Franklin Garcia is the new Director for the New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT TSD). Director Garcia holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication and has been working with the NMDOT TSD since 1999. His career with the NMDOT TSD began as a Program Manager with oversight of the Driver Education Programs. In 2003, Garcia was promoted and began managing the Public Education and Enforcement sector with oversight of NMDOT TSD education programs, including driver education, driver improvement, DWI School and the Ignition Interlock Program. Director Garcia has experience working with a variety of NMDOT programs, including motorcycle training, traffic records, law enforcement training, and managing media development and media placement for the TSD. Since 2014, Director Garcia has been working on the NMDOT Ports of Entry program in order to manage the transition of the Ports of Entry Permit and port infrastructure improvements. He also is an active member of the NMDOT Legislative Team and has been involved in the development and implementation of several traffic safety legislative initiatives. Franklin Garcia Named NMDOT TSD Director t t t t t t t t t OCT-DEC 2017 FRANKLIN GARCIA NAMED NMDOT TSD DIRECTOR NHTSA RELEASES 2016 TRAFFIC CRASH DATA IN MEMORIAM: MARK MCCRACKEN KEEPING KIDS SAFE ON THE ROADS WITH NATIONAL SEAT CHECK SATURDAY NEW MEXICO RANKS HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE IN SEAT BELT USE INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SOCIETY OF NEW MEXICO HOSTS ANNUAL MEETING NMDOT IS READY FOR WINTER WEATHER BUCKLE UP – EVEN IN THE BACK SEAT UPCOMING EVENTS According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 37,461 lives were lost on U.S. roads in 2016. This is an increase of 5.6% from 2015. NHTSA data, which is collected from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, found that distracted driving and drowsy driving fatalities declined, while deaths related to other reckless behaviors – including speeding, alcohol impairment, and not wearing seat belts – continued to increase. Alarmingly, motorcyclist and pedestrian deaths accounted for more than a third of the year-to- year increase. Nationally, alcohol-impaired- driving fatalities increased by 1.7% from 2015-2016, accounting for 28% of 2016 overall fatalities. In New Mexico, the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased from 298 in 2015 to 402 in 2016, an increase of 34.9%. NHTSA Releases 2016 Traffic Crash Data Distraction-related Deaths 3,450 2.2% decrease Drowsy-Driving Deaths 803 3.5% decrease Drunk-driving Deaths 10,497 1.7% increase Speeding–related Deaths 10,111 4.0% increase Unbelted Deaths 10,428 4.6% increase Motorcyclist Deaths 5,286 5.1% increase NHTSA 2016 Fatal Traffic Crash Data 2016 Fatalities Percent Increase/ Decrease (largest number since 2008) CLICK TO CONTINUE ON PAGE 5
Transcript
Franklin Garcia is the new Director for the New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT TSD). Director Garcia holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication and has been working
with the NMDOT TSD since 1999. His career with the NMDOT TSD began as a Program Manager with oversight of the Driver Education Programs. In 2003, Garcia was promoted and began managing the Public Education and Enforcement sector with oversight of NMDOT TSD education programs, including driver education, driver improvement, DWI School and the Ignition Interlock Program.
Director Garcia has experience working with a variety of NMDOT programs, including
motorcycle training, traffic records, law enforcement training, and managing media development and media placement for the TSD. Since 2014, Director Garcia has been working on the NMDOT Ports of Entry program in order to manage the transition of the Ports of Entry Permit and port infrastructure improvements. He also is an active member of the NMDOT Legislative Team and has been involved in the development and implementation of several traffic safety legislative initiatives.
Franklin Garcia Named NMDOT TSD Director
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OCT-DEC 2017
FRANKLIN GARCIA NAMED NMDOT TSD DIRECTOR
NHTSA RELEASES 2016 TRAFFIC CRASH DATA
IN MEMORIAM: MARK MCCRACKEN
KEEPING KIDS SAFE ON THE ROADS WITH NATIONAL SEAT CHECK SATURDAY
NEW MEXICO RANKS HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE IN SEAT BELT USE
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SOCIETY OF NEW MEXICO HOSTS ANNUAL MEETING
NMDOT IS READY FOR WINTER WEATHER
BUCKLE UP – EVEN IN THE BACK SEAT
UPCOMING EVENTS
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 37,461 lives were lost on U.S. roads in 2016. This is an increase of 5.6% from 2015.
NHTSA data, which is collected from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, found that distracted driving and drowsy driving fatalities declined, while deaths related to other reckless behaviors – including speeding, alcohol impairment, and not wearing seat belts – continued to increase. Alarmingly, motorcyclist and pedestrian
deaths accounted for more than a third of the year-to-year increase.
Nationally, alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities increased by 1.7% from 2015-2016,
accounting for 28% of 2016 overall fatalities. In New Mexico, the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased from 298 in 2015 to 402 in 2016, an increase of 34.9%.
On September 9, 2017, Mark McCracken, a true advocate and friend, unexpectedly passed away. Mark was a respected and trusted leader, not only by the Safer New Mexico Now team, but also by countless traffic safety advocates and families throughout the State.
Mark’s dedication to public safety began early in life when he joined the New Mexico State Police at the young age of 21. Mark consistently supported traffic safety initiatives and programming. He retired as a lieutenant after a 20-year career, but it wasn’t long before Mark joined Safer New Mexico Now (Safer) to continue what would become his legacy – protecting New Mexico families.
In 2006, Mark was hired by Safer to manage the Injury Prevention Resource Center. It was evident from the start that Mark was not only skilled in all program areas, but he displayed time and again a genuine kindness and dedication to serving New Mexico
families. In 2011, Mark was promoted to Director of Operations, and in 2014, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
Mark’s efforts to advance the State’s traffic safety programs are far-reaching. On any given day throughout the week – and well into the weekend – you could find Mark assisting parents with their child’s safety seat, educating seniors on the importance of sound driving practices, or providing law enforcement personnel with training opportunities.
Mark was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved friend, and remarkable leader. Those of us fortunate enough to have known Mark will remember his unfalteringly calm disposition, positive attitude, and his love of helping others. He led by example, reminding each of us to live life with compassion for others and to always remain humble and kind.
Mark’s star shines brightly for all of us who had the benefit of his knowledge, dedication, passion, and leadership. His presence is profoundly missed and we at Safer will do all we can to honor his legacy. He will forever remain in our hearts and minds as we lead effective efforts to advance traffic safety.
In Memoriam: Mark McCracken
The NMDOT, in collaboration with Preusser Research Group, recently completed the 2017 New Mexico Occupant Seat Belt Observation Survey. New Mexico has conducted a seat belt survey annually since 1982. The current report provides daytime and nighttime seat belt observation results.
Overall, survey results show New Mexico’s 2017 seat belt use rate is 91.5%, which is higher than the 2016 national rate of 90.1% and higher than 90%, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) target rates for states.
Using a sampling design approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94 road segments from 19 of New Mexico’s 33 counties were included in the survey. Observers measured drivers and front seat passengers in all passenger vehicles (cars/trucks/vans/SUVs) with a gross vehicle weight up to 10,000 pounds. Quality control measures were utilized to ensure valid and accurate results.
During the daytime survey a total of 5,974 occupants were observed on Primary roads, 1,791 occupants were observed on Secondary roads, and 877 occupants were observed on Local roads. Primary and Secondary Roads had the highest seat belt use rates at 91.8% and 91.1% respectively. A much lower seat belt use rate of 86.8% was observed on Local roads.
The nighttime survey observed a total of 1,362 occupants on Primary roads, 272 occupants on Secondary roads, and 352 occupants on Local roads. Primary roads had the highest nighttime seat belt usage at 90.7%, followed by Secondary roads at 89.3%. The lowest percentage of seat belt usage was observed on Local roads at 73.9%.
New Mexico Ranks Higher Than National Average in Seat Belt Use
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3 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS
Keeping Kids Safe on the Roads with National Seat Check Saturday The NMDOT and Safer New Mexico Now (Safer) held the statewide child safety seat clinic Saturday, September 23, 2017. The annual event is part of National Child Passenger Safety Week’s National Seat Check Saturday. During the free event, parents and caregivers received personal instruction from certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians on the proper selection and use of their child safety seats.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14, but an estimated three out of four child safety seats are not used correctly. However, the proper use of child safety seats reduces fatal injury by 7% in infants and by 54% for toddlers (children 1 to 4 years of age) in passenger cars.
During this year’s event, 101 certified technicians and volunteers checked a total of 127 child safety seats. Of the seats checked, 77 (57%) were found to be misused, and a total of 31 replacement seats were distributed.
“We are pleased to be able to offer these clinics to the parents and caregivers of New Mexico. It is through education,
advocacy, and community outreach efforts such as this that we are able to save lives,” said NMDOT Cabinet Secretary Tom Church. “A simple mistake could leave a child dangerously vulnerable in the event of a crash. Getting proper instruction from a certified technician can help reduce the risk of injury or even death for children involved in a motor vehicle crash.”
Miss this year’s event? Don’t worry – the NMDOT and Safer regularly host Child Safety Seat Clinics and Fitting Stations at locations throughout the state. Call 800-231-6145 or visit www.safernm.org to find a location near you.
NMDOT Is Ready for Winter Weather
4 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS
Due to ongoing updates to the calendar of events, please CLICK HERE or visit www.safernm.org for the most current list.
[SOURCE: EMILEE CANTRELL, NMDOT]
New Mexico Department of Transportation crews are prepared to clear the roads and highways as the state begins to experience the winter weather season. Last year, NMDOT crews removed snow and ice from over a million pass miles.
“Our crews across the state are ready to respond to winter weather so we can keep the traveling public safe,” said NMDOT Secretary Tom Church. “If you must get behind the wheel during winter weather conditions please take the necessary precautions and give our crews plenty of room to do their job. We want everyone to make it home safely to their families this season.”
Crews have been preparing their salt and sand spreaders, graders, and snow plows for months. The districts are also
constantly monitoring weather reports and ready to respond as soon as they are called.
Throughout the state, NMDOT has 96 graders, 161 loaders, 9 snow blower trucks, and 417 dump trucks with plows and salt spreaders. The Department also
has about 49,000 tons of salt and about 16,000 tons of ice slicer ready to help clear the roads.
Motorists should check www.nmroads.com or download the
CLICK TO CONTINUE ON PAGE 6
[SOURCE: CHARLES REMKE, P.E. MANAGER NMDOT ITS]
On October 25, 2017, the Intelligent Transportation Society of New Mexico (ITSNM) held its ninth annual meeting in Albuquerque. This year’s meeting titled, “ITS – A Vision to Zero Fatalities & Delays,” focused on preventing any loss of life on New Mexico highways. Members of state and local government, legislators, regional planning organizations, transportation and transit agencies, emergency service agencies, engineering and consulting firms, technology development firms, equipment manufacturers, construction firms, as well as research organizations, educational organizations, the media and other traffic safety organizations were present.
The featured event of the meeting was a panel discussion titled “What Can Be Done Now to Make Strides toward a Significant Reduction in Traffic Deaths.” Panel participants included representatives from The New Mexico State Police, the Albuquerque Police Department, the New Mexico Department of Transportation, the New Mexico Trucking Association, and Safer New Mexico Now. The discussion covered a wide variety of topics to address reducing traffic deaths in New Mexico, including better use of information and communication, social
Intelligent Transportation Society of New Mexico Hosts Annual Meeting
media, enforcement, education, regional cooperation, resource sharing, and operational coordination. The panel ended with a Q&A session with audience members.
ITSNM is the state chapter of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America. The chapter’s mission is to foster the application of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) solutions in New Mexico by encouraging innovative ideas, supporting public-private partnerships, advocating ITS Deployment, offering guidance to governmental decision makers, and encouraging interest and support of ITS statewide.
AlamogordoThird Saturday of each month (505) 439-4300
Albuquerque: NE2nd and 4th Fridays of each month (505) 856-6143
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 CrucesFirst 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 nine permanent New Mexico locations.
To help combat traffic crash fatalities throughout the state, law enforcement agencies statewide will be conducting a Superblitz beginning November 10, 2017 and running through January 6, 2018. During this time, local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies will be conducting increased sobriety checkpoints, as well as increasing speeding and seat belt enforcement, and looking for
other traffic safety violations. So this holiday season, be sure to buckle up, watch your speed, and don’t drink and drive.
For more information about NHTSA and the 2016 Traffic crash Data, visit www.NHTSA.gov.
For more information about the NMDOT or Superblitz activities, visit www.dot.state.nm.us.
NHTSA Releases 2016 Traffic Crash DataCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
UPCOMING Events
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OctoberNational Drive Safely Work WeekNational Walk to School DayChild Safety Seat Clinic, CLOVIS 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., New Life Assembly of God, 517 West 21 st StreetPut the Brakes on Fatalities DaySelective Traffic Enforcement Program Training, Las CrucesChild Safety Seat Clinic, FARMINGTON 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., San Juan Plaza, 3030 East Main St.Child Safety Seat Clinic, PORTALES 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Roosevelt General Hospital, 42121 US 70Child Safety Seat Clinic, HOLLOMAN AFB 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Holloman Exchange, 227 W. New Mexico Ave.Child Safety Seat Clinic, LOS LUNAS 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Los Lunas Fire Department, 465 East Main St.National School Bus Week
Child Safety Seat Clinic, ALBUQUERQUE 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Home Depot, 1220 Renaissance Blvd. NENational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training, AlbuquerqueChild Safety Seat Clinic, LAS CRUCES 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Morning Star United Methodist Church, 2941 Morning Star Dr.
NovemberChild Safety Seat Clinic ALBUQUERQUE 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., HELP NM Building, 5101 Copper NESuperblitz: ENDWI and BKLUPSafetyFest of Southeastern New Mexico, CARLSBAD, Carlsbad Pecos River Village Conference CenterAnnual Child Passenger Safety Senior Technician Meeting, AlbuquerqueSelective Traffic Enforcement Program Training, BernalilloAnnual Child Passenger Safety Instructor Meeting, Albuquerque
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Training, BernalilloTransportation Commission Meeting, Deming, District One Auditorium 2912 E. Pine StreetChild Safety Seat Clinic, ISLETA 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Pueblo of Isleta Head Start and Child Care, 2 Sagebrush StreetChild Safety Seat Clinic, SUNLAND PARK 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunland Park Police Department, 1000 McNutt Rd.National Teens Don't Text and Drive Week
DecemberNational Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention MonthOlder Driver Safety Awareness WeekNew Mexico Law Enforcement Conference: Albuquerque, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1901 University Blvd. NE, For more information, [email protected]
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New Mexico Ranks Higher Than National Average in Seat Belt Use
Due to ongoing updates to the calendar of events, please CLICK HERE or visit www.safernm.org for the most current list.
Although the seat belt use rate is currently above the national average, New Mexico has seen a slow decline since 2015. If the downward trend continues, the rate could drop below the national average by 2018. The report recommends increasing high visibility enforcement campaigns, such as Click it Or Ticket, and targeting groups with lower seat belt use rates throughout the state. Research shows that such campaigns have the ability to positively impact driver behavior.
Everyone knows it’s safer for kids to ride in the back seat properly restrained. However, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), many adults think buckling up in the rear seat is optional. Surprisingly, the IIHS study found four out of five adults surveyed don’t buckle up when riding in the back seat, especially when on short trips, traveling by taxi, or using other ride hailing services.
Adults ages 35 to 54 were the least likely group to always buckle up in the back seat. Only 66% of this age group reported always using a belt in the back seat, compared with 76% of adults 55 and older, and 73% of adults 18 to 34.
When asked why they don’t buckle up, 25% of respondents reported they perceive the back seat to be safer than the front, so the seat belt was not necessary, 13% of respondents said they forget/rarely wear it, 12% cited uncomfortable or poorly fitting belts, 10% said the rear seat belt is difficult to use or they can’t find the belt or buckle, and 9% say the law does not require it.
Buckle Up – Even in the Back Seat
6 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS
NMRoads app for updates on road conditions and closures. NMRoads is updated around the clock and linked to the 511 road condition hotline.
Please remember these safe winter driving tips:
• Wear your seatbelt.• Slow down and leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.• Use brakes carefully and remember that it takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions. • If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy, and snowy weather. • Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface such as wet, ice, and sand. • Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Don’t crowd the snow plow. Please stay at least 50 feet behind the plow. Be patient and give the driver plenty of room to do the job. • Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas since they are likely to freeze first and stay frozen the longest. • Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.• Ensure that your vehicles are prepared for winter driving by: • Making sure your tires are properly inflated. • Never mixing radial tires with other tire types.
“Always pay attention and use caution when you get on the road during winter weather. It could save your life or someone else’s life,” said Deputy Secretary Anthony Lujan. “And check NMRoads before you leave – it can help you avoid a dangerous situation.”
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: [email protected], or call: (505) 856-6143.
Design and Content by Michelle Cisewski, Casey Purcella and Tura Linderholm
IIHS also reports that 60% of survey respondents said if there was a law in place requiring the use of seat belts, they would be more likely to buckle up. Aside from stronger belt laws, more than half of part-time belt users and nonusers said more comfortable belts would make them more likely to buckle up in the rear seat. They want softer or padded belts, plus shoulder belts that are adjustable so they don't rub the neck. Tight and locking belts are turnoffs for them. Participants cited a variety of comfort and usability issues, regardless of age or body size.
Safety belts saved 13,941 lives during 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates. If everyone buckled up, an additional 2,800 deaths could have been prevented. For drivers and front passengers, using a lap and shoulder belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent in a pickup, SUV or van and by 45 percent in a car.
In New Mexico, all persons in a moving vehicle, in all positions, at all times, must be belted. So no matter how short the trip, or whether you’re in the front or back seat, buckle up – every time, every ride.
