonalities, law enforcement officials, judges,educators and other individuals who shared theirtraffic safety-related experiences.The conference opened on a high note as theRochester High School marching band burstthrough the back doors of the hall while playingthe song, “Staying Alive.” It ended on an equallypowerful, but opposite note as family members toldstories of loved ones lost due to fatal crashes.The cooperation of dedicated individuals andgroups working together to achieve the commongoal of improving traffic safety made the “StayingAlive Conference” a resounding success. Theconference made an impact that will not soonbe forgotten and set a gold standard for futureconferences.By Kristen Chiaro, Editor-in-Chief30 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

COMMUNITY OUTREACHIntegrative Marketing Campaigns2009 Work Zone Safety CampaignThe Division of Traffic Safety distributed three WorkZone Safety commercials to remind motorists, “SeeOrange. Slow Down. Save Lives.”The first, titled “The True Stories Series”, featuredJohn Peterson, the son of a construction workerkilled in a fatal crash in a work zone. Johndescribes the death of his father and how thetragedy has impacted his family.The second commercial was filmed in Springfieldusing Illinois Department of Transportation’s,Division of Traffic Safety (IDOT/DTS) employees.The shoot was comprised of the two followingsettings in Springfield: an office setting filmedat the Prairie Capitol Convention Center and a“Work Zone setting” filmed on the corner of PrairieCrossing Drive and Schooner Drive (on the westside of Springfield). Comcast Spotlight donatedtheir time and resources to film and produce theadvertisement.2009 Motorcycle Safety CampaignOn Tuesday, April 28 th , press conferences inChicago, Springfield and O’ Fallon were conductedto announce IDOT’s “Start Seeing Motorcycles”campaign aimed to reduce fatalities involvingmotorcycles on Illinois roadways. Representativesfrom the following organizations spoke at the newsconferences: IDOT/ DTS, Illinois State Police,Gold Wing Riders Association, A BrotherhoodAimed Toward Education and Harley OwnersGroup (HOG). Following the press conference,the media was provided with an opportunity toacquire exclusive footage in an Illinois State Policeenforcement detail via a ride-a-long. In addition, anew radio PSA was created and will be aired on theIllinois radio network through September 30 th .By Josh Kauffman, Communications Staff AssistantIn the third commercial, IDOT/DTS Director MichaelStout warns motorists of the dangers and risksthey may encounter while traveling through workzones in Illinois. The public service announcementwas filmed and produced by Illinois InformationServices.These three commercials are currently airing onnumerous television, cable, radio, online and outof-homemedia outlets through September 2009.CAUTION!-Summer 2009 31

NEW LEGISLATION96th General AssemblyTRAFFIC SAFETY-RELATED PROPOSED LEGISLATION • SUMMER 2009House BillsHB0648 - Traffic Stop Study: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code, requires specific information be recordedduring the process of issuing a uniform traffic citationor warning citation for the analysis of information in atraffic stop statistical study. The Illinois Departmentof Transportation will then analyze the data receivedfrom the traffic stops and compile a report that will besubmitted to the Governor, General Assembly, RacialProfiling Prevention and Data Oversight Board andeach law enforcement agency before July 1 of eachyear.HB0795 - Police Vehicle Lights: Provides that thedrivers of police vehicles must use oscillating, rotatingor flashing lights when: a) parking or standing, b)proceeding past a red or stop signal or stop sign, c)exceeding the maximum speed limits, d) traveling in anunregulated direction or movement. Provides that thedriver of a police vehicle must: a) activate oscillating,rotating or flashing lights, sirens or any combinationduring a high speed response, b) use lights and sirensto warn pedestrians and other motorists of his/herapproach during an emergency response situation, c)drive with due regard for the safety of other personsand exercise due care when operating a police vehicle.HB0904 - Negligent Vehicular Homicide: Amendsthe Criminal Code of 1961 and creates the offense ofnegligent vehicular homicide, a Class A misdemeanor.Provides a person commits the offense if his/hernegligent operation of a motor vehicle is a proximatecause of the death of another person.HB0980 - Truck Speed Limits: Provides that themaximum speed limit for buses outside an urban area is55 mph in a populated area and 65 mph in a nonpopulatedarea (defines populated area as any city,village or incorporated town with a population of 50,000or more). States the Department of Transportationmay not alter the speed limits on an access-controlledhighway to exceed 55 miles per hour for seconddivision vehicles weighing 8,001 pounds or more(applies only in a populated area).HB0988 - Driver’s Certificate: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code and State Finance Act, creating a newdriver’s certificate to be issued to persons who donot qualify for driver’s licenses which are issued incompliance with the “Real ID Act of 2005.”HB1346 - Boat/Snow DUI Penalties: Amends theIllinois Vehicle Code, provisions related to drivingwhile under the influence (DUI) apply to driving anymotor vehicle while under the influence. Provides thatthe suspension or revocation of a person’s drivingprivileges and his/her opportunity for a hearing forviolating the DUI provisions in the Illinois Vehicle Codealso apply to operating a snowmobile or watercraftwhile under the influence; changes the penalties foroperating a snowmobile or watercraft while under theinfluence so they are similar to the penalties in theIllinois Vehicle Code for DUI.HB2427 - Underage Drinking: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State maysuspend the driving privileges of a person that violatesor receives court supervision for certain violations ofthe Liquor Control Act related to underage purchasing,consumption, and possession of alcoholic beveragesfor a second time.HB2455 - Non-Highway Vehicles: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code. Defines a “non-highway vehicle” as amotor vehicle not designed to be used on a publichighway, as defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code,examples include: an all-terrain vehicle, golf cart,neighborhood vehicle and an off-highway motorcycle.Provides that the same set of standards that currentlyapply to the operation of a neighborhood vehicle ona street, road or highway apply to all non-highwayvehicles.HB2490 - DUI Monitoring Device: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code. Defines “continuous alcohol monitoringdevice” as a device that automatically tests breath,blood or transversal alcohol concentration levels atleast once every hour and detects tamper attempts,regardless of the monitored person’s location andregularly transmits such data.32 CAUTION!-Summer 2009

NEW LEGISLATIONHB2649 - DUI Reckless Homicide: Amends theIllinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a person is guiltyof a non-probationary Class 3 felony when the personis convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol,drugs or intoxicating compounds, and has previouslybeen convicted of reckless homicide or a similarprovision of law of another state in which the personwas determined to have been under the influenceof prohibited substances; or in committing a DUIviolation, the person was involved in a motor vehicle,snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or watercraft accidentthat resulted in the death of another person, when theDUI violation was a proximate cause of the death.HB2650 - Restitution DUI: Amends the Unified Codeof Corrections. Provides that in all convictions for drivingunder the influence in which the person received anyinjury or damage to his/her real or personal property asa result of the criminal act of the defendant, the courtshall order restitution.HB3705 - Neighborhood Vehicles: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code. Provides that a person may not operatea neighborhood vehicle on a street, road or highwaywithout obtaining a certificate of title, registering thevehicle with the Secretary of State and obtaininga liability insurance policy covering the vehicle inaccordance with the mandatory insurance provisions ofthe Illinois Vehicle Code.HB3730 - Railroad Crossing Stop Signs: Amends theIllinois Vehicle Code. Provides that except where traincrews provide flagging of the crossing to road users,yield signs shall be installed at all highway intersectionswith every grade crossing in this state that is notequipped with automatic warning devices, such asluminous flashing signals or crossing gate devices.HB3777 - Automated Speed Enforcement: Amendsthe Illinois Vehicle Code, expands the definition of“automated traffic law enforcement system” froma device with one or more motor vehicle sensorsworking with a red light signal to record images ofvehicles entering the intersection against a red signal;also include a device used in a location with a highoccurrence of motor vehicle accidents and whereinsufficient police enforcement exists.HB3858 - Injured Pedestrian: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code by adding an offense and dictating finesfor offenders who commit traffic violations and causeinjury to a pedestrian while within 500 feet of a school,church, child care facility or hospital. Provides that thesecond offense requires a $750 minimum fine and twoor more violations may result in the Secretary of Statesuspending his/her driver’s license for 90 days.HB3982 - Transport Students: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code to prohibit the transportation of studentsin grades 12 or below in 15 passenger vans forinterscholastic, athletic or school sponsored events.Also requires this type of transportation be performed ina multi-function school activity bus, first division vehicleor bus operated by a public utility or a common carrier.Senate BillsSB0272 - No Phone in School Zone: Amends theIllinois Vehicle Code. States that regardless of age, aperson may not use a wireless telephone in a school,construction or maintenance speed zone unless theyare engaged in the construction or maintenance projectand using the phone in furtherance of that project.SB0273 - Electronic Communication Device:Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides a personmay not operate a motor vehicle while using anelectronic communication device to compose, send orread electronic messages.SB1467 - Speed Limit 65 MPH: Amends the IllinoisVehicle Code so that unless other speed restrictionshave been established, the maximum speed limitoutside an urban district for any vehicle is 65 miles perhour; removes language allowing the Department ofTransportation to alter speed limits on access-controlledhighways to exceed 55 mph for vehicles exceeding8,001 pounds.CAUTION!-Summer 2009 33

NEW LEGISLATIONSB1816 - Restitution DUI: Amends theUnified Code of Corrections. Providesthat in all convictions for driving underthe influence in which a person receivedinjury or damage to his/her property as aresult of the criminal act, the court shallorder restitution.SB1845 - Vehicle Education Program:Amends the Municipal Code. Providesthat corporate authorities of eachmunicipality may require a defendant tocomplete an education program for eachordinance violation of the Illinois VehicleCode.SB1916 - Reckless Conduct:Amends the Criminal Code of 1961concerning the offense of recklessconduct. Provides that this offense isalso committed when an operator of amotor vehicle causes bodily harm orendangers the safety of a vulnerableuser of the public way if he/sherecklessly performs acts that cause theharm or endanger safety; the penalty isa Class A misdemeanor. If the personcauses great bodily harm or permanentdisability/disfigurement to a vulnerableuser, the penalty is a Class 4 felony;provides that the fine for the first offensein either case shall not exceed $10,000.SB2024 - Court Clerk FeeDisbursement: Amends the Clerks ofCourts Act. Provides that the fine forspeeding in a school zone is increasedby $5, which shall go to the schooldistrict(s) in which the offense occurred.Provides if a person is found guilty ofa DUI in addition to any other fines he/she will be fined $500, or $1,000 for asecond offense, payable to the clerk tobe distributed as follows: $100 to the lawenforcement agency or agencies thatmade the arrest and $400 to the GeneralRevenue Fund.34 CAUTION!-Summer 2009SB2248 - DUI Boat, Snow, Driver’sLicense: Amends the Illinois VehicleCode. Provides that the provisionsrelated to DUI apply to driving anymotor vehicle while under the influence;provides that the suspension andrevocation of a person’s drivingprivileges and the person’s opportunityfor a hearing for the violation of the DUIprovisions of the Illinois Vehicle Codealso apply to operation of a snowmobileor watercraft while under the influence.SB2351 - Fire Investigation, VehicleCode Fees: This bill changes PublicAct 95-154 passed in the 95th GeneralAssembly that mandated additional$20 be paid by those who plead guiltyor were convicted of “serious trafficviolations” listed in the Illinois VehicleCode. This bill changes some of theways the money is transferred. Thechanges affecting the Illinois VehicleCode that most concern Division ofTraffic Safety are court supervision,DUI and “similar local ordinances”to language that mandates the $20additional fee. Those who receive courtsupervision (in addition to a guilty plea orconviction) for a serious traffic violation,DUI or a similar local law will also bemandated to pay the $20 fee. The feegoes to the Fire Prevention Fund, theFire Truck Revolving Loan Fund andthe Circuit Court Clerk Operation andAdministrative Fund.By Mason T. McDaniel, Legislative Coordinator-Division of Traffic SafetyPAT QUINNGovernorGARY HANNIGSecretaryDAVID PHELPSAssistant SecretaryMICHAEL R. STOUTDirector, Traffic SafetySANDRA KLEINDeputy Director, Traffic SafetyKRISTEN CHIAROEditor-in-ChiefCATHY ALLENLIB GRANZEAUCINDY SPRINGERCINDY TITUSEditingKRISTEN CHIARODesign and LayoutSHANNON ALDERMANRICH ALLANJASON ASHMOREJESSICA BAKERMEGAN EAIRHEARTMARIANNE HANKINSJOSH KAUFFMANJOE LINDSAYMASON MCDANIELJAHARI PIERSOLDEBBIE TREPANIERJOHN WERTHWEINContributing WritersMARLENE BODINEKRISTEN CHIAROMEGAN EAIRHEARTBRIAN SIEVERSPhotographyRESOURCE NUMBERSSECRETARY’S OFFICE217/782-5597 – Springfield312/793-2242 – ChicagoDIVISION OF TRAFFIC SAFETY217/782-4972CRASH RECORDS217/782-6518COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETYHAZARDOUS MATERIALS217/785-1181DIESEL EMISSION217/557-6081SCHOOL BUS ISSUES217/785-1181PUBLIC EDUCATION MATERIALS217/557-0132ALCOHOL PROGRAMS COORDINATORSHANNON ALDERMAN217/557-6670STATE OCCUPANTPROTECTION COORDINATORJAHARI PIERSOL217/782-0964NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETYADMINISTRATION (NHTSA)DOT VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE1-888-327-4236© 2009 Illinois Department of Transportationwww.dot.il.gov

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