JUL-SEP 2017

GOVERNOR SUSANA MARTINEZ KICKS OFF 100 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SUMMER CAMPAIGN

SUMMER ROAD TRIP SAFETY TIPS

2017 NEW MEXICO LAW ENFORCEMENT COORDINATORS’ SYMPOSIUM

MICHAEL R. SANDOVAL OF NMDOT HONORED FOR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP

HEADS UP. PHONES DOWN. WALK SAFELY!

KEEP “CARFIT” TO STAY SAFER BEHIND THE WHEEL FOR LONGER

APD? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT.

TAKE 5 STAY ALIVE: DUST STORM SAFETY IN NM

RESULTS OF ATTITUDE AND AWARENESS SURVEY ON HIGHWAY SAFETY ISSUES IN NEW MEXICO

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TECH COMPANIES HELP COMBAT DISTRACTED DRIVING

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Summer Road Trip Safety TipsYou’ve been planning for your summer road trip for weeks. But before you get everything packed up and ready to go, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages you to check a few more things before, and during, your trip.

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Perform a basic safety check. Routine car care like tune-ups, oil changes, and tire rotations are always important, but if you’re traveling long distances this summer, be sure to check your vehicle’s tire pressure, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights, and air conditioning before you leave.

Check for recalls. Visit NHTSA’s recall website to find out if your vehicle has any safety defects and get them repaired before you hit the road.

Protect your passengers. Safety is non-negotiable – all drivers and passengers should wear seatbelts at all times. Children 13 and younger should always ride in the back seat. If you’re traveling with small

Governor Susana Martinez Kicks Off 100 Days and Nights of Summer Campaign On June 22, 2017, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez kicked off the 100 Days and Nights of Summer Campaign. This year’s campaign includes powerful new ads that raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving.

The new ENDWI ad campaign, titled “Ghosts,” depicts a man in jail who is endlessly haunted by the ghost of a woman he killed while driving after a night of drinking. The message is clear: one bad decision will haunt you for the rest of your life.

In addition to the new ad campaign, drivers can expect to see local law enforcement agencies conducting increased DWI patrols during the summer months. Something New Mexico’s roadways need. According to the University of New Mexico Geospatial and Population Studies Traffic Research Unit, in 2016, there were a total of 157 alcohol-involved fatalities, an increase of 31% from the previous year.

During last year’s 100 Days and Nights of Summer Campaign, a total of 68 agencies participated, yielding 11,094 speeding citations; 1,354 seatbelt and child restraint citations; and an additional 13,859 citations and

arrests for other offenses. In addition to increased DWI patrols, officers will be increasing enforcement activities to combat other unsafe driving behavior, such as distracted driving, speeding, or refusing to wear a seatbelt. The campaign runs June 23 through September 30.

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children, it’s safest for them to ride in a car seat suited for their age and size. If you’re having trouble finding the right car seat for your child, make an appointment to visit a Safer New Mexico Now Child Safety Seat Fitting Station in your area.

Pets are passengers too – protect them. If you’re taking your furry family along for the ride, be sure to keep them safe. Like children, pets should never ride in the front seat, as they can be harmed if the airbag deploys. Look for crash-tested crates, pet carriers, harnesses, or pet car seats to help restrain and protect them.

Share the road and move over. Warmer weather attracts motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to roadways. Be mindful of who you’re sharing the road with. CLICK TO CONTINUE ON PAGE 5

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2 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS

2017 New Mexico Law Enforcement Coordinators’ Symposium More than 170 New Mexico law enforcement personnel from 82 agencies statewide gathered, along with numerous exhibitors and sponsors, for the annual Law Enforcement Coordinators’ Symposium (LECS) held May 10-11, 2017 at the Sandia Resort in Albuquerque.

The annual training event is conducted for representatives from New Mexico law enforcement agencies participating in New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT TSD)programs. The symposium featured local and national speakers presenting on a variety of topics including distracted driving, driving under the influence, proper child safety seat and seatbelt use, clandestine marijuana operations, and the ever-evolving drug culture trends among today’s youth. Attendees were also provided legal updates and E-Grant training. During the symposium, the NMDOT TSD and Safer New Mexico Now expressed appreciation to all law enforcement personnel who dedicate their time and efforts to traffic safety in the State.

Keep “CarFit” to Stay Safer Behind the Wheel for LongerThe New Mexico Department of Transportation and Safer New Mexico Now are working together to help seniors stay safer behind the wheel longer by partnering with CarFit. The community-based educational, interactive program helps older drivers find the safest, most comfortable driving position – increasing not only the driver’s safety, but the safety of others on the road. CLICK TO CONTINUE ON PAGE 4

Michael R. Sandoval of NMDOT Honored for Exemplary Leadership During the annual Law Enforcement Coordinators’ Symposium (LECS), Safer New Mexico Now Chairman Ann Rhoades presented Michael R. Sandoval, Executive Manager of Modal Divisions at the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), with the Jim R. Allison Exemplary Leadership Award. This award honors a member of the traffic safety community who has exhibited exemplary and profound leadership, a commitment to excellence, and who has fostered an atmosphere of trust and dignity in the field of public safety.

Mike Sandoval has served the state of New Mexico for 23 years. Throughout his career he has advanced the State’s traffic safety programs achieving significant results, and earning the reputation of being a leader of consequence. He started his career with the State at the Motor Vehicle Division, and worked there for two years before transferring to the NMDOT Traffic Safety Division. During his tenure, Mike has served as the NMDOT’s Legislative Liaison and was influential in getting a number of bills passed, including the Graduated Driver’s License Bill in 2000, the Ignition Interlock Bill in 2005 – the first bill of its kind in the Nation, the Booster Seat Bill in 2005, and the Statewide Ban on Texting and Driving in 2015.

Mike is a trusted leader who is knowledgeable, honest, and fair. He has advocated for improved laws, established programs, advanced initiatives, mentored staff, counseled contractors, and made New Mexico a safer place for all residents.

Heads Up. Phones Down. Walk Safely! SOURCE: NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for children ages five to 19. Teens are at even greater risk accounting for half of all child pedestrian deaths. One of the leading causes of these injuries is distracted walking. And while the risk is greater for teens and young children, no age group is immune. Put your head up and your phone down and follow these safety tips while walking:

• Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street; looking left a second time is necessary because a car can cover a lot of distance in a short amount of time

• Make eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you

• Be aware of drivers even when you’re in a crosswalk; vehicles have blind spots

• Don’t wear headphones while walking

• Never use a cell phone or other electronic device while walking

• If your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic

• Never rely on a car to stop

• Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult

• Only cross at designated crosswalks

• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing

• Walk in groups

3 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS

Results of Attitude and Awareness Survey on Highway Safety Issues in New MexicoThe National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago recently conducted a traffic safety attitude and awareness survey at 12 Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offices to gauge the public’s perception on highway safety issues and media campaigns in New Mexico. The survey was conducted in compliance with theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Governor’s Highway Safety Association joint effort in requesting this type of survey in each state.

A total of 1,039 drivers responded to the 30-question survey, which is a fair representation of the New Mexico population with regard to gender, age, and ethnicity.

Survey results show the responses by New Mexico drivers to most questions in the survey were similar to responses in a nationwide survey and many of the findings were positive. Self-reported seatbelt use was high at 91%, and the perceived risk of being ticketed if not wearing a seatbelt was high. Only 6% of New Mexico Drivers reported driving when they thought they were over the legal alcohol limit, and most thought the chance of being stopped by police if a driver was alcohol-impaired was 50%, compared to national estimates of 10%. Almost half of those surveyed reported going through a sobriety checkpoint, which is much higher than national surveys. The public information slogan “ENDWI” was recognized by 61% of drivers.

Unfortunately, New Mexicans who ride motorcycles or bicycles didn’t fare as well. Only 53% of motorcycle riders wear helmets every time they ride, and only 23% of bicyclists always wear a helmet. NORC reports this is likely due to not having mandatory helmet usage laws in the State. These findings suggest New Mexico is making progress in keeping roadways safer, but there is still much to be done.

APD? There’s an App for That. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is among the first police departments in the Nation to release a smartphone app. Called “ABQ Police,” the app allows users to access APD services anytime, anywhere. The app allows users to file non-emergency police reports, receive the latest community news and emergency alerts, and access up-to-the-minute crime data and information. Users can also access a directory of station locations, contact information, and community resources.

Additionally, the app includes a “Submit a Tip” feature which allows users to anonymously submit real-time photos and information concerning crimes directly to Crime Stoppers.

“This app is going to make it much, much easier for residents to communicate with APD,” said APD Chief Gorden E. Eden Jr. “We are very excited users will have APD at their fingertips, but the app should not be used for emergencies. All emergencies should still be reported by calling 911 directly,” he added.

The app was developed by MobilePD, the leading mobile app developer for law enforcement and public safety. Similar apps are being used by police departments in Baltimore, MD; Austin, TX, and Portland, OR.

The ABQ Police app can be downloaded for free at the iOS App Store and the Google Play Marketplace.

Take 5 Stay Alive: Dust Storm Safety in NMSOURCE: TAKE 5 STAY ALIVE

Dust storms are common in New Mexico and can create dangerous – and even deadly – driving conditions. Recently, six people died after a 25-car pileup on I-10 was caused by sudden blowing dust just outside of Lordsburg, New Mexico. In response to this tragedy, the New Mexico Department of Transportation has issued the following tips for traveling through a dust storm:

1. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible.

2. Completely exit the highway if you can. Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.

3. Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.

4. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.

5. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

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As Summer Heats Up, So Does Your Car – and Quickly According to the National Safety Council (NSC), dozens of children die every year in hot cars. The NSC offers some other alarming statistics when it comes to children and cars:• 87% of children who die are three-years-old or younger

CLICK to learn more

• The temperature in a car can rise by nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes • 54% are forgotten in a vehicle• 28% are playing in an unattended vehicle• 17% are intentionally left in a vehicle by an adult• The incidents of children dying in hot cars increases between Memorial Day and Labor Day CLICK TO CONTINUE ON PAGE 5

4 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS

UPCOMING Events Due to ongoing updates to the calendar of events, please CLICK HERE or visit www.safernm.org for the most current list.

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Child Safety Seat Clinic – ROSWELL10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Carpenter Park, 300 Block of East Buena Vista

Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Training-- DOÑA ANA COUNTY

100 Days and Nights of Summer, JUN 23-SEP 30National Night Out

Child Safety Seat Clinic – RATON10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Miner’s Colfax Medical Center, 203 Hospital Dr.

Child Safety Seat Clinic – ALBUQUERQUE9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., UNMH – Southwest Mesa Clinic, 301 Unser Blvd. NW

Superblitz: ENDWI and BKLUPNational DWI Crackdown – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Child Passenger Safety Renewal Course – RIO RANCHO

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CarFit (Older Driver Safety Program) – BERNALILLO, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Del Webb-Alegria, 901 Cottonwood Circle

Kidz in Motion Conference, BROOMFIELD, CO

National Baby Safety Awareness Month

100 Days and Nights of Summer, JUN 23-SEP 30

Superblitz: ENDWI and BKLUPNational DWI Crackdown – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over National Childhood Injury Prevention WeekNational Child Passenger Safety Week

Transportation Commission Meeting, ROSWELL

National Seat Check SaturdayStatewide Child Safety Seat ClinicsLOCATIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED

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Aug 30- Sep 2

Aug 18- Sep 4

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July100 Days and Nights of Summer, JUN 23-SEP 30

Mini Superblitz: ENDWI and BKLUP

DWI Checkpoint Operations -- ALBUQUERQUEChild Safety Seat Clinic – SANTA FE10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Santa Fe Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St.

Managing Police Traffic Services Training-- ALBUQUERQUE Child Safety Seat Clinic – SANTA FE8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Kohl’s, 4401 Cerrillos Rd.

Radar/LIDAR Instructor Training --SANTA FE

Transportation Commission Meeting, MILAN

Child Safety Seat Clinic – DEMING10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Luna County Courthouse, 700 S. Silver Ave.

August September

Albuquerque: SWThird Thursday of each month (505) 856-6143

Albuqerque: CentralFirst Friday of each month (505) 272-6024

ArtesiaThird Saturday of each month (800) 231-6145

Farmington Third Saturday of each month (800) 231-6145

Las Cruces1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month (800) 231-6145

Las VegasLast Wednesday of each month (800) 231-6145

Rio RanchoFirst Friday of each month (800) 231-6145

Santa Fe2nd and 4th Fridays of each month

(505) 471-3965(800) 231-6145

Fitting Stations offer child safety seat inspection appointments during regular hours of operation at ten permanent New Mexico locations.

AlamogordoThird Saturday of each month (505) 439-4300

Albuquerque: NESecond Friday of each month (505) 856-6143

Keep “CarFit” to Stay Safer Behind the Wheel for LongerCONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

CarFit, which started in 2005, is sponsored by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. During a CarFit event, a team of trained technicians offer a safety assessment of each driver to ensure they “fit” their vehicle properly. Technicians review a checklist of 12 key areas, including:

• Adjusting the seat position to ensure adequate spacing from the steering wheel• Adjusting foot position so drivers can reach the pedals comfortably • Making sure drivers can fasten their seatbelts without assistance • Helping drivers get in and out of the car more easily • Properly adjusting head rests and mirrors

Technicians also verify the horn, exterior lights, mirrors and hazard lights are working and ensures the driver knows how to use them. Each CarFit checkup requires approximately 20 minutes. It is not a driving test and no information is forwarded to law enforcement or healthcare providers.

Mark your calendar and call (505) 856-6143 to make an appointment for the next CarFit event:

Del Webb-Alegria 901 Cottonwood Circle Bernalillo, NM 87004

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Saturday, August 26, 2017

CLICK to learn more about CarFit.

The Traffic Safety News Publication is a federally-funded project from the NMDOT Traffic Safety Division. Contents may be republished with attribution. The contents of this newletter are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of any program. If you would like to submit articles, calendar events, or other items for consideration, please email: info@safernm.org, or call: (505) 856-6143.

Design and Content by Michelle Cisewski and Tura Linderholm

5 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS

Tech Companies Help Combat Distracted Driving According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sending reading a text takes your eyes off the road for just five seconds. But at 55 miles per hour, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Too many people behind the wheel find it impossible to resist the urge to check their

Summer Road Trip Safety Tips CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Leave plenty of space between you and any other motorists. Move over and/or change lanes to give safe clearance to motorists on the side of the road. It’s the law in all 50 states.

Stay alert. Plan to take breaks. It’s good for everyone to get out of the car to stretch, eat a healthy meal, and relax. Consider stopping and staying in a hotel to recharge during long drives.

Store an emergency roadside kit. Consider adding a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, water, blankets, and a cell phone charger to your emergency kit and keep it in the trunk. It’s always a good idea to have a few emergency items readily available – just in case.

Don’t drink and drive. If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver before going out. You can also download NHTSA’s new SaferRide Mobile App, which allows users to call a taxi or a friend for a ride home.

Avoid Distraction. Distracted driving is anything that pulls your attention away from driving – including cell phone use, texting while driving, eating, drinking, and using your vehicle’s technologies and other electronic devices. So, just drive.

Have fun. Road trips are supposed to be fun, and knowing you are keeping yourself and your passengers safe will help put your mind at ease so you can focus on making memories.

As Summer Heats Up, So Does Your Car – and Quickly CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

As parents and caregivers get off schedule in the hectic summer months, kids are more at risk of dying of vehicular heatstroke. Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone, but it is 100% preventable.

Here are five tips to keep your kids safe in the summer (and all year long):

1. Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute 2. Keep your car locked when you are not in it so kids can’t gain access 3. Create reminders by putting something in the back seat next to your child, such as a briefcase, purse, or a cell phone 4. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately 5. Set a calendar reminder on your electronic device to make sure you dropped your child off at daycare; develop a plan so you will be alerted if your child is late or a no-show

phone when they receive a call or a text while driving, and tech companies are stepping up to help.

Apple recently announced the new version of iOS (out this fall) will feature a “Do Not Disturb While Driving Mode.” When turned on, the feature can detect when you are driving and automatically silence all incoming notifications. It can even send an automatic reply to those trying to reach you saying you are driving and will respond once you arrive. Similarly, Samsung has developed an app called “In-Traffic Reply” (currently in beta test phase) that automatically responds to text messages when users are in the car or riding a bike.

Additionally, a number of other companies and wireless providers have developed cell phone blocking apps and devices that can help keep drivers focused on the road. The basic models of these technologies simply prohibit calls or texts while a vehicle is in motion, whereas more advanced systems can block audio features, or create a “geofence,” or virtual barrier, around a driver that blocks all incoming notifications.

While using this type of technology could help reduce distracted driving incidents, it isn’t perfect. Many of these options include an override switch, while meant to be used by passengers can just as easily be used by a driver.

Until the technology is perfected, the only sure way to keep from engaging in distracted driving is to put everything away – including your phone – and just drive.