Lockton Joins The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Board of Directors

VIENNA, Va. — The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce that Lockton has joined the organization’s Board of Directors.

Lockton is the world’s largest independently held insurance broker helping clients strengthen their businesses through risk management, insurance, employee benefits consulting and retirement services solutions.

“We look forward to the opportunity this role provides to increase Lockton’s participation in NETS’ impactful leadership of road safety and to the inherent value it will add for our clients’ fleet safety programs.”

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Lockton Board representative Jay Gnadt, Senior Vice President, to NETS,” said Susan Hipp, NETS Executive Director. “Lockton’s unique insights and expertise as a global insurance leader will complement the existing Board member make-up of insurance companies and other sector leaders in oil & gas, utility, pharmaceutical, fleet management and OEM. Lockton promotes a strong road safety culture with its clients and will help to shape NETS’ mission of advancing road safety for all drivers.”

Jenn Guerrini, Vice President, Executive Auto Specialist, Risk Engineering Services, Chubb, and NETS Board Chairperson, states, “Lockton has been an active member of NETS with a shared commitment to encouraging employers to see road safety as more than an internal corporate goal and to embrace it as a hallmark of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Collectively, the NETS Board of Directors could not be more pleased, and we look forward to collaborating with Lockton as we work to reduce risk and save lives.”

Jay, who joined Lockton in 2008, leads Lockton’s Transportation Center of Expertise and has advised many organizations on road safety initiatives and other risk improvement projects. “Lockton has benefitted significantly from NETS resources and sharing knowledge with fellow NETS members,” Jay stated. “We look forward to the opportunity this role provides to increase Lockton’s participation in NETS’ impactful leadership of road safety and to the inherent value it will add for our clients’ fleet safety programs.”

NETS’ Board of Directors members are comprised of public and private sector leaders with a commitment to road safety. They are senior level leaders who promote NETS’ mission and represent businesses and organizations that have created a proactive safety culture by promoting traffic safety policies and awareness activities in their workplaces.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)(3) employer-led organization public/private partnership. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job. NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board member companies include Acertus, Chubb NA, Consolidated Edison, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, State Farm, Toyota NA, UPS, and USIC. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. More information on NETS membership and fleet safety resources can be found at www.trafficsafety.org.

Contacts

Susan Hipp, NETS’ Executive Director
nets@trafficsafety.org
+1(703)755-5350

Chubb logo

Chubb’s Jenn Guerrini Installed as NETS Board Chairperson for 2024 and 2025

VIENNA, Va. — The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce the installation of Jenn Guerrini, Vice President, Executive Auto Specialist, Risk Engineering Services, Chubb, as NETS Board Chairperson for 2024 and 2025 following a successful one-year elected term as Board Vice Chairperson. Chubb has been a NETS Board Member since 1998. Guerrini succeeds Gabriel Kardos, Global Director, Office and Road Safety, Johnson & Johnson, who served two years as NETS Chairman of the Board, and who was instrumental in furthering NETS’ global reach through private sector organizations to address international road safety issues and challenges.

“Chubb has a long history with the NETS organization, and I’m deeply honored and thrilled to take on the role of the next Board Chairperson.”

With over 29 years of experience in the insurance industry, including 25 years at Chubb, Guerrini leads Risk Engineering Services activities in North America and global initiatives in support of Chubb Commercial auto underwriting strategies. Guerrini is accountable for the quality of RES Commercial Auto evaluations including the development of standards that are used to assess exposures and controls.

“Jenn Guerrini has shown exemplary leadership during the past year as NETS Vice Chair and will continue to lead NETS’ initiatives and programs as Board Chairperson through Chubb’s on-going support of NETS and our road safety mission,” said Susan Hipp, Executive Director of NETS. “Jenn brings innovative ideas and a wealth of experience to NETS and understands the impact NETS and our private sector members can have on advancing global road safety efforts. I know she will lead NETS efforts in the next couple of years to make road safety an employer priority—one that focuses on all employees, their families and the communities where the employees live and work.”

“Chubb has a long history with the NETS organization, and I’m deeply honored and thrilled to take on the role of the next Board Chairperson,” said Guerrini. “It is the highlight of my career to lead NETS alongside Susan. My commitment lies in leveraging my experience to elevate road safety globally, ensuring fleets operate with the highest levels of safety.”

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)(3) employer-led organization public/private partnership. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job. NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board member companies include Acertus, Chubb NA, Consolidated Edison, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Lockton, State Farm, Toyota NA, UPS, and USIC. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. More information on NETS membership and fleet safety resources can be found at www.trafficsafety.org.

Contacts

Susan Hipp, NETS’ Executive Director
nets@trafficsafety.org
+1(703)755-5350

Chubb logo

Chubb’s Jenn Guerrini Named NETS Board Vice Chairperson for 2023 and Board Chairperson for 2024

VIENNA, Va.– The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce the election of Jenn Guerrini, Vice President, Executive Auto Specialist, Risk Engineering Services, Chubb, as NETS Board Vice Chairperson for 2023. Following the Vice Chair position, Guerrini will then assume the role of NETS Board Chairperson starting in 2024 for a two-year term. Chubb has been a longstanding NETS Board Member since 1998.

“I look forward to continuing to work with NETS and its partners to consistently bring to employers high-value resources to improve their company’s road safety performance.”

With over 28 years of experience in the insurance industry and over 24 years at Chubb NA, Guerrini leads Risk Engineering Services activities and global initiatives in the support of Chubb Commercial Auto underwriting strategies. In her current role as Executive Commercial Auto Specialist, Guerrini is accountable for the quality of RES Commercial Auto evaluations including the development of standards that are used to assess exposures and controls.

“I am delighted that Jenn Guerrini will continue Chubb’s on-going support of NETS and our road safety mission as she assumes the new Board Vice Chair in 2023 and Chair position in 2024,” said Susan Hipp, Executive Director of NETS. “Jenn brings energy and experience to NETS and understands the important role employers can play in making our roads safer. I know she will lead NETS efforts during the next several years to make road safety an employer priority—one that focuses on all employees, their families and the communities where the employees live and work.”

“Chubb has a long history with the NETS organization, and I’m honored and excited to serve as Board Vice Chair and ultimately Board Chair,” said Guerrini. “I look forward to continuing to work with NETS and its partners to consistently bring to employers high-value resources to improve their company’s road safety performance.”

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 employer-led organization public/private partnership. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board member companies include Acertus, Chubb NA, Consolidated Edison, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, State Farm, Toyota NA, USIC, and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

Contacts

Susan Hipp, NETS’ Executive Director
nets@trafficsafety.org
+1(703)755-5350

USIC - US Infrastructure Company logo

USIC LLC Joins The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Board of Directors

VIENNA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce that USIC LLC has joined the organization’s Board of Directors.

Performing over 80 million locates annually, USIC is the most trusted name in underground utility damage prevention. USIC also provides a full suite of utility services throughout the United States and in Canada. USIC’s mission is to deliver quality, efficient, safe, and innovative solutions to protect their partners’ infrastructure and critical assets.

“The Board of Directors welcomes USIC Board Representative Tom Karnowski, USIC Vice President of Environment, Health and Safety, to NETS,” said Gabriel Kardos, NETS Chairman of the Board of Directors and Global Director, Office and Road Safety, Johnson & Johnson. “USIC has been an active member of NETS with a shared commitment to advancing road safety among all drivers, employees and their families, and communities where employees live and work. Collectively, the NETS Board of Directors could not be more pleased, and we look forward to collaborating with Tom as we work to reduce risk and save lives.”

Tom, who joined USIC in 2016, has an extensive background in environment, health and safety leadership and is a highly decorated, retired U.S. Navy submarine officer. “USIC has benefited significantly from benchmarking and sharing knowledge with fellow NETS members,” Tom stated. “I look forward to the opportunity this role provides to increase USIC’s participation in NETS’ impactful leadership of traffic safety and to the inherent value it will add for USIC’s safety program.”

NETS’ Board of Directors members are comprised of public and private sector leaders with a commitment to road safety. They are senior level leaders who promote NETS’ mission and represent businesses and organizations that have created a proactive safety culture by promoting traffic safety policies and awareness activities in their workplaces.

Established in 1989, NETS board of director companies are recognized in the U.S. and around the world for advancing road safety. USIC joins current board members Acertus, Chubb, Consolidated Edison, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, State Farm, Toyota North America, and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on and off-the-job.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

Contacts

Susan Gillies, NETS’ Executive Director
nets@trafficsafety.org
+1(703)755-5350

NETS logo for forum

Susan Gillies, NETS Marketing and Operations Director, Named New Executive Director of NETS

VIENNA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Board of Directors of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), the public-private partnership dedicated exclusively to reducing traffic crashes both on- and off-the-job, has announced the selection of Susan Gillies, the current Marketing and Operations Director, as its new Executive Director. Gillies will fill the vacancy created by current Executive Director Joseph McKillips who will be retiring from the organization at year end. McKillips has held the role since 2016 after a distinguished 26-year career with Abbott as Global Director of Commercial Environmental Health and Safety. During McKillips tenure as NETS Executive Director, he led a wide range of transformative initiatives with the overall focus aimed at positioning NETS for continued growth to include streamlining back-office operations, continuing NETS/NHTSA project collaboration, and creating momentum for on-going expansion of NETS mission.

McKillips also led a full re-structuring of the NETS membership model, directed the overhaul and enhancement of the NETS Strength IN Numbers® Benchmark process, and was the catalyst for expansion into international markets, spearheading two successful Latin America Regional Road Safety conferences and firmly establishing NETS as a leading resource in the global road safety space.

The selection of Gillies to the position was made after a detailed search of both internal and external candidates. Prior to coming to NETS eight years ago, Gillies held various roles at the Department of Veterans Affairs including Claims Examiner, Program Analyst, Management Analyst and Human Resource Coordinator, and Supervisory Veterans Service Representative. During her time with NETS, Gillies has been the Project Lead on the annual Strength IN Numbers® Benchmark report; participated in multiple international meetings and events including NETS Latin America Road Safety Conferences and United Nations Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC) meetings; has overseen all marketing and customer service aspects of NETS; and has assisted in providing financial oversight and strategic planning for the organization.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue my passion for NETS and our mission of advancing road safety among occupational drivers, their families, and communities in which they live. I look forward to building upon the momentum and growth established by outgoing Executive Director, Joe McKillips, as we strive to prevent traffic crashes by developing programs and services to reach employers across the U.S. and internationally,” said Gillies.

As Executive Director, Gillies will work closely with the NETS Board of Directors to implement the strategic direction of the organization by expanding NETS international scope and adding to NETS’ portfolio of road safety resources. Gillies officially begins her new post on October 1, 2021.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership organization with a dedicated group of employer road safety professionals whose objective is to advance road safety for employees, their family members and members of the communities where they live and work. Members collaborate to improve road safety and reduce losses through fleet safety benchmarking and sharing proven, best practice approaches. NETS membership includes global traffic safety leaders across private industry and government, whose fleets range from fewer than 100 vehicles to those with more than 50,000.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021 – 2030 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

Contacts

Susan Gillies, NETS Executive Director
NETS@trafficsafety.org
+1(703)755-5350

State Farm Logo

State Farm Joins NETS Board of Directors

Vienna, VA – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce State Farm Insurance has joined the organization’s Board of Directors.

State Farm, the largest insurer of cars and homes in the US, has been at the forefront of auto safety efforts for decades. The company employs 57,500 employees and 19,200 independent contractor agents who service 85 million policies and accounts throughout the U.S.

“The Board of Directors welcomes State Farm Board representatives Scott Winn, Small Business Insurance Loss Control Administrator, and Liz Pulver, Transportation Safety Research Senior Program Manager, to NETS,” said Terry Thomas, NETS Board Chair and Global Director of Health & Safety Technology Solutions, UPS. “State Farm is a well-recognized brand that has a long history as a safety pioneer since being founded in 1922 through their efforts to protect customers and communities from the risks of everyday life at home and on the road. Collectively, the NETS Board of Directors could not be more pleased, and we look forward to collaborating with Scott and Liz as we work to reduce risk and save lives.”

“State Farm is excited to join NETS’ Board of Directors and looks forward to partnering with other respected companies to improve road safety for employees and motorists,” Scott Winn said. “Our commitment to the safety of all road users drives State Farm leadership participation in organizations like NETS,” Liz Pulver added.

NETS’ Board of Directors members are comprised of public and private sector leaders with a commitment to road safety. They are senior level leaders who promote NETS’ mission and represent businesses and organizations that have created a proactive safety culture by promoting traffic safety policies and awareness activities in their workplaces.

Established in 1989, NETS board of director companies are recognized in the U.S. and around the world for advancing road safety. State Farm joins current board members Acertus, Chubb, Consolidated Edison, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Toyota North America, and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on and off-the-job.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org

Driven to Wellness

NETS Upcoming DSWW Wellness Campaign Featured

NETS upcoming Drive Safely Work Week® campaign focused on wellness was featured recently in Fleet Management Weekly. The full article may be found here: https://www.fleetmanagementweekly.com/link-between-driver-wellness-and-safety-is-the-focus-of-nets-drive-safely-work-week/

a blur of traffic speeding by

Speakers and Agenda Announced for NETS Annual Conference

August 22, 2019

VIENNA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce the full agenda and lineup of speakers for its upcoming annual conference. The conference will take place October 9th and 10th at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

NETS annual conference is an opportunity to share road safety case studies, new research, and emerging issues with employer road safety peers. Conference participants include companies from diverse industries, representing a collective global fleet of more than half-a-million vehicles that travel nearly 11 billion miles annually.

This year’s conference agenda and topic selection is shaping up to be one of NETS most comprehensive on record. NEW this year will be an exclusive learning “track” for individuals who carry responsibilities for heavy good vehicles (HGV) as part of their organization’s supply chain. Also planned is a unique panel of speakers representing some of the world’s foremost automotive OEMS who will be addressing vehicle design and technology advancements which is sure to resonate with employer safety and fleet management professionals alike.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with NETS sponsors who will be on-site for the duration of the event.

Keynote presenters include:

  • Honorable Bruce Landsberg, Vice Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): NTSB’s “Most Wanted List” — Road Safety Challenges and Future Solutions
  • Sergio Rojas, Holistic Health Coach, Functional Movement Specialist and Certified Nutrition Specialist: Integrating Wellness Initiatives into Your Employee Road Safety Program, Including Real World Cost Implications
  • David L. Harkey, President Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute: Vehicle Technology in an Ever-changing Fleet World, Including the Latest OEM Technology Advances
  • Faye Caldwell, Attorney at Law, Caldwell Everson PLLC: Employer Cannabis Legalization and Policy Development: A Best Practice Employer Road Map

To review the agenda and full speaker lineup, visit https://trafficsafety.org/conference-2/nets-annual-strength-in-numbers-fleet-safety-benchmark-conference/

To find out more about the conference and to register, visit https://trafficsafety.org/conference-2/

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership organization with a dedicated group of employer road safety professionals whose objective is to advance road safety for employees, their family members and members of the communities where they live and work. Members collaborate to improve road safety and reduce losses through fleet safety benchmarking and sharing proven, best practice approaches. NETS membership includes global traffic safety leaders across private industry and government, whose fleets range from fewer than 100 vehicles to those with more than 50,000.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 – 2020 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

Contacts

Joseph McKillips, NETS Executive Director 
NETS@trafficsafety.org 
+1(703)755-5350

Latin America Conference

NETS Announces First Ever Regional Satellite Conference

Did You Know?

Latin America Traffic Safety Statistics

  • Over 150,000 fatalities occur in the Region of the Americas each year representing 12% of the road traffic deaths worldwide.
  • In Costa Rica, over 70% of all traffic related deaths in 2017 involved pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcycle drivers.
  • In Brasil, there are 433,000 collisions per year and 5.1 deaths per hour.3
  • In Mexico, the cost of traffic crashes represents 1.7% of the country’s GDP.4  

_________________________________________________________________

NETS is holding its first ever Regional Satellite Conference in Latin America April 2-3, 2019 in San Jose, Costa Rica at the Intercontinental Hotel. Conference registration and hotel information, as well as preliminary agenda, coming soon!

Whether you are responsible for leading an international road safety program or managing a fleet of vehicles, you know that spreading safe driving messages to drivers in Latin America represents unique challenges.
 
What if you had an opportunity to learn and share best practices and solutions across industries with other fleet safety managers who face similar challenges?  
 
Conference speakers will include:
 
  • NETS member organizations who operate in the region
  • Local road safety advocates
  • Government officials (invited)
  • Latin America NCAP (invited)
This inaugural event represents a valuable opportunity to learn about the variety of road safety initiatives and challenges specific to the region, and to share your own experiences.
 
NETS Sponsors will also have an opportunity to contribute with presentations of innovative approaches and technologies as well as exhibit space to highlight new technologies. 
 
The best solutions are the ones that come from open collaboration with your fellow road safety professionals through our shared experiences. 
 
Additional information is forthcoming. Mark your calendar now to join us!
Toyota

Toyota Joins NETS Board of Directors

VIENNA, VA  –The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce Toyota Motor North America has joined the organization’s Board of Directors.

Toyota’s continuous improvement philosophy drives its investment of $1.0M per hour on research and development for advancements in all areas of engineering and safety. Toyota and its subsidiaries globally produce more than 10 million vehicles per year. In North America alone, Toyota annually produces nearly 2 million vehicles and continues to be an industry leader in its commitment to building safe vehicles.

“With 10 manufacturing facilities, over 1200 dealerships and 137,000 Toyota and dealership personnel working across the U.S., Toyota looks forward to collaborating with NETS to help further that commitment to safety for its customers and society as a whole,” said Dave Depew, General Manager of Fleet Sales at Toyota Motor North America.

“The Board of Directors welcomes Toyota, in particular their Board representatives Tom DeLuise and Dave Depew, to NETS,” said Brian Sambirsky, NETS Board Chair and GM Land Logistics Safety, Shell. “Toyota is a global brand that is passionate about improving road safety for drivers and other road users. Collectively, the NETS Board of Directors could not be more pleased, and we look forward to collaborating with Tom and Dave as we work to reduce risk and save lives.”

NETS’ Board of Directors members are comprised of public and private sector leaders with a commitment to road safety. They are senior level leaders who promote NETS’ mission and represent businesses and organizations that have created a proactive safety culture by promoting traffic safety policies and awareness activities in their workplaces.

Established in 1989, NETS board of director companies are recognized in the U.S. and around the world for advancing road safety. Toyota joins current board members Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, The Coca-Cola Company, Chubb, Consolidated Edison, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on and off-the-job.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

Brian Sambirsky Named New NETS Chairperson

VIENNA, VA  –The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce the election of Brian Sambirsky, General Manager, Downstream Road Safety for Shell, as NETS Board Chairperson for 2018 and 2019. Sambirsky replaces Dane Bremer Director, Corporate Safety & Global Business Continuity for Liberty Mutual, following a successful two-year term. Shell has been a NETS board member company since 2012, with Sambirsky serving as their representative since 2015.

In his 23-year career, Sambirsky has held roles in Projects, Operations and HSSE. In his current role with Shell, he is accountable for supporting all Downstream Class of Business road safety needs. “Shell is very aligned with the NETS mission to advance road safety for employees, their family members and the communities where they live and work. I am honored to serve as the NETS Chair, and I look forward to working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors in the journey to zero road fatalities,” said Sambirsky.

“The leadership, support and overall commitment to Road Safety displayed by Shell is known to many, and Brian will be a tremendous asset to our organization in his role as the NETS Chairperson for the next two years. Brian’s insights into the Shell business combined with his deep understanding and passion for road safety initiatives – both within the U.S. as well as globally will be instrumental in helping shape the future of our organization,” said Joe McKillips, Executive Director of NETS.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on and off-the-job.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

Con Edison Joins The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Board of Directors

May 23, 2017

Vienna, VA – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce Consolidated Edison of New York (Con Edison) has joined the organization’s Board of Directors.

Con Edison’s fleet encompasses diverse functions, in diverse vehicles, in both urban and rural New York environments. The company serves more than 3 million customers in an extremely populous 660 square miles making up the city of New York.  It also serves more than 300,000 additional customers spread out over 1,350 square miles in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Con Edison’s road safety program focuses on measuring performance and improving safety through a combination of policies, expectations, rewards and interventions, communication and awareness, and oversight and measurement. A core component of the program is the focus on outcome-based metrics, with the assumption that all vehicle crashes are preventable. 

“Safety and operational excellence are at the core of everything we do to meet our customers’ energy needs, and roadway safety is no exception,” said Gregg Slintak, Con Edison’s Director of Safety, Industrial Hygiene, and Fire Prevention. “Our dense urban driving environment demands unwavering focus, as well as strong commitment to the pursuit of continuous improvement. We’re pleased to join NETS Board of Directors and look forward to partnering with others in the broader mission to improve roadway safety for all users.”

“The Board of Directors extends a warm welcome to Con Edison and Gregg Slintak,” said Dane Bremer, NETS Board Chair and Director, Employee Safety & Global Business Continuity, Liberty Mutual. “Always innovating and working to improve road safety for their employees and the public, Con Edison brings additional diversity and Utility sector representation to the board. Collectively, we could not be more pleased and look forward to collaborating as we work to reduce risk and save lives.”

NETS’ Board of Directors members are comprised of public and private sector leaders with a commitment to road safety. They are senior level leaders who promote NETS’ mission and represent businesses and organizations that have created a proactive safety culture by promoting traffic safety policies and awareness activities in their workplaces.

Established in 1989, NETS board of director companies are recognized in the U.S. and around the world for advancing road safety. Consolidated Edison joins current board members Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, The Coca-Cola Company, Chubb, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on and off-the-job. 

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org

###

Contact:

Joseph McKillips, NETS Executive Director
jmckillips@trafficsafety.org
(703)755-5350

Global NCAP Fleet Safety Open Day at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

NETS partners with Global NCAP to host Fleet Safety Open Day at IIHS

November 10, 2016

The 2016 Global New Car Assessment Programme’s (NCAP) Annual Meeting was held October 26 -28 at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Vehicle Research Center (VRC) near Charlottesville, Virginia.  The Annual Meeting featured a Fleet Safety Open Day (agenda: global-ncap-agenda-demo-map) organized in association with the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS.)

Joe McKillips, NETS Executive Director, moderated an employer panel of fleet safety leaders with drivers operating around the world, who have committed to transitioning to the application of NCAP four and five-star ratings for all of their light duty vehicles.  The panel consisted of representatives from NETS board member companies Shell and Johnson & Johnson, NETS member company DuPont, BHP Billiton and the director of the Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Transport (EASST.)

“The common theme among panelists was that the foundation for their fleet safety program is a focus on driver behavior combined with management engagement and putting drivers in the safest vehicles available,” said McKillips.  “A key component of this best practice is collaboration between fleet safety and fleet procurement– but we’ve found that all-too-often, those two areas are operating independently.  An important goal of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, of which NETS is a partner, is to get all employers, domestic and multi-national, to choose five-star vehicles wherever possible when purchasing for their fleet drivers and never less than four stars.  Getting company safety leaders working together with fleet procurement is critical to this mission.”

In accordance with the event, Global NCAP released the 2016-2017 update to its Fleet Safety Guidelines and Safer Car Purchasing Policy. global-ncap-fleet-safety-guide

Following the panel discussion, the Fleet Safety Open Day included crash-avoidance technology demonstrations, the opportunity for attendees to drive vehicles with the latest safety features and a live car-to-car crash test.  The crash test involved two vehicles from the same manufacturer– one with a Good (or five-star equivalent) rating sold in the U.S. and the other with a 0-star rating, sold in Mexico.

“In the Versa, a modern vehicle sold in the U.S., we have a driver who probably walks away from the crash,” said Adrian Lund, President of the IIHS, in a video following the crash test. “In the Tsuru, we have a driver who is in all likelihood, dead from the crash.”  On the day preceding the crash test, Nissan announced it would stop production of the Tsuru by May 2017.

NETS is grateful to the IIHS for hosting this important event and is proud to partner with Global NCAP in its mission to encourage the manufacture of safer cars across the global automotive market and to position company managers to buy the safest vehicles for fleet drivers worldwide.

Video links in case they don’t open:

https://www.facebook.com/globalncap/videos/1373653689320473/

 

Panel Discussion Presentations can be accessed by NETS members under “Members Only” once you are logged in at this link: Global NCAP Fleet Safety Open Day at IIHS

 

Pictures from Fleet Safety Open Day

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NETS’ 2016 STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® Conference Concludes with Record Attendance

More than 170 fleet safety professionals came together October 12-13 for the NETS’ STRENGTH in NUMBERS® Benchmark Conference held this year in Orlando, Florida.  The conference convenes each year to review the results of NETS’ annual STRENGTH in NUMBERS® Fleet Safety Benchmark Report, as well as to hear about featured road safety case studies, new research, emerging issues, and projects that are underway.  The group has grown every year since the inaugural conference took place in 2007 with record-setting attendance during this year’s event.  Member companies come from diverse industries including pharmaceutical, oil and gas, food and beverage, insurance, utilities, manufacturing and more and represent a collective global fleet of more than half-a-million vehicles (approximately 80 percent passenger vehicles) that travel nearly 11 billion miles annually.  This year’s conference was also opened to non-member companies with fleet vehicles for the first time.

The 2016 conference agenda included a diverse group of speakers from academia, global private-sector companies, performance management consulting firms, as well as a keynote address from Dr. Bella Dinh-Zarr, Vice-Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.  Dr. Dinh-Zarr praised NETS on its leadership and boldness in spearheading many safety efforts. “We can’t overstate the influence of employers, not only on your employees, but on the entire community,” she said.

Presentations showcased successes in workplace road safety with several case studies highlighting employers that are using technology solutions ranging from telematics to collision avoidance features to “gamification” to advance the safety of their fleets.  In addition to the diverse agenda designed to stimulate discussion among the attendees, the opportunity to network with other fleet safety professionals has consistently been cited as a valued benefit of conference attendance.

“One of our members said it best—if you have a fleet safety challenge, the answer is in this room,” said Joe McKillips, NETS Executive Director.  “The NETS membership is an incredible network of fleet safety professionals—many of whom are competitors in the marketplace.  But under the NETS umbrella, we’re all working toward the same objective and that is to keep our employees, their family members and members of the communities in which we all operate safe on the roads.”

With the growth of the group, NETS has seen its members in like-industry sectors begin to organize their own meetings in the days leading up to the conference so they can further benchmark and learn from each other.  McKillips adds, “The willingness within this group to allow others in the same or similar business to leverage promising approaches in safety demonstrates what has become a NETS mantra—fleet safety is NOT a competitive advantage.  We’re all in this together.”

Members attending the conference and the membership at large will have access to the conference presentations in the Members Only section of the NETS website.  If you are interested in becoming a NETS member, or would like to receive additional information, please contact Susan Gillies, Marketing and Operations Analysis Manager, at sgillies@trafficsafety.org.

Employers Have Important Role in Reducing Traffic Fatalities and Injuries

NETS’ Drive Safely Work Week™ 2016 Kicks off Today

dsww2016-release

Vienna, Va.— The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) today kicked off its 2016 Drive Safely Work Week™ campaign, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the annual safe-driving initiative targeted to employers.  More than 2500 organizations representing approximately 13 million employees are set to take part in the week that promotes safe-driving education and awareness to all employees—company drivers and commuters alike.  The campaign comes on the heels of the announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that traffic fatalities in 2015 increased 7.2% over the previous year, the greatest percentage increase in 50 years.

Motor vehicle-related incidents remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the United States and are responsible for 1.6 million lost work days per year, with 90% attributed to traffic crashes that occur off the job.

“Employers have the opportunity to play an important role in reversing the recent increase in traffic fatalities,” said Joseph McKillips, Executive Director of NETS. “Driving is likely the riskiest thing any employee does on a daily basis. Taking the time to remind all drivers that they are the most important safety feature in their vehicle is good for the health and safety of employees, it’s good business sense and it’s the right thing to do.  The Drive Safely Work Week campaign gives employers off all sizes the opportunity to do just that.”

This year’s campaign is themed “Drowsy, Distracted or Focused—Your Decisions Drive Your Safety.” It calls on drivers to take a hard look at what they do behind the wheel, or before getting behind the wheel, that could be increasing their risk of a crash, starting with the significance of being well-rested.  The issues of drowsy driving, distracted driving, speeding and the importance of wearing a seat belt on every trip are emphasized.  NETS makes available a free toolkit that includes an interactive driver-risk assessment, graphics, social media posts, PowerPoint presentations and more that may be downloaded at: www.trafficsafety.org.  Campaign materials are not dated so organizations can use them at any time throughout the year.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 employer-led organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the NETS board of directors.

Joseph L. McKillips, CSP, Named New Executive Director of NETS

Vienna, Va.—The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), the public-private partnership dedicated exclusively to reducing traffic crashes both on and off the job, has announced the selection of Joseph McKillips as its new executive director. McKillips will fill the vacancy created by Jack Hanley’s retirement from the role he held since 2008. The selection was made following a nationwide search. McKillips has been a NETS Board of Directors member representing Abbott since 2008 and served as the NETS Board Chair for 2014 and 2015.

“On behalf of the NETS Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce this appointment,” said Dane Bremer, Director of Employee Safety and Global Business Continuity for Liberty Mutual, and NETS Board Chairperson. “Joe’s background and passion for road safety, as well as his long history with NETS as a corporate member, partner and leader make him a great fit for the position of NETS’ Executive Director.”

McKillips comes to NETS with more than 26 years of occupational health and safety experience across Abbott’s manufacturing, R&D and commercial business sectors with emphasis in the areas of process safety, loss prevention and global road safety. He was also a participating member of the ANSI/ASSE Z-15.1 Accredited Standards Committee on Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Fleet Operations. In addition to successfully leading the organization’s fleet safety programs, Joe led Abbott’s efforts to implement a comprehensive cell phone ban while driving in 2013. He also championed Abbott’s initiative to make road safety a component of its corporate social responsibility program through school-based road safety initiatives across India and helmet safety campaigns for children and families across Vietnam.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead NETS at this time and I am eager to continue my work with the many talented road safety professionals affiliated with the NETS organization.  I look forward to building upon the foundation established by outgoing Executive Director, Jack Hanley, as we strive to further develop programs and services to reach employers, not only across the U.S. but internationally, as well,” said McKillips.

As Executive Director, McKillips will work closely with the NETS Board of Directors to implement the strategic direction of the organization by growing the benchmark program and adding to NETS’ portfolio of road safety resources.  McKillips will officially begin his new post on September 23, 2016.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 employer-led organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

Drive Safely Work Week™ 2016 Toolkit Launched

NETS Says to Drivers: Your Decisions Drive Your Safety

Vienna, Va.— The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) today launched a free comprehensive online toolkit to help employers plan for Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW).  The October workplace campaign seeks to improve the safety of employees, employee family members and their communities.

The campaign theme this year is “Drowsy, Distracted or Focused—Your Decisions Drive Your Safety”. The free toolkit may be downloaded at: trafficsafety.org/dsww/dsww-2016-materials

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver behavior contributes to 94% of all traffic crashes. Campaign materials call on drivers—company drivers and commuters—to take a hard look at what they do behind the wheel (or before getting behind the wheel) that could be increasing their risk of a crash, starting with the importance of being well-rested.

A report issued by NETS earlier this year found traffic crashes cost employers more than $47 billion over the course of a year.  The cost was nearly equally split between crashes that occurred on-the-job and those that took place off-the-job.

The 2016 DSWW campaign’s daily areas of emphasis include:

  • The roles quality and quantity of sleep play in daily performance
  • Recognizing the signs and risk factors of drowsy driving
  • Prevalent behind-the-wheel behaviors that contribute to a large percentage of crashes
  • Dialing in on the dangers of mobile device use behind the wheel
  • Making the case for slowing down and buckling up

“The Drive Safely Work Week campaign is an opportunity for employers to address road safety with all employees, not just those in driving-focused roles,” said Dane Bremer, Director of Employee Safety & Global Business Continuity, Liberty Mutual and NETS Board Chair.  “Nearly 1.6 million days are lost from work due to traffic crashes and 90% of those are related to off-the-job crashes.  This campaign gives employers a ready-made resource to help keep all of their employees—and their families—safe on the roads.”

The campaign was developed using the expertise of NETS’ member companies, collectively representing a fleet of more than half a million vehicles that travel in excess of 12 billion miles globally each year. Actionable steps are provided to help drivers be at their best behind the wheel.

The free toolkit provides easy-to-use Web-based resources, including facts and tips, downloadable graphics, and activities tailored for each day of the campaign week. Also included are materials geared towards management to encourage the review of workplace processes and safe driving policies and guidelines.

About DSWW

Drive Safely Work Week is a corporate social responsibility initiative of NETS and it member companies. NETS draws from member practices used in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, utilities industries, consumer goods, and others to create materials intended for a diverse audience of public and private organizations of all sizes, targeted not just to business drivers, but all employees.

Held annually since 1996, Drive Safely Work Week is observed during the first week of October—this year October 3-7. However, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year. The DSWW 2016 toolkit can be downloaded at no cost via the NETS Website at trafficsafety.org/dsww/dsww-2016-materials

Dane Bremer named new chairperson of NETS

Vienna, Va. – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce the election of Dane Bremer, Director – Corporate Safety & Global Business Continuity for Liberty Mutual, as NETS Board Chairperson for 2016 and 2017. Bremer replaces Joe McKillips, Director, Commercial Program Support for Abbott Laboratories, following a successful two-year term. Liberty Mutual has been a NETS board member company since 1996, with Bremer as the representative since 2013.

In his 27 years with Liberty Mutual, Bremer has also held roles in Claims, Managed Care, Information Technology, and Reinsurance.  In his current role, he is responsible for implementing Liberty Mutual’s Safety and Environmental Health strategy company-wide, generating significant reductions in key injury and prevention metrics in recent years.

“Liberty Mutual has a long history with the NETS organization and I’m honored to serve as its chair.   I look forward to continuing to work with NETS and its partners to consistently bring to employers high-value resources to improve their company’s road safety performance,” said Bremer.

“I am grateful for Liberty Mutual’s long-standing support for NETS and its road safety mission and I am delighted that Dane will continue that tradition as NETS chairperson the next two years. Dane brings energy and experience to NETS and understands the important role employers can play in making our roads safer. I know he will lead NETS efforts to make road safety an employer priority—one that focuses on all employees, their families and the communities where the employees live and work,” said Jack Hanley, Executive Director of NETS.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 employer-led organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

NETS’ free electronic parent-teen driving guide now accompanied by two short introductory videos

Vienna, Va.- The Electronic Novice Driver’s Road Map (eNDRM™), developed by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) in partnership with Liberty Mutual, has assisted thousands of novice drivers in learning to drive. To make the eNDRM easier to use, and with support from the Coca-Cola Company, NETS has created two short videos. The first introduces the eNDRM and the second provides easy-to-follow instructions on its use. Both videos are available on YouTube. It’s suggested both be viewed before using the eNDRM.

eNDRM Instruction Video

eNDRM Instruction Video

eNDRM Introduction Video

eNDRM Introduction Video

The eNDRM is a free download available via the NETS website. It is a curriculum for parents or adult coaches to guide teens in the practice needed to become safe, focused drivers—as well as licensed in nearly all states. The interactive electronic guide is built around a series of eight drives that increase in complexity. Each includes a checklist of practice skills along with a set of detailed instructions and space to add notes. The practice sessions progress from driving in an empty parking lot to driving at night and in inclement weather. A log is included to track practice hours that updates with the time accrued after each entry, a useful tool to assist with graduated driver licensing requirements.

Developed and reviewed by a team of experts and tested by teens and parents, The Novice Driver’s Road Map® includes information on the latest challenges facing young drivers, specifically the dangers of distracted driving. A Coach’s Game Book™ accompanies the eNDRM and provides tips on how to be a good role model, establishing rules and other vital information on the learning-to-drive process.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 employer-led organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

Lack of Seat Belt Use Costs U.S. Employers $5 Billion; Drives Up Medical Bills

Employer Program Boosted Seat Belt Use by 30 percent in Pilot Location

Vienna, Va.—U.S. employers are collectively spending an extra $5 billion per year on traffic crashes involving employees who did not wear a seat belt while driving or riding as a passenger, whether they were on the job or off.  This is according to a report released by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS). The same report finds that medical costs paid by employers per employee injured in a crash were nearly double in on-the-job crashes where the employee was not wearing a seat belt and increased by a third for off-the-job crashes.

Nationwide, the seat belt usage rate is 88.5 percent. However, in states with no seat belt law or a secondary law (meaning you can’t be pulled over for not wearing a seat belt unless another infraction is also committed), the average usage rate falls to 78.6%.

“It’s likely most think getting people to buckle up is a problem that has been solved.  But this report makes it clear that seat belts still go unbuckled, resulting in significant costs to employers,” said Jack Hanley, NETS’ Executive Director. “In addition to implementing seat belt policies for occupational drivers, employers should take time to encourage all employees to buckle up whether they are on the job or off.  The two seconds it takes to buckle a seat belt reduces the chance of injury or death in the event of a crash by almost half.  There really is no better return on investment.”

2 seconds 2 click campaign logoTo help employers improve seat belt usage among employees and, in turn, reduce the human and financial toll of traffic crashes on the workplace, NETS has developed a free online toolkit called 2seconds2click.

The toolkit includes a communication plan for a 6-week worksite seat belt usage campaign and is accompanied by a full suite of employee-engagement materials.  These include a kick-off presentation with speaker notes, a series of posters, handouts and activities, as well as instructions and materials to assist in conducting direct observation surveys at the start and completion of the campaign to measure results.

The 2seconds2click toolkit was developed in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and requires minimal resources—in terms of time or dollars—to implement. The toolkit materials were piloted by Coca-Cola Refreshments at its Bismarck ND site, where observed seat belt usage increased from a baseline 54 percent to 84 percent over a 6-week period. Coca-Cola Refreshments is a unit of The Coca-Cola Company, a NETS board member.

“We are grateful to Coca-Cola Refreshments for partnering with us on this initiative and are very encouraged by the results observed at its site in North Dakota.  This is especially so because the demographics of its workforce—primarily young adult males—can be a tough audience to influence when it comes to seat belt use.  This toolkit will result in more employees wearing seat belts, thus extending employee safety beyond the doors of the workplace,” adds Hanley.  The 2seconds2click workplace seat belt usage improvement campaign may be accessed at no charge via www.2seconds2click.org.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 employer-led organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

New Report Shows Traffic Crashes Cost Employers $47.4 Billion In 2013

The new report, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, highlights ways businesses can help save lives and money through roadway safety education in the workplace

WASHINGTON- Protecting employees from motor vehicles crashes could be a profitable investment for U.S. businesses, according to a new report released today by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS). In 2013, U.S. traffic crashes cost employers $47.4 billion in direct crash-related expenses, which includes medical care, liability, lost productivity and property damage. The study showed that employers could control costs by promoting safe driving habits, including seat belt usage and the elimination of speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving, whether or not employees are on the clock.

The study was funded by the U.S. DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and updates a 2002 study, titled the Economic Burden of Traffic Crashes on Employers.

“The consequences of traffic crashes are far reaching. It’s a domino effect that negatively impacts individuals, families, communities and businesses,” said Dr. Mark Rosekind, NHTSA Administrator. “It is critical that individuals make safe choices. Driving behavior change in traffic safety is something NHTSA is exploring through a series of regional summits. We hope employers will join us and look at this report as a motivator to help save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.”

The report shows that more than 1.6 million work days were lost due to traffic crashes, with nearly 90 percent of those days attributed to crashes that occurred off the job, involving employees and/or their dependents. The report details the costs to employers of traffic crashes occurring on and off the job associated with driver behavior.

Speeding resulted in $8.4 billion in crash-related expenses, with distracted driving close behind, at $8.2 billion. Driving under the influence of alcohol resulted in $6.0 billion in losses and not wearing a seat belt added $4.9 billion to the total. In addition, the report finds that medical costs paid by employers per employee injured in a crash were nearly double in on-the-job crashes where the employee was not wearing a seat belt and increased by a third for off-the-job crashes. Click here for an Infographic of the findings.

“When people think of the human and financial impact of traffic crashes on the workplace, they think about company car drivers,” said Jack Hanley, Executive Director of NETS. “This new report is an eye-opener. It shows that employers bear the crash costs of all their employees, not just their company drivers. Investing in road safety is good business and today’s report provides employers with a blueprint for developing business cases in support of employee road safety.”

In tandem with the new report, NETS is introducing a free toolkit to help employers encourage employees to wear a seat belt. The toolkit was piloted by Coca-Cola Refreshments at its Bismarck ND site, where observed seat belt usage increased from a baseline 54 percent to 84 percent over a 6-week period. Coca-Cola Refreshments is a unit of The Coca-Cola Company, a NETS board member. All the materials used are available in the toolkit and require minimal time and cost to conduct an all-employee site-wide seat belt usage improvement campaign. The free toolkit is available at 2seconds2click.org. NETS also offers at no charge The Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety™ for employers with occupational drivers—available via its website at trafficsafety.org.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 employer-led organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

NETS Presented with Royal Award for Contributions to Global Road Safety

During a special ceremony on November 17, preceding the 2nd Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety in Brasilia, HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO presented his prestigious international road safety award to the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), a global NGO.

The award recognized the organization’s contribution to global workplace road safety. Each year, nearly 1.3 million people are killed on roads worldwide, and up to 50 million more are injured. More than one quarter of all fatal road traffic crashes are work-related, according to the World Health Organization.

NETS received the award in recognition of its outstanding work over a number of years which culminated in the development and distribution of The Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety™, a widely available guide designed to aid employers with fleets of any size at various stages of road safety program development. This includes those who are preparing to initiate a program, in the early stages of policy and program development or managing more mature road safety management systems and interventions. The Guide is made available free of charge, in 22 languages via www.trafficsafety.org.

The Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety™ is unique in that it brings to one document the best road safety programs available from the public, private and NGO sectors. The Guide was written with the assistance of NETS’ Board of Directors, drawing from their companies’ road safety best practices. It also incorporates information gathered by NETS’ STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® Road Safety Benchmark members, representing more than 100 companies with fleet operations in 153 countries. The Guide supports the goals of the Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020, the global World Health Organization-led initiative to improve road safety around the world.

Each year the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award publicly recognizes the most outstanding achievements and innovations designed to improve road safety.

Prince Michael presented his award to Jack Hanley, Executive Director of NETS.

Congratulating the winner, Prince Michael said: “The contribution made by the members of NETS within their own businesses is magnificent and I applaud them for going one step further by reaching out in this way.”

Jack Hanley, NETS Executive Director, said, “NETS is grateful to HRH Prince Michael and the selection committee for the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award. NETS is honored to receive it. Through its efforts with its board of directors and member companies, NETS works with employers around the world to improve the road safety of company drivers, all employees and the communities where the employees live and work. With thousands of downloads since its launch, The Guide is a key component of this strategy.”

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector. NETS’ mission is to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, deaths and costs around the world. To this end, NETS is committed to outreach—providing road safety materials electronically and free of charge. Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. To download The Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety™ and for more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

About Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards

Initiated in 1987 by the Prince himself, the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards are presented to individuals, companies or organizations in recognition of their outstanding contribution to improving road safety. www.roadsafetyawards.com.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent is Royal Patron of The Commission for Global Road Safety.

Spectra Energy Presented with the NETS Road Safety Achievement Award

Vienna, Va. – Spectra Energy is the recipient of the inaugural NETS Road Safety Achievement Award.  The award was presented at NETS’ 9th annual STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® Fleet Safety Benchmark Conference in Chicago, Ill., October 14.  Kevin P. Wright, manager, corporate environment, health and safety, accepted the award on behalf of Spectra Energy, one of North America’s leading pipeline and midstream companies.

Motor vehicle crashes are consistently the leading cause of death in the workplace.  The NETS Road Safety Achievement Award recognizes a member company for advancing the road safety of its employees, their families and the communities where employees live and work.

Spectra Energy received the award for its “Driven 2B Safe” program, implemented over a four-year period.  Starting in 2011, with leadership support, the company provided resources and assembled a team that spanned the organization, including members from the communications, operations, health and safety, fleet, project management, human resources, and labor relations groups.  Spectra Energy also benchmarked other NETS member companies, across industries, to identify areas for improvement and subsequent implementation.

“Driven 2B Safe” has three main components: Branding and organizational focus, training, and the use of telematics technology to provide drivers with immediate feedback following a high-risk driving act.  Since the program’s implementation, the preventable collision rate has dropped 36 percent across the Spectra Energy organization, which manages a fleet of approximately 2,500 vehicles, most of which are light duty.

“Our singular objective throughout the process of implementing ‘Driven 2B Safe’ was, and continues to be, safety above all else. We want our employees to get home safely at the end of each day,” said Paul Rietdyk, vice president, engineering, construction and storage and transmission operations at Union Gas, a Spectra Energy company. “During the program’s development phase, we had the invaluable opportunity to work with fleet safety professionals from other organizations. We identified a number of best practices used by other companies and applied them to our program. We wrapped these proven initiatives together in a way that integrated communications and change management with training and technology. Applying the best of what others do today has allowed us to be successful.”

“We were pleased to receive a field of nine very competitive submissions from NETS member companies, all advancing road safety within their respective organizations,” said Jack Hanley, NETS’ Executive Director. “Spectra Energy’s program stood out because it was a long-term project with significant leadership engagement that combined people, processes and technology. It was also an excellent demonstration of what can be accomplished when you look outside of your own organization to learn from others.”

About Spectra Energy

Spectra Energy Corp (NYSE: SE), a FORTUNE 500 company, is one of North America’s leading pipeline and midstream companies. Based in Houston, Texas, the company’s operations in the United States and Canada include more than 22,000 miles of natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil pipelines; approximately 300 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas storage; 4.8 million barrels of crude oil storage; as well as natural gas gathering, processing, and local distribution operations. Spectra Energy is the general partner of Spectra Energy Partners (NYSE: SEP), one of the largest pipeline master limited partnerships in the United States and owner of the natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil assets in Spectra Energy’s U.S. portfolio. Spectra Energy also has a 50 percent ownership in DCP Midstream, the largest producer of natural gas liquids and the largest natural gas processor in the United States. Spectra Energy has served North American customers and communities for more than a century. For more information, visit www.spectraenergy.com and www.spectraenergypartners.com.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. The NETS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® road safety benchmarking program brings together socially responsible companies in a collaborative spirit prepared to compare findings and share what they’ve learned. The program is for all types of companies and organizations— large or small, U.S. or global, public or private.  NETS Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

NETS: Off-the-Job Traffic Crashes Pose Significant Costs to Employers

NETS’ Drive Safely Work Week campaign kicks off today

Vienna, Va. —When many think of the human and financial impact of traffic crashes on the workplace, they think about company car drivers. But the last published report of Cost of Motor Vehicle Crashes to Employers—2015™ shows that, in crashes resulting in injury, there is a nearly 1:1 ratio of the cost of on-the-job crashes to the cost of off-the-job crashes1—those that take place outside of work hours that also include non-company vehicle driver-employees and their dependents. The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), a public-private partnership dedicated to reducing the human and economic toll of traffic crashes, is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on an update to the report. Preliminary findings show that the trend has continued.

During Drive Safely Work Week, which kicked off today and runs through October 9, NETS is calling on employers to consider the safety of ALL employees when behind the wheel. To make participation in the campaign easy, NETS provides a free toolkit, available on its website that includes sample email blasts, graphics, social media posts, PowerPoint presentations and more.

“During Drive Safely Work Week, we encourage employers to extend safe-driving awareness beyond company drivers to all employees and, ideally, to employee family members, as well,” said Joe McKillips, Chairperson of NETS, and Director, Commercial Environment, Health & Safety for the global healthcare company Abbott. “Regardless of occupation, driving is quite likely the riskiest thing anyone does on a daily basis. Taking the opportunity to communicate to all employees the importance of wearing seat belts and stowing mobile devices while driving, for example, is not just the right thing for employers to do, it also makes good business sense.”

The campaign theme this year is “#PlanAhead—Your Key to Driving Safely.” Campaign materials underscore that planning may be the most critical leg of any driving trip, whether the trip takes place on the job or off. Among other topics, materials cover the importance of planning for travel that takes place in unfamiliar territory and remind employers that they carry risks and liabilities similar to company-vehicle drivers for any employee who drives a personal or rental vehicle for business purposes.

Throughout the year, NETS works with its member companies, all of which operate fleets of light duty or heavy duty vehicles, to benchmark their fleet safety programs and share best practices for continuous improvement. NETS members, half of which are Fortune 500 companies, collectively make up a fleet of 600,000 vehicles globally that travels in excess of 11 billion miles each year.

About DSWW

Drive Safely Work Week is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of NETS and its member companies. The campaign is in its 19th year and is observed annually during the first full week of October, however, the materials are not dated and may be used any time throughout the year. The 2015 DSWW toolkit may be downloaded at no cost via the NETS Website at www.trafficsafety.org.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.


1 Table 2, Cost of Motor Vehicle Crashes to Employers—2015™, 2015, NETS. Cost comparison includes those that are directly paid by employers in relation to traffic crashes.

Drive Safely Work Week™ 2015 toolkit launched

Vienna, Va.— The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), today launched a free comprehensive online toolkit to help employers plan ahead for Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW), the October workplace campaign that seeks to improve the safety of employees, employee family members and their communities. The toolkit may be downloaded at: www.trafficsafety.org

The campaign theme this year is “#PlanAhead—Your Key to Driving Safely.” Campaign materials underscore that planning may be the most critical leg of any driving trip, whether the trip takes place on the job or off. Emphasizing the importance of advance preparation, the campaign will help to minimize risks on the road and offers resources to help become a better planner for both business and personal travel.

“Planning is critical to safe driving from many different perspectives,” said Joe McKillips, Chairperson of NETS, and Director, Commercial Environment, Health & Safety for the global healthcare company Abbott. “It can be as simple as planning the best route. Other times it can mean planning for a designated driver, setting aside time with your teen driver to practice or talking to an older family member about the possibility of limiting their driving. These considerations and more are covered in this year’s campaign materials.”

The campaign was developed using the expertise of NETS’ member companies, collectively representing a fleet of more than half a million vehicles that travel in excess of 11 billion miles globally each year. Actionable steps are provided to help drivers be at their best behind the wheel.

The 2015 DSWW campaign’s daily areas of emphasis will help you to:

  • Remember to take time to plan the journey—even those that feel routine;
  • Prepare for driving situations that take you into unfamiliar areas;
  • Take precautions to ensure you’re driving with a clear head;
  • Learn to navigate the changes we all experience as we age and how they may affect driving; and
  • Think through ways to plan ahead for driving situations that involve family members.

The free DSWW toolkit provides easy-to-use Web-based resources, including facts and tips, downloadable graphics, and activities tailored for each day of the campaign week. The toolkit also includes materials geared towards management to encourage the review of safe driving policies and guidelines, as well as integrating road safety into existing wellness programs.

About DSWW

Drive Safely Work Week is a corporate social responsibility initiative of NETS and it member companies. The campaign provides an opportunity for NETS to share some of the expertise of its member companies with other organizations, many of which may not have a formal fleet safety program in place. NETS draws from member practices used in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, utilities industries and others to create materials intended for a diverse audience of public and private organizations of all sizes, targeted not just to business drivers, but all employees.

Held annually since 1996, Drive Safely Work Week is officially observed during the first week of October—this year October 5-9. However, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year. Over the past several years, an average of 3500 organizations have participated annually, representing 16.5 million employees per year. The DSWW 2015 toolkit can be downloaded at no cost via the NETS Website at www.trafficsafety.org.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. Board member companies include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 global initiative. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org  or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

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Contact:
Jack Hanley
Executive Director, NETS
314-680-3293
jhanley@trafficsafety.org

NETS contributes to global road safety with free employer guide available in 21 languages

Vienna, Va. – The NETS’ Comprehensive Guide to ROAD SAFETY™ is now available, free of charge, in 21 languages at www.trafficsafety.org. The Guide was initially launched in English last year as part of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety’s (NETS) mission to assist employers in advancing global road safety. The document is designed to aid employers with fleets of any size at various stages of road safety program development, including those who are preparing to initiate a program, in the early stages of policy and program development or managing more mature road safety management systems and interventions.

NETS’ Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety™ was written by members of NETS’ Board of Directors, drawing from their companies’ road safety best practices. The Guide also draws from information gathered by NETS’ STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® Road Safety Benchmark members, representing more than 100 companies with fleet operations in 153 countries. The Guide supports the goals of the Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020, a global World Health Organization-led initiative to improve road safety around the world.

“Making roads safer is a major global mission. NETS is grateful to The Coca-Cola Company, a NETS Board of Directors member, for translating the Guide from English into 20 additional languages,” said Jack Hanley, Executive Director of NETS. “Employers in most parts of the world now have a tool kit for contributing to the goals set by The Decade of Action for Road Safety. Through employers, the Guide has the potential to reach more than 50 percent of the world’s population.”

In addition to English, the Guide is available free of charge in the following languages: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Khmere-Cambodian, Lao, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thailand, Turkish and Vietnamese. It is supported by appendices with model policies and implementation tips and complements NETS’ two other signature programs—its annual STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® Road Safety Benchmark Program and the annual Drive Safely Work Week campaign.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector. Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job.

Contact:
Jack Hanley
Executive Director, NETS
314-680-3293
jhanley@trafficsafety.org

Nearly 2/3 of U.S. roadway fatalities impact employers directly

NETS’ Drive Safely Work Week campaign kicks off today

VIENNA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)— Nearly two-thirds of all people killed on U.S. roadways are members of the nation’s workforce, creating a significant human and economic toll on employers, according to the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS).

That is why NETS today kicks off its national Drive Safely Work Week campaign. More than 2200 organizations representing approximately 23 million employees are poised to take part in the week that promotes safe-driving education and awareness for all employees and their families. This year’s campaign is recognized October 6-10.

The campaign’s theme is “Driving your safety culture home” and builds the case for executive leadership to adopt safe driving for all employees as a part of the corporate safety culture.  The campaign’s free employer tool kit provides low-cost tools and ideas to start, expand and sustain a road safety program, encouraging employers to go beyond business drivers and reach all employees with road safety education and outreach.

“This year’s Drive Safely Work Week campaign provides significant support for employers looking to build or bolster a strong safety culture,” said Joseph McKillips, NETS Chairman and Sr. Manager, Commercial Program Support, Global Environment, Health, and Safety for Abbott.  “Whether crashes happen on the job or off, employers bear a large portion of the human and economic cost.  This further highlights the value a workplace road safety program can have on employees and the general public”.

The 2014 DSWW free campaign materials provide steps to engage employees in road safety with a starting point focused on seat belts and mobile device use while driving. The campaign was developed by NETS, a partnership of private-sector companies and the federal government, using the expertise of NETS’ member companies. NETS members collectively represent a fleet of more than 600,000 vehicles that travel in excess of 11 billion miles globally each year.

The DSWW tool kit is available for download at no cost via the NETS website and provides easy-to-use Web-based resources that include workplace posters, activities, PowerPoint presentations, graphics and more. Materials are not dated and may be used at any time during the year to promote safe driving.

About DSWW

Drive Safely Work Week is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of NETS and its member companies. The campaign is observed annually during the first full week of October. In recent years, an average of 3500 organizations have participated annually, representing 16.5 million employees per year. The 2014 DSWW toolkit may be downloaded at no cost via the NETS Website at www.trafficsafety.org.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Hess Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 global initiative. NETS has sponsored DSWW annually since 1996. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

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NETS: Road Safety for All Employees Should be a Key Component of an Employer’s Safety Culture

Vienna, Va. – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is calling on leaders of companies and organizations to adopt elements of road safety for all employees—not just business drivers— as a core component of the organization’s safety culture. NETS today launched a free comprehensive online tool kit to help initiate or strengthen employee safety programs by including road safety.

The human and economic costs of traffic crashes is significant. According to a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the annual economic cost of crashes is $277 billion or nearly $900 for each person living in the U.S. With nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population part of the workforce, extending road safety programs to all employees would make driving safer throughout the U.S. and lower the cost of crashes.

The 2014 Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) tool kit, themed “Driving your safety culture home,” builds the case for executive leadership to adopt safe-driving as a part of the corporate safety culture and provides low-cost steps to engage employees with a starting point focused on seat belts and mobile device use while driving. The campaign was developed by NETS, a partnership of private-sector companies and the federal government, using the expertise of NETS’ member companies. NETS members collectively represent a fleet of more than 600,000 vehicles that travel in excess of 11 billion miles globally each year.

“Whether driving for work, commuting to and from work or running errands after the workday is done, the time spent behind the wheel is very likely the most dangerous part of an employee’s day,” said Joseph McKillips, Sr. Manager, Commercial Program Support, Global Environment, Health, and Safety for Abbott and Chairman of NETS. “Addressing road safety in the workplace for all employees is the right thing to do and beneficial to an organization’s bottom line.”

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death on the job and the second-leading cause of unintentional fatal injuries off the job, according to the National Safety Council’s latest Injury Facts® report.

“Traffic crashes are a common yet highly preventable issue for employers, and building a safety culture can be a lengthy and challenging process,” added McKillips. “The Drive Safely Work Week campaign provides tools and resources specifically designed to engage leadership to help employers take meaningful action.”

The free DSWW tool kit is available for download via the NETS website and provides easy-to-use Web-based resources that include campaign graphics and materials targeted to leadership as well as the employee-base.

About DSWW

Drive Safely Work Week is October 6-10, 2014 and is observed annually during the first week of October. However, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year. In recent years, an average of 3500 organizations have participated annually, representing 16.5 million employees per year. The 2014 DSWW toolkit may be downloaded at no cost via the NETS Website at www.trafficsafety.org.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.

Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, which provides guidance to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 global initiative. NETS has sponsored DSWW annually since 1996. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

NETS’ Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety™ Launched

For employers with large or small fleets and new, developing or advanced road safety programs

Vienna, Va. – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) announces the publication of NETS’ Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety™ (Guide). The publication was produced by a committee of members from NETS’ Board of Directors, drawing from their companies’ road safety best practices, in addition to publicly available resources. The Guide has global applicability and is for employers of large or small fleets of all vehicle types with new, developing or advanced road safety programs.  The Guide is available free of charge via the NETS Website.

NETS’ Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety™ covers key performance indicators, organizational requirements, business case development, continuous improvement, programs and policies.

“The Guide provides an excellent starting point for companies and organizations of all sizes with all types of fleets wanting to put in place a road safety program for their operations,” said Mike Watson, Global Road Safety Manager at Shell International Petroleum Company and member of NETS’ Board of Directors. “The Guide also serves as a tool for road safety managers to compare their existing programs to those of leading employers in road safety.”

“NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration and is dedicated to improving road safety around the world,” said Jack Hanley, NETS Executive Director. “We believe publication of the Guide is an important contribution to the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 and NETS is pleased to provide employers with this tool to start or improve their road safety programs.”

The Guide is supported by appendices with  model policies and implementation tips and will  complement NETS’ two other signature programs—its annual STRENGTH IN  NUMBERS® Road Safety Benchmark Program and the annual Drive Safely Work Week campaign.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. federal government and the private sector.  Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.  Established in 1989, NETS’ programs and services and projects on behalf of NHTSA are dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job.

NETS and Liberty Mutual Insurance to offer free electronic parent-teen driving guide

Vienna, Va. – To help parents coach teens in developing the skills to be safe drivers, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) and Liberty Mutual Insurance have joined forces to release an electronic edition of The Novice Driver’s Road Map: An 8-Step Guide for Parents® (eNDRM). The new guide is available now as a free download from the NETS website.

The eNDRM provides an easy-to-follow curriculum for parents or adult coaches to guide teens in the practice needed to become safe, focused drivers and licensed in nearly all states. The interactive electronic guide is built around a series of eight drives that increase in complexity. Each includes a checklist of practice skills along with a set of detailed instructions and space to add notes. The practice sessions progress from driving in an empty parking lot to driving at night and in inclement weather. A log is included to track practice hours that updates with the time accrued after each entry, a useful tool to assist with graduated driver licensing requirements.

“NETS is grateful to Liberty Mutual for providing the resources to re-release the Novice Drivers Road Map® in an updated, electronic format,” said Jack Hanley, executive director of NETS. “This support enables NETS to make the publication available to parents everywhere free-of-charge.”

Since its initial introduction, more than 50,000 printed copies of The Novice Driver’s Road Map® have been distributed, primarily through employers.

“Over the past decade, Liberty Mutual has partnered with several national organizations to provide parents with the best available tools to help their teens become safer drivers,” said Amy Leddy, Senior Category Manager of Corporate Procurement for Liberty Mutual Insurance. “Our teen driving research shows that parents have a very strong influence over their teen’s behavior behind the wheel, both by having open dialogue and modeling safe driving. Tools such as The Novice Drivers Road Map® give parents another opportunity to have a conversation about safe driving habits and to stop unsafe behaviors before they take hold.”

Developed and reviewed by a team of experts and tested by teens and parents, The Novice Driver’s Road Map® has been updated since its original release to include information on the latest challenges facing young drivers, specifically the dangers of distracted driving. A Coach’s Game Book™ is included that provides tips on how to be a good role model, establishing rules and other vital information on the learning-to-drive process. Liberty Mutual and NETS worked with Standard Register to create a web enabled, electronic version of the Road Map and Game Book.

The eNDRM is available for free download via the NETS website at https://trafficsafety.org/e-novice-drivers-road-map-available.

About NETS

NETS is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Board of Directors members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Insurance, Shell International Petroleum, B.V. and UPS. In addition, NETS’ Board of Directors includes federal liaisons from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job.

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

“Helping people live safer, more secure lives” since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Insurance is a diversified global insurer and the third largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2012 direct premiums written, as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Liberty Mutual Insurance also ranks 81st on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2012 revenue. As of December 31, 2013, Liberty Mutual Insurance had $121.2 billion in consolidated assets, $102.2 billion in consolidated liabilities and $38.5 billion in annual consolidated revenue. Liberty Mutual Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, workers compensation, property, commercial automobile, general liability, global specialty, group disability, reinsurance and surety. Liberty Mutual Insurance (www.libertymutualinsurance.com) employs over 50,000 people in more than 900 offices throughout the world.

Joseph McKillips of Abbott named new chairperson of NETS

Vienna, Va. –  The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce the election of Joseph McKillips, Sr. Manager, Commercial Program Support, Global Environment, Health, and Safety for Abbott, as NETS Board Chairperson for 2014 and 2015. McKillips replaces Sandra Lee, Director Worldwide Road Safety for Johnson & Johnson, following a successful two-year term. McKillips has been a member of the NETS Board of Directors since 2008.

During his 24-year career with Abbott, Mr. McKillips has provided safety and health leadership and technical support throughout various manufacturing, R&D and commercial sales and service organizations, with special emphasis in the areas of road safety, process safety management and loss prevention. In his current position, McKillips provides road safety leadership and direction to Abbott’s worldwide commercial sales organization totaling 38,000 employees in over 80 countries. Recently, he worked with executive leadership to develop and successfully implement a comprehensive worldwide cell phone ban across Abbott’s field-based organizations. 

In his previous service as a NETS board member, McKillips has helped shape the STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® road safety benchmark program, is a standing member of the steering committee for NETS’ annual Drive Safely Work Week campaign and has represented and promoted the work of NETS as a speaker at various road safety conferences. 

“Over the course of my career I can sincerely cite NETS as an organization in which I have acquired some of my most valuable and long-standing ideas and professional working relationships,” said McKillips. “It is an honor to serve as the NETS Chairman and I look forward to building on the tremendous momentum we have achieved over the years.”

“Abbott’s commitment to road safety extends beyond its business drivers and reaches all its employees and their families, as well,” said Jack Hanley, NETS Executive Director. “In addition to Joe’s subject matter expertise, he understands the complexity and challenges of developing, implementing and sustaining a global road safety program. His tactical skills combined with his strategic vision will contribute significantly to achieving the NETS mission of improving road safety throughout the world.” 

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company B.V. and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job.

NETS Kicks off Drive Safely Work Week™, Promoting Integrated Approach to Safe Driving

VIENNA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) kicked off today its national Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) campaign. More than 2500 organizations representing approximately 13 million employees are poised to take part in the week that promotes safe-driving education and awareness materials for all employees and their families. This year’s campaign is recognized October 7-11.

Motor vehicle-related incidents remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the United States. Transportation incidents accounted for more than 2 out of every 5 fatal work injuries in 2012, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This year’s campaign theme is “Gear Up for Safe driving- Mind · Body · Vehicle.” Campaign materials illustrate how maintenance of mind, body and vehicle are all connected and essential components to being a safe driver. Resources, tips and activities are provided to help drivers be at their best behind the wheel. The campaign was developed using the expertise of NETS’ member companies, collectively representing a fleet of more than half a million vehicles that travel in excess of 10 billion miles globally each year.

“There is a natural, yet potentially over-looked connection between wellness and road safety,” said Sandra Lee, NETS Chair and Director of Worldwide Fleet Safety for Johnson & Johnson. “This year’s campaign highlights that connection and offers practical steps that can be taken to improve both physical and mental fitness for drivers of all ages.”

The DSWW campaign focuses on the importance of issues that include:

  • Regular vision screening;
  • Being well-rested and properly fueled for sustained energy;
  • Keeping your vehicle healthy through preventative maintenance; and
  • Getting the right ergonomic fit to your vehicle for maximized field of vision, comfort and well-being.

Drive Safely Work Week is observed annually during the first week of October. However, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year. Over the past three years, an average of 3500 organizations has participated annually, representing 16.5 million employees per year. The DSWW 2013 toolkit can be downloaded in English and Spanish at no cost via the NETS Website at www.trafficsafety.org.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. NETS has sponsored DSWW annually since 1996. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

Contacts

Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS)
Jack Hanley
jhanley@trafficsafety.org

NETS expands reach of Drive Safely Work Week™ campaign with Spanish materials

Vienna, VA.  The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) today announced the 2013 Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) tool kit is now available in Spanish. The Spanish-language translation was made possible through NETS’ partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nearly 38 million U.S. residents speak Spanish at home, according to the U.S. Census.

Drive Safely Work Week will be nationally recognized October 7-11. This year’s campaign theme is “Gear Up for Safe driving- Mind, Body, Vehicle.”  The free tool kit is available to download from NETS’ Website at www.trafficsafety.org.

Traffic crashes remain the leading contributor to fatal work injuries, according to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “NETS wants to reach as many employees and employee family members as possible with the safe-driving messages of the DSWW campaign,” said Jack Hanley, NETS Executive Director. “We are grateful to NHTSA for helping to expand the campaign’s reach.”

The employer tool kit provides easy-to-use Web-based resources that illustrate how maintenance of mind, body and vehicle are all connected and essential components to being a safe driver. Actionable steps are provided to help drivers be at their best behind the wheel. The campaign was developed using the expertise of NETS’ member companies, collectively representing a fleet of more than half a million vehicles that travel in excess of 10 billion miles globally each year.

About DSWW

Drive Safely Work Week is observed annually during the first week of October —  the week of Oct. 7-11 in 2013. However, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year.  Over the past three years, an average of 3500 organizations has participated annually, representing 16.5 million employees per year. NETS has produced DSWW since 1996.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector.  Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors.  Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration and encourages employers to participate in Drive Safely Work Week as an example of what can be done in the U.S. to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. For more information on NETS or The Decade of Action for Road Safety, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

NETS’ Workplace Campaign Features Holistic Approach to Safe Driving

Drive Safely Work Week 2013 toolkits available now at no cost at www.trafficsafety.org/drivesafelyworkweek

Vienna, Va. — Taking a systematic approach to safe driving that includes the roles of the mind, body and vehicle, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), today launched a free comprehensive online toolkit to help employers improve the safety of employees, employee family members and their communities.

The 2013 Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) toolkit was developed by NETS, a partnership of private-sector companies and the federal government. The campaign theme this year is “Gear up for safe driving: Mind · Body · Vehicle.” Campaign materials illustrate how maintenance of mind, body and vehicle are all connected and essential components to being a safe driver. Actionable steps are provided to help drivers be at their best behind the wheel.

The campaign was developed using the expertise of NETS’ member companies, collectively representing a fleet of more than half a million vehicles that travel in excess of 10 billion miles globally each year.

“Driving is a physical task that requires mental focus,” said Sandra Lee, Director of Worldwide Road Safety for Johnson & Johnson and chairperson of NETS. “A driver’s mind and body in combination with the vehicle work together as a system. This year’s campaign outlines simple steps that anyone can take to ensure every component of that system is well cared for and that drivers are at their best behind the wheel.”

The DSWW campaign focuses on the importance of issues that include:

  • Regular vision screening;
  • Being well-rested and properly fueled;
  • Keeping your vehicle healthy through preventative maintenance; and
  • Getting the right fit to your vehicle for maximized field of vision and sustained energy.

The free DSWW toolkit trafficsafety.org/drivesafelyworkweek/provides easy-to-use Web-based resources, including facts and tips on each of the issue areas, downloadable graphics, and activities tailored for each day of the campaign week.

About DSWW

Drive Safely Work Week is observed annually during the first week of October — the week of Oct.  7-11 in 2013. However, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year. Over the past three years, an average of 3500 organizations have participated annually, representing 16.5 million employees per year. The DSWW 2013 toolkit can be downloaded at no cost via the NETS Website at trafficsafety.org/.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health serve as federal liaisons to the board of directors. Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on-and-off the job. NETS has sponsored DSWW annually since 1996. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org

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Contact: Jack Hanley Executive Director, NETS 314-680-3293 jhanley@trafficsafety.org

NETS Board Chair Sandra Lee Recipient of AALA Fleet Safety Award

Sandra Lee, director, worldwide road safety for Johnson & Johnson and NETS Board Chair, has been named the recipient of the second annual Road Safety Award, sponsored by the American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA).  The award was presented at the recent Road Safety Conference, sponsored by the publishers of Automotive Fleet and AALA.

The Road Safety Award seeks to recognize candidates who have shown leadership, innovation, and measurable results in enhancing the safety of their employees, those traveling with them, as well as everyone else who shares the roads with them.

“Sandy leads a corporate road safety program recognized around the world for its breadth, width and results,” says Jack Hanley, NETS executive director.  “Sandy combines strategic vision with tactical clarity to ensure J&J’s road safety program keeps J&J’s business drivers around the world safe today and in the future.”

Lee is responsible for Johnson & Johnson’s SAFE Fleet and safety policies for the company’s more than 33,000 drivers across the globe. Johnson & Johnson’s safety programs are part of its overall sustainability efforts, which include employees, family members, and the community at large in all of the company’s worldwide markets.

Sandra’s background includes over 20 years of experience in the fields of health, wellness and safety.  Prior to her current position, Sandra was the Health & Safety Director with responsibility for health and safety services provided to North America Consumer and Personal Care Companies within J&J and for facilitating global ergonomics risk reduction efforts within this group. Her experience also includes the delivery of health, wellness and Employee Assistance Program services for US employees in manufacturing and R&D environments.

As chairperson of NETS, among numerous contributions, Lee has contributed to NETS’ role as a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, the principal steering committee for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. Lee also has helped to shape NETS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS®™ Road Safety Benchmark program and has consistently been a member of the steering committee for its annual Drive Safely Work Week campaign.

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Contact:
Jack Hanley
Executive Director, NETS
314-680-3293
jhanley@trafficsafety.org

NETS presented road safety Global Leadership Award by the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT)

Sobel: Much has been accomplished, but so much more remains to be done. We shall do it in our children’s memory and in their honor.

WASHINGTON (May 30, 2013) – Road crashes remain the single greatest killer of Americans traveling abroad, said Rochelle Sobel, president of the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), in remarks at its annual fund-raising event in the nation’s capital on May 20.

“Poor roads, unroadworthy vehicles, irresponsible driver behaviors and inadequate enforcement continue to shatter dreams and destroy lives,” said Sobel, who founded ASIRT in 1995 following the death of her son, Aron Sobel, and 22 other passengers from a bus crash in Turkey.

The gala theme, Global Crossroads to a Safe Future, builds on the steady momentum of change established by the international and U.S. road safety communities, including the United Nation’s General Assembly, which declared 2011-2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety. Five honorees were recognized at the gala for their individual and organizational efforts to advance ASIRT’s mission of improving global road safety.

“If we achieve our goal, we will save 5 million lives and prevent 50 million injuries,” Sobel said. “Nearly 100 countries have launched the Decade of Action for Road Safety, each committing its government to take evidence based and proven steps to improve road safety. ASIRT is proud of the pivotal role it plays in these and many other milestones.”

“There are many reasons to be hopeful. Much has been accomplished, but so much more remains to be done,” Sobel added. “We shall do it in our children’s memory and in their honor.”

U.S. Rep Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) received ASIRT’s Congressional Leadership in Global Road Safety Award. In his opening remarks Van Hollen said fatalities caused by road crashes are preventable and lives can be saved if both the international and U.S. focus their attention on the issue.

“One person can change the world. ASIRT demonstrates that this is true,” added Van Hollen, co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Global Road Safety. “It’s a tribute to ASIRT that we are making progress on this issue, and that we are beginning to see the results.”

Jack Hanley accepted ASIRT’s Global Leadership Award on behalf of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), which is an employer-led partnership dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees by preventing traffic crashes on and off the job.

“NETS is absolutely honored to stand side by side with ASIRT,” said Hanley, executive director of NETS.

Douglas Greenhaus, chief regulatory counsel of environment, health and safety for the National Automobile Dealers Association, received ASIRT’s Industry Leadership Award.

“In a world of limited resources, the focus must be on strategies designed to reduce road deaths and injuries in the most cost effective manner possible,” Greenhaus said. “This is exactly what ASIRT is doing.”

David and Shadia Blanchard received the Aron Sobel Guardian Award for their work to improve pedestrian safety in Egypt. They founded the Egyptian Society for Road Safety, which built a pedestrian safety bridge in the country after their daughter was killed at a crossing.

“The three E’s – engineering, education and enforcement,” are key components to improve the safety of pedestrians on roadways across the globe, Mr. Blanchard said. Inspired by the work of ASIRT, Mrs. Blanchard spoke about her daughter for the first time since her death nine years ago.

Contact: Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick

Director, Development and Marketing

240-249-0100;  jskolnick@asirt.org

ASIRT-Association for Safe International Road Travel

12320 Parklawn Dr.

Rockville, MD  20852-1726

www.asirt.org

asirt@asirt.org

Shell International Petroleum Company Joins The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Board of Directors

Vienna, Va. – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce Shell International Petroleum Company has joined the organization’s Board of Directors.

Shell’s global road safety programme focuses on improving the safety of drivers – staff and contractors – and contributing to road safety in the communities where it operates. Shell’s company and contract drivers drove over 1.1 billion kilometers in over 70 countries in 2012. In addition to joining NETS’ Board of Directors, Shell is a proud sponsor of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, and a member of the Global Road Safety Partnership, an organization that provides road safety programs in high road risk countries.

At Shell, the number of motor vehicle incidents has declined by 55% since 2008. This is due to its comprehensive road safety management programme. Key components include: leadership commitment; simple and clear requirements for drivers and vehicles; journey management planning; driver training; the use of in-vehicle monitoring systems; and a total ban on the use of mobile phones when driving.

“Safety is always the top priority at Shell and safe road transport is integral to Shell’s business – whether it is transporting fuel to one of our customers, delivering equipment to construction projects or simply travelling to meetings,” said Mike Watson, Shell Global Road Safety Manager. “In addition to a strict road safety regime for our people and contractors, we’re committed to improving road safety in the communities where we work through partnerships and community programmes. We’re pleased to join NETS’ Board of Directors. This will enhance our ability to exchange best practices with leading companies and provides Shell with another platform for advocating road safety worldwide.”

“Shell is highly respected for its leadership and commitment to global road safety and we appreciate their willingness to share their best practices,” said Sandra Lee, NETS Board Chair and Director, Worldwide Road Safety, Johnson & Johnson. “We look forward to Shell playing a significant role in helping to advance NETS’ road safety goals.”

NETS’ Board of Directors members are public and private sector leaders with a commitment to road safety. They are senior level executives who promote NETS’ mission and represent businesses and organizations that have created a solid safety culture by promoting traffic safety policies and awareness activities in their workplaces. Directors guide NETS’ strategy and policies. As a benefit of membership, NETS provides a forum for traffic safety professionals to exchange ideas and collaborate on emerging issues.

Established in 1989, NETS board of director companies are recognized in the U.S. and around the world for advancing road safety. Shell joins current board members Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, The Coca-Cola Company, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, and UPS. Representatives from NIOSH and NHTSA are board member liaisons to the federal government.

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on and off-the-job. For more information on NETS, visit the organization’s website at www.trafficsafety.org
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Contact:
Jack Hanley
Executive Director, NETS
314-680-3293
jhanley@trafficsafety.org

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Supports Pedestrian Safety Week Set for May 6-12, 2013

VIENNA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Traffic-related fatalities each year exceed 1.2 million worldwide and vulnerable road users—pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists—account for 50% of the total. Traffic-related injuries and fatalities represent the ninth leading cause of death or injury worldwide. Left unchecked, the expected doubling of vehicles globally will make traffic-related deaths and injuries the fifth leading cause by 2030. Significant, intentional and effective intervention by the public, private and civil society sectors is needed to slow the pace of pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

In response to the risks to pedestrians worldwide, the World Health Organization has designated May 6-12 as Global Road Safety Week, focused on pedestrian safety. NETS supports this campaign and encourages all employers to participate in promoting pedestrian safety to employees, employees’ families and within the communities where the employees live and work.

“We are all pedestrians. When you think about it, every trip begins and ends on foot whether we drive, cycle or walk to our destinations,” said Sandra Lee, Director, Worldwide Fleet Safety, for Johnson & Johnson and NETS Chairperson. “There is no single measure to adequately address the range of risks to pedestrians across various settings. However, we can all play a role day to day. For example, Driving at safe speeds when we’re the driver or staying focused on our environment and increasing our visibility to others when we’re on foot are concrete actions that we can take to promote pedestrian safety. It’s my hope that all employers recognize the importance of pedestrian safety and participate in Global Road Safety Week.”

Visit the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration’s website for more information from the World Health Organization on Global Road Safety Week and for a tool kit for engaging employees, employees’ families and the communities where the employees live and work.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. The Board of Directors members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company and UPS, as well as federal liaisons from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

Contacts

NETS
Jack Hanley
jhanley@trafficsafety.org

NETS Shares 2012 NAFA Safety Leadership Award

Secretary LaHood Heads List of Inaugural NAFA Safety Leadership Award Winners

PRINCETON, N.J., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — In the business world, safe driving can mean fewer accidents, lower insurance premiums, and the use of less fuel, but it also means the protection of a company’s greatest assets – its employees. NAFA Fleet Management Association has long understood that road safety extends far beyond a company’s bottom line. In 2011, the Association made a commitment to safer fleets by creating NAFA’s Safety Advisory Council. That commitment continues with the Association’s inaugural Safety Leadership Awards, which will be presented at NAFA’s 2012 Institute & Expo in St. Louis on April 22.

NAFA’s Safety Leadership Awards were created to recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate positive influence and impact on vehicular and passenger safety. Three leading safety advocates were chosen as the inaugural recipients of the award.

  • U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
    “During Secretary LaHood’s term, Ray has greatly increased public awareness on the dangers of distracted driving, pushed to improve auto safety, developed and enforced valuable safety regulations, and served as a tireless advocate against drunk driving,” said NAFA’s Executive Director Phillip E. Russo , CAE. “His work is a testament to the importance of safe driving.”
  • Jack Hanley , Executive Director, Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS)
    ” Jack Hanley and NETS lead the way in road safety efforts,” Russo explained. “Through their annual safety benchmark surveys, monthly newsletters, and Drive Safely Work Week campaigns each year, NETS exemplifies everything for which the NAFA Safety Leadership Awards stand.”
  • Janet Froetscher , President & CEO, National Safety Council
    “The National Safety Council saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work,” stated Russo. “In fact, the Council helped save more than 1,500 lives and prevent more than 236,000 injuries in last year alone – truly a remarkable job by Janet Froetscher and the National Safety Council.”

All three recipients will be honored in a special awards ceremony during the I&E. The conference is attended by fleet professionals from throughout the United States and Canada who are in the unique position to implement immediate changes within their organizations to bring about real results in such areas as traffic and road safety, sustainability, and distracted driving – areas of great concern to all three award recipients.

About NAFA’s Institute & Expo

The 2012 I&E takes place April 21-24 at the America’s Center in St. Louis, MO. The event program, created by fleet managers for fleet managers, features over 60 hours of fleet training, education, and workshops. In addition to an Expo Floor consisting of more than 200 companies showcasing their products and services, the I&E brings back fan favorites such as the Public Safety Roadeo and the Green Zone. Keynote presentations will be made by Canadian automotive journalist Jim Kenzie and Dr. Peter Bishop , PhD. Official media sponsors for NAFA’s 2012 I&E include Automotive Digest, CAMAUTO, Canadian Automotive Fleet, CAR – Canadian Automotive Review, FleetDigest, FleetFocus, Fleet Maintenance, Fleet Management, Fleet Management Weekly, Fleet Owner, Fleet Perspectives, FLEETSolutions, International Fleet World, Light & Medium Truck, Naylor, NGT News, PoliceOne.com, and Utility Fleet Professional. For more information, visit http://www.nafainstitute.org.

Contact:

Gary Wien
NAFA Fleet Management Association
609-986-1053
gwien@nafa.org

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE NAFA Fleet Management Association
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1zTMX)

NETS 2012 Fleet Safety Benchmark Survey: Top Performing Fleets Review Cell Phone Records of Drivers Following all Collisions

521,000 vehicles, 9.8 billion miles of travel yield road safety best practices

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) 2012 road safety benchmark study revealed that the safest fleets have written policies restricting the use of mobile devices and check mobile phone records after all collisions, regardless of severity. Traffic crashes remain the number one cause of workplace death and injury, costing employers in excess of $60 billion annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2012 STRENGTH IN NUMBERS®™ road safety benchmarking study is the largest examination of fleet vehicle safety ever conducted by the organization. The latest study involved a collective fleet of 521,000 vehicles and 9.8 billion miles traveled. Nearly 50 percent of participating companies were in the Fortune 500.

Other road safety practices found by the study to be common among the companies with the lowest fleet crash-rates include:

  • Tracking  completions of on-going driver training on a road safety scorecard
  • Conducting commentary drives (ride-alongs) with new-hires and high-risk drivers
  • Communicating road safety messages via senior-management presentations at meetings.

All survey responses were reported anonymously, with a number assigned to each company to rank its fleet against other study participants.

NETS’ annual STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® road safety benchmark study includes the collection of miles driven and collisions by type of vehicle and by country. Injury data are collected for the USA and the UK. Respondents also are surveyed on more than twenty-five road safety program elements. Examples include: cell phone policies, training and post-crash review processes and the use of in-vehicle monitoring technology. NETS members, representing the pharmaceutical, electric utilities, oil and gas, insurance, food and beverage and other industries, meet annually to discuss the benchmark results and other key road safety topics.

“Through this benchmarking process, we’re able to learn about  common elements among the leading companies and also have the opportunity to network and discuss specific challenges and share successes with other road safety professionals,” said Sandra Lee, Director of Worldwide Road Safety for Johnson & Johnson, and Chair of the NETS Board of Directors. “This is what makes the STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® benchmarking study such an invaluable process.”

About STRENGTH IN NUMBERS®

The STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® road safety benchmarking study brings together socially responsible companies in a collaborative spirit prepared to compare findings and share what they’ve learned. The program is for all types of companies and organizations— large or small, U.S. or global, public or private. Participants collect standardized data over a 12-month period. Once analyzed, the resulting benchmark report shows how a company compares in terms of crash frequencies taking into consideration road safety policies, driver training programs, crash review practices and more. Members use the annual benchmark report’s results to improve their road safety performance. For more information on the STRENGTH IN NUMBERS® fleet benchmark program or to become a participant, visit the NETS website at www.trafficsafety.org

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. The Board of Directors members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, Shell International Petroleum Company, B.V. and UPS, as well as federal liaisons from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

NETS Kicks Off Drive Safely Work Week™, Promoting ‘BACK TO BASICS’ Approach to Safe Driving

Vienna, Va. — The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) launched today its national Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) campaign. The campaign is officially recognized this year from October 1- 5 and promotes safe-driving education and awareness materials for all employees and their families.

According to a 2010 CDC report, the annual cost of medical care and productivity losses associated with injuries from motor vehicle crashes exceeds $99 billion, much of which falls on employers.

This year’s DSWW theme, Back to Basics – Your Keys to Safe Driving, provides information and activities to address some of the most common types of traffic crashes across the general population, fleet drivers and teen drivers.

NETS provides a free comprehensive toolkit for employers to help plan their campaign activities. The materials encourage employees to refresh their own safe-driving skills, as well as to share the tools and resources provided with family members, particularly new or up-and-coming drivers in the household. The campaign also encourages employers to redistribute existing safe-driving policies or use the week as an opportunity to prepare employees for new policies that may be forth-coming.

“Having safe-driving policies in place is a crucial component of an organization’s safety culture,” said Sandra Lee, NETS Chair and Director of Worldwide Road Safety for Johnson & Johnson. “Drive Safely Work Week is an ideal time for employers to take a look at their policies–particularly those covering issues such as mobile device and safety belt usage—update them if necessary, and redistribute them to employees to renew attention and focus on safe-driving behaviors.”

The DSWW campaign focuses on the following issues:

  • Buckling up all the time and encouraging others to do the same;
  • Recognizing and preventing fatigue-impaired driving;
  • Driving distraction-free;
  • Safe parking and backing; and
  • Fine-tuning the fundamentals to avoid some of the most common types of crashes.

“Much is being said these days about the dangers of distracted driving, yet responsible driving is more than driving distraction-free. This year’s Drive Safely Work Week campaign reinforces the wide range of skills needed to be a safe, responsible driver,” said Lee.

About Drive Safely Work Week

Drive Safely Work Week has been sponsored by NETS since 1996. The campaign is held nationally each year during the first full week of October; however, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year.  In 2010 and 2011 combined, Drive Safely Work Week was downloaded by over 7000 employers, representing an estimated 25 million employees.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector.  The Board of Directors members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, and UPS, as well as federal liaisons from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job. For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

NETS Board Member Named Fleet Executive of the Year

Vienna, Va.— Maggie Cole, Director of Environmental, Safety & Health (ESH) for Monsanto and Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) board of directors’ member, was named Fleet Financials magazine’s 2012 Fleet Executive of the Year. Cole is responsible for Monsanto’s Global Vehicle Safety and Global Off-The-Job Safety programs, as well as U.S. Commercial ESH.

“A great fleet executive creates a vision, articulates the vision, and empowers their team members to implement the strategies to achieve the vision,” said Mike Antich, editor of Fleet Financials Magazine. “These qualities are demonstrated in Maggie’s leadership at Monsanto, making her an outstanding choice for this year’s award.”

“I am honored to accept the award on behalf of Monsanto.  I am very proud of the passion and focus Monsanto continues to place on improving road and occupant safety for our employees, as well as our families, the communities where we live and operate, and our customers,” Cole said.

According to Cole, safety is, and always has been, a central value within Monsanto.   In fact, the organization emphasizes the importance of extending its safety culture and road safety training beyond its company drivers with its Global Off-the-Job safety program.

“Safety is a core Monsanto value and we see it as a corporate responsibility to share that value beyond the workplace,” said Cole. “Monsanto’s Global Off-the-Job Safety program is the formal networking and sharing of its principal safety culture worldwide.  A majority of the outreach efforts are focused on road safety, such as driving skills, driver behavior, teen driving and sharing the road.”

Cole has a total of eight employees on her team who she credits with helping make Monsanto’s road safety program so strong, including Vehicle Safety Project Manager Brenda Cockrell, Global Vehicle Safety Lead Jeff Castillo, Global Off-The-Job Safety Lead Mark Schuerman, and U.S. Commercial ESH Lead Ken Mathias.

Sponsored by CEI and Fleet Financials Magazine since 2001, the Fleet Executive of the Year Award was presented to Cole at the recent NAFA Fleet Management Association conference. Cole will be the keynote speaker at the Road Safety Conference sponsored by Automotive Fleet in Schaumberg, Ill. May 22-23 and will also be featured on the cover of the July/August issue of Fleet Financials Magazine with an in-depth article discussing her achievements at Monsanto.

Monsanto has been a board member of NETS since 2004 and has participated in the NETS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS road safety benchmark program since 2007.  Established in 1989, NETS and its board of director companies are recognized in the U.S. and around the world for their dedication and leadership in advancing employer-led road safety.  Monsanto is joined on the NETS board by Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, and UPS.  Representatives from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are board member liaisons to the federal government.  NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on- and off-the-job.  For more information on NETS, visit the organization’s website at www.trafficsafety.org.

Johnson & Johnson Director of Worldwide Fleet Safety Named Chairperson of NETS Board of Directors

Sandra Lee to lead employer-led road safety organization

Vienna, Va. – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce the election of Sandra Lee, Director, Worldwide Road Safety for Johnson & Johnson, as NETS Board Chairperson for 2012 and 2013. Lee replaces Bill Windsor, Associate Vice President for Nationwide Insurance, following a successful two-year term. Lee has global responsibility for Johnson & Johnson’s SAFE Fleet, providing road safety leadership to over 33,000 drivers worldwide and has been a member of the NETS Board of Directors since 2009.

During her previous service to the Board, Lee has contributed to NETS’ role as a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, the principal steering committee for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. Lee also has helped to shape NETS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Road Safety Benchmark program and has consistently been a member of the steering committee for its annual Drive Safely Work Week campaign.

“NETS mission is very much in line with Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to global road safety,” said Lee. “I look forward to building upon NETS’ successes as we continue to collaborate with our corporate members and public sector partners to boost the contributions employers can make to driver safety worldwide.”

“NETS is privileged to have a Board comprised of the best executive leadership, committed to advancing not only road safety but the driving safety of all employees, their family members and the communities served by employers,” said Jack Hanley, NETS Executive Director. “Sandra understands the complexity of road safety challenges around the world and brings to the Chairmanship a passion for reducing the toll of traffic crashes both in the U.S. and worldwide.”

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c)3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Board members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, and UPS. Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job.

For more information on NETS, visit www.trafficsafety.org.

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New Guide From NETS Helps Parents Coach Teen Drivers

Vienna, Va. — The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) says that frequent “ride-alongs” with employee drivers to observe and discuss driving habits is a best practice of leading road safety programs.  That same concept can be applied to parents of teen drivers.

To help parents guide teens in developing the skills to be safe, focused drivers, NETS has announced the release of the new Novice Driver’s Road Map: An 8-Step Guide for Parents.  NETS unveiled the new edition of The Novice Driver’s Road Map in conjunction with National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 16-22.

A study released last week by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded that parents don’t spend enough time supervising teens’ practice time behind the wheel.  “Spending time with teens behind the wheel can be a stressful, intimidating experience for parents,” said Bill Windsor, NETS Chair and Associate Vice President of Nationwide Insurance. “Using the collective experience of company fleet managers, The Novice Driver’s Road Map provides parents with a structured approach to coaching their teens in a variety of driving environments.”

The Novice Driver’s Road Map (NDRM) provides an easy-to-follow curriculum for parents to guide their teens in the practice that is not only needed to be a safe, focused driver, but in most states, is also required to be licensed.  The guide is built around a series of eight coached drives that increase in complexity and include a checklist of practice skills for each drive along with a set of guided instructions.  The practice sessions progress from driving in a parking lot to driving at night and in inclement weather.

The NDRM is an ideal way for employers to become engaged in teen driving outreach. Companies interested in pursuing this can contact NETS to learn about NDRM sponsorship opportunities. Beyond offering sponsorships to employers, NETS will offer the NDRM to high schools at a special rate to enable student groups to use it as a fundraiser for safe-driving outreach programs.  Driver trainers, licensing agencies, highway safety organizations and individual parents can also benefit from the NDRM’s parent-teen driving practice plan.

About the NDRM

Developed and reviewed by a team of experts and tested by teens and parents, The Novice Driver’s Road Map has been updated and revised to address the findings of recent research on teen driving crashes and to provide guidance on the challenges of today’s driving environment.  A Coach’s Game Book is included that provides tips on how to be a good role model, establishing rules and other vital information on the learning-to-drive process.  The guide is presented in a well-organized packet—including a practice log and place for notes—that fits neatly in the glove compartment. For more information on ordering the packet, including volume discounts, contact NETS at NETS@trafficsafety.org.

About NETS

NETS is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector.  Board of Directors members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Insurance, and UPS.  In addition, NETS’ Board of Directors includes federal liaisons from the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job.

NETS kicks off Drive Safely Work Week™, promoting a full-circle approach to combating distracted driving

Vienna, Va. –The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) today kicked-off Drive Safely Work Week, Focus 360°- Getting there safely is everyone’s business. The campaign focuses on distracted driving and includes the roles and responsibilities of passengers, pedestrians and cyclists in preventing distracted driving-related incidents.

The 2011 Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) employer tool kit was developed by NETS in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“Distracted driving is a complex issue that involves more than just drivers,” said Bill Windsor, NETS Chairman and Associate Vice President of Nationwide Insurance. “Whether we’re the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or cyclist, there are things we can do to help prevent distracted driving-related incidents.”

NETS provides a free comprehensive tool kit that employers can download to help plan their campaign activities. The DSWW materials, also available in Spanish for the first time, are designed to support employer efforts to initiate or sustain a corporate mobile device policy and to increase awareness on behaviors that contribute to distracted driving-related incidents.

“Drive Safely Work Week is an opportunity to address the safety of all employees, not just those who drive as a part of their job,” Windsor said. “Employers have the potential to reach one-half of the nation’s population, making them a key component in the fight against distracted driving.”

Eighty-eight percent of the nearly 5000 organizations that participated in the 2010 campaign reported they already had or would have a mobile device policy in place this year. Furthermore, more than half of the organizations that responded to last year’s follow-up survey indicated they shared or in the future would consider sharing the campaign materials outside of the workplace to reach employee family members and members of the community in which the organizations operate.

About Drive Safely Work Week

Drive Safely Work Week has been sponsored by NETS since 1996. The campaign is observed nationally each year during the first full week of October; however, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year. In 2010, Drive Safely Work Week reached an estimated 20 million employees.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector. Board of Directors members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, and UPS. In addition, NETS’ Board of Directors includes federal liaisons from the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job.

Drive Safely Work Week™ toolkit now available in Spanish

Vienna, VA.  The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) today announced the 2011 Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) tool kit is now available in Spanish. The Spanish-language translation was made possible through NETS’ partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.)

Drive Safely Work Week will be nationally recognized October 3-7.  This year’s campaign theme is “Focus360°…Getting there safely is everyone’s business.”  The free tool kit is available to download for a limited time from NETS’ Website at www.trafficsafety.org.

“Focused driving resonates in any language,” said Jack Hanley, NETS Executive Director. “NETS strives to reach as many employees as possible with the safe-driving messages of the DSWW campaign and we are grateful to NHTSA for helping to further the campaign’s reach.”

The 2011 DSWW tool kit was developed by NETS  in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The DSWW materials are designed to support employer efforts to initiate or sustain a corporate mobile device policy and to increase awareness on behaviors that contribute to distracted driving-related incidents. The campaign’s materials go beyond what drivers can do to reduce distracted driving by taking into account the roles and responsibilities of being a safe passenger, pedestrian and cyclist.

The tool kit provides easy-to-use Web-based resources to support targeted activities for each day of the campaign week. In addition, the materials encourage employers to position their organizations as corporate role models within the communities in which they operate.

About Drive Safely Work Week  

Drive Safely Work Week is observed nationally each year during the first full week of October; however, the materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year.  In 2010, nearly 5000 organizations participated in Drive Safely Work Week, reaching an estimated 20 million employees.

About NETS

NETS is a 501(c) 3 organization, a partnership between the U.S. Federal government and the private sector.  Board of Directors members include Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, and UPS.  In addition, NETS’ Board of Directors includes federal liaisons to the Board from the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Established in 1989, NETS is dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur on and off the job.

NETS is a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration and encourages employers to participate in Drive Safely Work Week as an example of what can be done in the U.S. to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. For more information on NETS or The Decade of Action for Road Safety, visit www.trafficsafety.org or contact jhanley@trafficsafety.org.

The Coca-Cola Company joins NETS Board of Directors

Vienna, Va. – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is pleased to announce Coca-Cola has joined the organization’s Board of Directors.

Coca-Cola is committed to promoting road safety not only with its own drivers but within the communities in which it operates. With its large worldwide fleet in over 200 countries, Coca-Cola will enhance the global perspective of the NETS Board of Directors.

“At Coca-Cola, we believe our first responsibility is to promote the safety of our employees and of the people in the communities we serve,” said Chris Reh, Director Occupational Safety and Health at The Coca-Cola Company. “By joining THE NETS Board of Directors, we will further our road safety efforts throughout the Coca-Cola system as we work with other leading organizations in the exchange of best practices and ideas to advance road safety worldwide.”

“Coca-Cola will bring a tremendous track record of corporate responsibility and road safety to the NETS Board,” said Bill Windsor, NETS Board Chairman. “Coca-Cola will complement the other NETS Board members in supporting the organization’s goal of enhancing road safety.”

NETS’ Board of Directors members are public and private sector leaders with a strong commitment to road safety. They are senior level executives who promote NETS’ mission and represent businesses and organizations that have created a solid safety culture by promoting traffic safety policies and awareness activities in their workplaces. Directors guide NETS’ strategy and policies.  As a benefit of membership, NETS provides a forum for experienced traffic safety professionals to exchange ideas and collaborate on emerging issues.

Established in 1989, NETS board of director companies are recognized in the U.S. and around the world for their dedication and leadership in advancing road safety.  Coca-Cola joins current board members Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, and UPS.  Representatives from NIOSH and NHTSA are board member liaisons to the federal government.

NETS is a 501(c)3 public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on- and off-the-job.  For more information on NETS, visit the organization’s website at www.trafficsafety.org.

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NETS Supports the Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020

Vienna, Va. – The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) is one of 50 core members of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, representing a wide range of governments, non-profit organizations and private sector companies. They have come together to plan and support the Decade of Action, 2011-2020, an initiative dedicated to global road safety. The Decade of Action will launch on May 11, with ceremonies held throughout the world, including New York City and Washington, D.C.

Every year, almost 1.3 million people are killed worldwide due to traffic crashes. That number is projected to increase to 1.9 million by the year 2020. The Decade of Action for Road Safety has a goal of stabilizing and then reducing the level of worldwide road fatalities by bringing more attention to safety at regional, national, and global levels.

“Almost all of NETS members have significant operations beyond U.S. borders. In fact, many are headquartered outside the U.S. NETS encourages the private sector to engage not only their company drivers and employees with driver training and education initiatives, but also to extend the reach of these programs to employee family members and to the communities where the company operates—no matter where that may be in the world”, said Jack Hanley, NETS Executive Director.

The Decade of Action plan outlines steps toward improving the safety of roads and vehicles, enhancing emergency medical services and improving road safety management. It also calls for increased legislation and enforcement on using helmets, seat-belts and child restraints and avoiding drinking and driving and speeding. Currently, only 15 percent of countries have an infrastructure that addresses all of these factors. NETS is committed to working with organizations around the world to reduce the gaps in these areas. To support the Road Safety Decade of Action, organizations can plan their own events or join national or local events. See the official website for the Decade of Action, hosted by the World Health Organization, for more information.

NETS is a public/private partnership dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families, and members of the communities in which they live and work by preventing traffic crashes that occur both on- and off-the-job. NETS board member companies are recognized in the U.S. and around the world for their dedication and leadership in advancing road safety. For example, earlier this month, Johnson & Johnson, a NETS board member since 2008, was the recipient of the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, presented for the company’s long-standing commitment to advancing road safety.

In addition to Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, AmeriFleet Transportation, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, Monsanto Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Group, and UPS comprise the NETS board. Representatives from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are federal government liaisons to NETS’ board. For more information on NETS, visit the organization’s website at www.trafficsafety.org.

Johnson & Johnson Receives Prestigious Honor, The Prince Michael International Road Safety Award

Company’s Outstanding Achievement and Innovation in Road Safety Earns Recognition

High Wycombe, United Kingdom (April 7, 2011) – Today HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO awarded Johnson & Johnson the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for the company’s long-standing commitment to road safety. Each year, nearly 1.3 million people are killed on roads worldwide, and up to 50 million more are injured, according to the World Health Organization. While road traffic injuries are preventable, they remain the number one cause of death among young people worldwide.

The Johnson & Johnson global SAFE Fleet program, which educates and trains employees about safe driving techniques and injury prevention strategies, has led to significant reductions in fleet crashes and injury rates. Since SAFE Fleet was first introduced in 1994, the company’s crashes per million miles driven (CPMM) rate has decreased by 37% globally.

“The goal of SAFE Fleet is to ensure that our drivers around the world return home safely at the end of each day – to their benefit and the benefit of their families and communities,” said Alex Gorsky, Vice Chairman, Executive Committee, Johnson & Johnson, and executive sponsor of SAFE Fleet.  “We’re honored to receive this award and grateful for the attention such an award brings to this critical issue.”

Each year the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award publicly recognizes the most outstanding achievements and innovations designed to improve road safety.  The award was presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO during a special ceremony at the Johnson & Johnson High Wycombe facility.

“I am delighted to recognise Johnson & Johnson for its outstanding achievements in road safety worldwide,” says Prince Michael.  “The need for enhanced road safety is one of the most intractable of world problems and I applaud the company as a fine example to the private sector of what can be done to address this global endemic.  Urgent action is needed today and during the forthcoming decade of action to help reduce these tragic, yet preventable deaths and injuries.”

Thousands of people are killed or injured in road crashes each day, and it is projected that annual road traffic deaths will increase to 1.9 million people by 2020.  To help bring needed attention to this dire issue, the United National General Assembly has announced the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.  The United Nation’s campaign goals will be focused on stabilizing and ultimately reducing the projected forecast of road traffic deaths worldwide by 2020.

Johnson & Johnson has an enduring commitment to improving people’s health, and places a strong emphasis on continually improving the health and safety of its employees.  This year, Johnson & Johnson celebrates its 125th anniversary, reflecting on how its products, services and innovations have been powered by generations of employees inspired to make a difference in the lives of others. SAFE Fleet is just one of many programs designed to protect employees, families, customers and communities. Johnson & Johnson has set new internal performance targets for SAFE Fleet as part of its five-year sustainability goals, which will be announced later this year.

ABOUT JOHNSON & JOHNSON

Caring for the world, one person at a time…inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson.  We embrace research and science — bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people.  Our 114,000 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

For more information, visit www.jnj.com.

ABOUT PRINCE MICHAEL INTERNATIONAL ROAD SAFETY AWARDS

Since 1987, the Awards have given public recognition to those who have improved road safety throughout Britain.  Now the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards recognise outstanding achievement and innovation worldwide.The awards are organised and managed by RoadSafe. http://www.roadsafe.com/

 

Media Contacts:

David Keown
T: +44 (0) 1494 567 498
E: dkeown@its.jnj.com

Sandra S. Lee
T: +1 310-796-6942
E: slee3@its.jnj.com

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Drive Safely Work Week™ 2010 reaches 20 million U.S. employees

If you participated in this year’s Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) campaign, you were in good company. DSWW 2010, sponsored by NETS in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, reached nearly 5,000 unique public and private organizations representing more than 20 million U.S. employees, or 12.5% of the total U.S. workforce.

The theme of this year’s campaign was “Focus…Safe driving is serious business.” The DSWW materials were designed to support employer efforts to prepare employees for the launch of a corporate mobile device policy. The campaign’s activities, however, could also benefit organizations that were looking to educate employees on the dangers of distracted driving, particularly talking and texting while behind the wheel.

Of the 4,690 unique organizations that downloaded the electronic tool kit, 88% have or expect to have a cell phone policy in place within the next 12 months. Of the 3,067 organizations reporting they currently have a policy in place, 37% restrict the use of all mobile devices (handheld and hands-free) and 62% of policies apply to hand-held devices only. The campaign tool kit was accessed by organizations with employee headcounts ranging from a handful to hundreds of thousands.

This year’s Drive Safely Work Week experienced the greatest level of participation in the campaign’s 14-year history. The expanded reach is attributed to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s continued emphasis on combating the issue of distracted driving and the many associations, publications and partners who helped spread the word.

NETS members, many of them fortune 500 companies with large corporate fleets, contribute to the development of the annual campaign as a way to share their knowledge and experience with organizations that may not have a robust road safety program or whose safety programs don’t reach beyond the company drivers. “Drive Safely Work Week is our way of encouraging employers to take time to emphasize safe driving to all employees, whether they drive for work or just to and from work,” said Jack Hanley, NETS Executive Director.

Although the campaign is recognized nationally each year during the first full week of October, materials are not dated and may be used anytime throughout the year to emphasize the campaign’s safe driving messages. The campaign materials are still accessible via www.trafficsafety.org.