http://www.trcpg.com/

http://www.ghsa.org/

• Forward Facing Car Seats
• Booster Seats
• Older Children Car Safety

Topics in International Road Safety

Many of NETS’ member companies do business internationally. The following sites will help you find important information about road safety around the world.

Promoting Global Initiatives for Occupational Road Safety: Review of Occupational Road Safety Worldwide

White paper from the February 2009 International Conference on Road Safety at Work held in Washington, D.C. reviews many aspects of road safety throughout the world.
www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/twu/global/pdfs/WhitePaper.pdf

April 2008 United Nations resolution calling for Improving Global Road Safety

www.who.int/roadsafety/about/resolutions/A-RES-62-L-43.pdf

Resource materials about road safety from the World Health Organization (WHO)

www.who.int/roadsafety/en

The Fleet Forum is an NGO dedicated to the safety of international relief agency fleets.

http://www.fleetforum.org/

Work-Related Roadway Crashes: Challenges and Opportunities for Prevention

This web page provides a comprehensive view of the issues affecting the prevention of work-related roadway crashes. It recommends preventive measures for employers.

www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-119/

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

NHTSA is dedicated to reducing vehicle-related crashes, injuries and fatalities.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

This site provides detailed information on the investigation of selected highway crashes.

http://www.ntsb.gov/

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safey (IIHS)

The IIHS has been testing the safety of vehicles since 1959.

http://www.iihs.org/

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI)

VTTI is respected internationally for its research in transportation safety.

http://www.vtti.vt.edu/

Comprehensive Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes

This comprehensive pdf summarizes NETS’ 10-Step System and was developed in cooperation with OSHA and NHTSA.

www.osha.gov/Publications/motor_vehicle_guide.pdf

10 Facts Employers Must Know

For any organization with employees on the roadway

1. In 2005, 43,443 people were killed and 2,699,000 were injured in 6,159,000 police-reported motor vehicle crashes. Daily that represents 17,000 reported crashes and 119 deaths.
2. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all age groups from 3 to 33 years of age. Crashes are the 3rd leading cause of years of potential life lost for all ages combined.
3. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the U.S.
4. A typical driver in the U.S. travels 12,000 to 15,000 miles annually and has a one in 15 chance of being involved in a motor vehicle collision each year. With most fleet drivers traveling 20,000 to 25,000 miles or more each year, they have a greater crash exposure.
5. The most dangerous part of the day for any employee is the time they spend in their vehicle with a crash occurring every 5 seconds, property damage occurring every 7 seconds, an injury occurring every 10 seconds, and a motor vehicle fatality occurring every 12 minutes.
6. Forty-one percent of the average vehicle miles traveled per household are from commuting to and from work (27%) and driving on work-related business (14%).
7. In 2000, the economic cost of crashes to employers was $60 billion resulting in 3 million lost workdays. Two-thirds of the cost ($40 billion) was from on-the-job crashes while one-third ($20 billion) was from off-the-job crashes for employees and their benefit-eligible dependents.
8. The average on-the-job crash costs an employer about $16,500 or just under $0.16 per mile driven. Crashes involving injuries cost substantially more — $504,408 for a fatal injury and $73,750 for a nonfatal injury.
9. With over 90 percent of motor vehicle crashes caused by human error, employers with high roadway exposure are at risk for a serious crash resulting in a lawsuit against their organization. Damages awarded to plaintiff’s making negligence claims against companies are at an all time high, settlements of $1 million or more are not unusual.
10. The development, implementation, enforcement, and monitoring of a strong driver safety program can protect an organization’s human and financial resources. Such a program allows an organization to be proactive in controlling crash risks and is the first line of defense against the potentially staggering costs from motor vehicle crashes involving employees.

Download the “10 Facts Every Employer Must Know” pdf file »

Promoting Global Initiatives for Occupational Road Safety: Review of Occupational Road Safety Worldwide

This link has the entire proceedings of the February 2009 International Conference on Road Safety at Work held in Washington, D.C.
www.virtualriskmanager.net/niosh

April 2008 United Nations resolution calling for Improving Global Road Safety

www.who.int/roadsafety/about/resolutions/A-RES-62-L-43.pdf

The Fleet Forum is an international not-for-profit dedicated to the safety of international agency relief fleets.

http://fleetforum.org/

Resource materials about road safety from the World Health Organization (WHO)

www.who.int/roadsafety/en

Download a summary of the study:
www.vtti.vt.edu/PDF/100-Car_Fact-Sheet.pdf

Download this pdf for more information on the study…
www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/hwysafety/assets/Occ_Prot-cellphone_National_study-Virginia_Tech_Transp_Institute.pdf

The motorcycle has been a popular mode of transportation for many Americans because of its initial low cost, and its use as a recreational vehicle. But today as fuel prices continue to rise and with a softening economy, consumers are being increasingly practical showing strong interest in motorcycles because of their good fuel efficiency and maneuverability in urban congestion. In fact, the U.S. motorcycle market experienced growth for the 14th consecutive year in 2007. Weekend warriors who used to motorcycle only recreationally are now opting to commute on two wheels. For many years, the motorcycle has been about recreation now it’s becoming about transportation. The Motorcycle Industry Council expects motorcycle sales to continue to increase—meaning more motorcycles on our nation’s roadways.

Fuel Efficiency Benefits

Motorcycles are by far the most fuel-efficient class of highway vehicle. While the average U.S. fuel consumption of cars, SUVs and light trucks hovers around 20 mpg, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, many motorcycles and scooters offer up to an estimated 60 or 70 miles per gallon (MPG) and some, with smaller engines, go even higher. These are general statistics used by motorcycle manufacturers, government representatives and individual riders because MPG data for specific models is difficult to find. There is not an industry-wide protocol for motorcycle MPG testing. Unlike with cars, federal law does not require motorcycle manufacturers to perform fuel-economy tests or, if they do, to reveal their numbers, since motorcycles make up such a small percentage of overall vehicles and get good mileage.

Real-world mileage is also affected by how a motorcycle is ridden, the rider’s clothing and body weight, as well as air temperature, altitude, weather, traffic and road conditions, bike maintenance, vehicle accessories, and cargo carried, etc.

In general, motorcycles consume fewer resources per mile than automobiles and in congested urban areas can save riders travel time.

Parking Benefits

Parking is cheaper and easier. Motorcycles offer a compact, easy to-park-solution for those in urban areas where parking spots can rent for hundreds of dollars a month. Several motorcycles can occupy the space allocated for one passenger vehicle, creating more spaces for other users.

Use of HOV Lanes

Motorcycles are permitted by federal law to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, even though they typically carry only one passenger.

Charity Benefits

Charitable participation from the motorcycle community is inspiring. Many motorcycle organizations raise money for national and local charities through organized events and rides to benefit people in the most critical need. TravelingBikers.com is one resource to locate a charity ride or event.

As roadways become increasingly complex and congested, are your employees who ride for work  well-trained, equipped and knowledgeable on how to safely ride a motorcycle?

Motorcyclists must wear helmets and other protective gear and equipment, acquire professional rider education and training, maximize their conspicuity through lighting and apparel, obtain the proper motorcycle license, and never drink and ride.  Motorcycles must be properly equipped, and maintained.  While the reasons for having employees ride motorcycles for work are varied, simply being able to ride a motorcycle is not the same as knowing how to operate a motorcycle safely and legally.

Employers must minimize the risk to their employees and to their organizations to the greatest extent practicable, by implementing a strong safety program that ensures that all riders are knowledgeable and skillful through participation in rider education and training programs and have access to continuing quality education and training.  By providing appropriate protective gear and equipment, keeping motorcycles well-maintained, and following careful motorcycle use policies, employers are advocating a safer riding environment.

Police Motorcycle Officers

Operating a police motorcycle greatly differs from civilian motorcycle operation since a motorcycle officer must constantly scan the roadway for motor vehicle violations, criminal activity, operate communications equipment and weave through stalled traffic in response to emergencies. Because of the high-risk riding required by police, motorcycle training is not an area that can be overlooked or ignored.

Unfortunately, some states do not have police officer standards and training (P.O.S.T.) requirements, which means a department, can assign any officer with a motorcycle license to a motorcycle with no additional training.

There are excellent comprehensive courses designed for new or current police motorcycle officers seeking to hone their skills and enhance their safety on the road.  It is usually recommended that participants in operator courses have prior motorcycling experience and have completed a basic skills test.

Each spring, motorcycle enthusiasts in communities, cities, towns, campuses and businesses across the country welcome warm weather with a renewed commitment to riding.  The high-profile celebration of motorcycle riding is a great way to focus attention for both riders and motorists on sharing the road safely.

Launch a Share the Road Safely with Motorcycles Program Around Timely Events

There are nationally observed events that you can build on or use to launch a motorcycle safety awareness program within your organization. These are opportune times to begin a workplace program that addresses the safety issues concerning both riders and motorists sharing the road with motorcycles.

Choose the events and activities that are suitable for your workforce.  This will depend on the size of your organization and the resources available.  Your organization’s involvement may range from putting up campaign posters announcing the safety observance to staging a major informational event with a series of lunch and learn interactive sessions on motorcycle awareness. You may simply bring in bagels for event participants.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is in May

Each year, May is designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  During this month, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), other motorcycle organizations, state highway safety offices, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) join together to conduct a variety of activities to promote the motorcycle safety. The campaign focuses attention on training programs for motorcyclists and asks that other motorists share the road safely with riders.  NHTSA develops a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Planner for use during the month.  The Planner includes fact sheets, messaging that can be used ‘as-is’ or tailored to educate your employees about the importance of sharing the road.

Materials Available

Access the 2008 campaign planner at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/planners/ShareTheRoad2008/

Ride to Work Day (RTW) is July 16 in 2008.

The advocacy day is sponsored by Ride to Work, Inc., a non-profit advocacy organization, for the past 14 years.  According to RTW, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles are a regular part of this mix.  On Ride to Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a much larger number of America’s 8,000,000 cycles are ridden to work.

Materials Available

Access RTW day campaign materials at:  www.ridetowork.org

Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) is October 6-10 in 2008.

DSWW is sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) each year during the first full week in October.  The campaign in its 12th year, is observed by employers and organizations nationwide. The campaign helps employers promote safe driving practices within their place of business and keep the nation’s roadways safe. The 2008 campaign will focus on sharing the road with all road users.

Materials Available

Access the DSWW campaign materials, available to download each year in July, via the NETS website at:  www.trafficsafety.org

How to Use the National Safety Observances in Your Workplace

Put a Traffic Safety Planning Team Together

This may become an ongoing group effort that can continue year-round to plan and implement traffic safety and motorcycle safety awareness events and initiatives. The team can pull together fun and informative events that will be helpful to your employees and their families.  Employers may also want to tap into or coordinate with other local employers to support these national awareness events.
Look for other opportunities throughout the year to “drive home” the motorcycle safety awareness message.  Employees often “hit the roadways” for major holidays making these events an ideal time to remind everyone about safe driving practices, especially  “share the road safely” messaging. These holidays include: New Years Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, spring vacations, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the winter holidays.

Spread the Safety Message

Publicize the motorcycle safety awareness observances through: a company newsletter, payroll insert, email blasts, Intranet, posters, banners, bulletin boards, lobby displays, cafeteria kiosks or tables, parking garages signage, etc.

Create a customized flyer that describes the specific activities and events at your worksite. Don’t forget to toot your own horn and issue a press release publicizing your intentions. The media loves to cover community-oriented and environmentally–friendly business involvement.

Become Familiar with the Campaign Planners or Guides Available

The campaign materials/planners for the safety observances listed above provide many materials that can be used as is or modified to deliver the safety message to your workforce.  In addition, other groups (employers, colleges, motorcycle advocacy groups, clubs, state highway safety offices, etc) have developed their own initiatives to address motorcycle safety awareness.  By “googling” the safety observance or motorcycle safety awareness, you can locate additional materials and tools to adapt for your own use.

Consider Giveaways and Safety Incentives

Never underestimate the impact that T-shirts, books, CDs, videos, gift certificates, and other incentives have on an event.  Work with the planning team to determine what incentives are appropriate and motivating for employees.  Use every resource to drive home the safety message.  Information and incentives can never replace individual responsibility.

Hold a Breakfast for Campaign Participants

A company breakfast encourages your employees to participate in the safety events and training and boosts morale.   It’s also a good way to demonstrate corporate concern for your employees’ safety.  Hold drawings for safety incentives.

Coordinate a Lunch and Learn Program

There are many knowledgeable riders who would be pleased to speak about sharing the road with motorcycles and offer advice and answer employees’ questions.  There may be seasoned riders within your own organization or representatives from motorcycling organizations, from local motorcycle dealerships or gear shops that would be able to present a 30 minute program.

Materials  Available

The MSF offers several safety programs that can be taught by anyone — especially motorcycle enthusiasts and others who are concerned with traffic safety.

The Intersection Module is MSF’s newest approach to enhancing motorist awareness of motorcycles. The program combines personal stories and character development with a dramatic new look at a crash scene that’s all too common. The DVD contains three separate 13-minute versions to appeal to teens (via driver education classes), adults (via traffic schools), and commercial drivers (via employee orientation). The module includes a Leader’s Guide, ten Participant’s Guides, and 25 Quick Tips brochures. Intersections can be ordered for $50.00 at: http://store.msf-usa.org/Store/MoreDetails.aspx?pid=20645.

Provide Safety Information on Motorcycle Safety Awareness to Your Employees

Materials Available

NETS Cyclists: Share the Road with Motorists

View and download the jpg version
Right click and choose “saved linked image”

download the Cyclists Share the Road bookmark pdf file

NETS Motorists: Share the Road with Cyclists

View and download the jpg version
Right click and choose “saved linked image”

download the Motorists Share the Road bookmark pdf file

(Files are large and may take time to download)

Organize a Share the Road Safety Fair

Invite local motorcycle dealers, gear shops, advocacy groups, local motorcycle clubs, law enforcement motor patrol officers, state highway safety office staff, traffic reporters, EMS, etc.  Distribute information about traffic safety and motorcycle safety awareness.

Partner With Motorcycle Safety Advocates

American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

Founded in 1924, the AMA has a history of pursuing, protecting and promoting the interests of the motorcycle enthusiasts. The AMA focuses on rights, riding and racing through its government relations work, by sanctioning road and off-road riding activities and overseeing professional and amateur racing events.  The AMA’s headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, is also home to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.  The AMA site lists motorcycle laws for each state.
http://www.ama-cycle.org

Discover Today’s Motorcycling (DTM)

The MIC’s Discover Today’s Motorcycling program provides various services to the news media and also provides consumers with information on motorcycling. DTM is the resource on motorcycling for American news media, providing background, interviews, photography and fielding hundreds of inquiries each year.
www.motorcycles.org

Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC)

Minnesota has a one-stop shop for rider training information, public information and educational materials, testing and licensing information, and riding safety tips.  The MMSC has information and resources of interest to those outside Minnesota. The site contains a state-by state list of rider education websites.
www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us/latest/MMSCHome.asp?cid=2

Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)

The MSF is a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles.  MSF has set internationally recognized standards of excellence in motorcycle rider education and training.  The organization partners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), state governments, the military and other organizations to improve motorcyclist education, training and operator licensing and to make the nation’s streets and highways safer for motorcyclists.
http://www.msf-usa.org

Motorcycle Industry Council, Inc (MIC)

MIC is a not-for-profit, national trade association created to promote and preserve motorcycling and the U.S. motorcycle industry.  More than 300 members represent manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, parts and accessories, as well as allied trades such as publishing, insurance and consultants.  Dealers, clubs and individuals are not eligible for membership.  The council is involved in activities in government relations, statistics, communications, technical, and aftermarket programs. The MIC also provides data and other resources; such as test information, news updates, to non-members.
http://www.mic.org

National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA)

The SMSA is dedicated to serving the needs and interests of state motorcycle safety administrators and programs by advocating motorcycle safety and fostering and promoting the exchange of ideas and resources. The association is comprised of individuals and organizations that coordinate the motorcycle safety programs at the state level joined by other professional organizations, corporations, instructors, and individuals.  The SMSA fosters and promotes state-administered motorcycle safety programs and represents state concerns relating to motorcycle safety by working cooperatively with those individuals and organizations having an interest in motorcycle safety.
http://www.smsa.org/

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

NHTSA is the arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that is responsible for
establishing guidelines and regulations regarding transportation safety. To learn more about NHTSA’s motorcycle safety initiatives and resources, visit online.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem. d7975d55e8abbe089ca8e410dba046a0/

Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS)

NETS is a national, nonprofit organization located in the Washington, DC metro area. It is a public/private partnership that engages employers of all sizes and industry-types in seeking, developing, and expanding best practices in traffic safety. It is the only organization dedicated exclusively to traffic safety in the workplace. NETS’ mission is to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries within the nation’s workforce by developing safety policies, workplace informational and training programs, safety campaigns, and corporate community activities.  The organization is known for its annual Drive Safely Work Week campaign to focus the nation’s employers and the media on key traffic safety issues.  For more information, visit NETS online.
http://www.trafficsafety.org

Ride To Work Inc.  (RTW)

RTW is a national, Minnesota-based 501(c)(4) advocacy organization that that annually sponsors Ride to Work Day on the 3rd Wednesday of July to promote motorcycles and scooters as an economical, efficient, and socially responsible form of mobility. Its annual RTW Day, (July 16 in 2008.) the United States’ largest motorcycle event by number of participants, is designed to increase awareness of motorcyclists among other road users.  The organization encourages motorcycle commuting by increasing awareness of motorcycling as a transportation alternative. For more information and to access free materials, visit RWD online.
http://www.ridetowork.org

State Highway Safety Offices (SHSO)

Each state has a comprehensive highway safety program that includes a motorcycle safety program that aims to reduce motorcycle crashes and related deaths and injuries. State motorcycle safety programs address the use of helmets (meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218) and other protective gear, proper licensing, impaired riding, rider training, conspicuity, and motorist awareness. Contact the SHSO in your state to determine materials and services available to your organization on motorcycle safety.   Visit the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) website or a list of SHSO offices.
http://www.ghsa.org/html/links/highwaysafetywebsites.html