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Using tech to curb deaths on Minnesota's roadways

Minnesota Public Radio, August 10, 2010

University of Minnesota ITS Institute Director Max Donath and HumanFIRST Director Mike Manser discuss a range of technologies that save lives on the road, from digital maps and devices that keep drivers from drifting out of their lane to phones that alert parents if a young driver is violating Minnesota's graduated driver's license rules by being out too late or having too many passengers in the car. Seat belts are a crucial safety technology, as well.

Smithsonian celebrates seatbelts and safety

Wired Autopia, July 14, 2010

Automakers and regulators are donating automotive safety systems to the Smithsonian to celebrate 75 years of automotive safety.

Enforcement issues loom with texting while driving bans

National Public Radio, July 1, 2010

Six new texting-while-driving bans go into effect this month as state officials try to reduce the number of car crashes. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that in 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in accidents related to distracted driving and 500,000 others were injured. Enforcement is identified as a key factor in the effectiveness of these laws.

New GHSA Report: Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs

Governors Highway Safety Association

In 2010, GHSA asked state highway safety agencies to complete a survey detailing their distracted driving efforts. Fifty states plus the District of Columbia, Guam and American Samoa responded. The results of this survey are published in this report.

The report details a host of approaches states are implementing, including: stronger laws, increased data collection, new education programs, public/private partnerships and a growing reliance on new media to spread the message.

Do DWI laws work?

CityPages, June 9, 2010

One in seven Minnesotans has a drunk driving conviction. Are we any safer?

U of M study: People don't mind big brother

FOX 9 News, June 5, 2010

By the number of drivers who contest their traffic tickets, you'd think there'd be total disdain for the number of squad cars on the road. Not so. It turns out, perhaps the opposite. According to a new University of Minnesota national survey, people are more open to different kinds of enforcement to keep themselves and others safe.

Survey: More support road rules

USA Today, June 3, 2010

Americans strongly support public policies to reduce highway deaths, including some measures that many elected officials consider too restrictive, such as alcohol ignition interlocks and traffic enforcement cameras, according to new national survey by the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the University of Minnesota. "We were surprised by the level of support for these strategies," says Lee Munnich, director of the center.

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Safe Communities Newsletter

Safe Communities of Minnesota is a monthly e-mail newsletter created by Amy Roggenbuck, Community Health Liaison for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety–Office of Traffic Safety. It highlights Safe Communities initiatives throughout the state.

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