April 14, 2009
Record Number of Motorcyclists Will Be Hitting Wright County Roads
With the return of spring comes the return of motorcycles to Minnesota streets and highways. Safe Communities of Wright County advises that whether riding on two, four or eighteen wheels, Minnesotans can help make the roads safer for motorcycle riders by staying alert and sharing the road.
Minnesota has reached an all-time high in motorcycle ownership — 225,000 motorcycles are registered in the state, an increase of 100 percent in the last 12 years. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes and fatalities are also on the rise. Last year, five motorcycle riders were killed in Wright County. That accounts for about 30% of the motor vehicle fatalities that Wright County had in 2008. Statewide, 72 riders were killed in crashes, the highest number since 1985. Around half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, usually at intersections.
According to Pat Hackman, executive director, “The onset of warm weather puts motorcycle riders officially back on the roads. Motorists need to be prepared for and aware of riders — give them space and look twice before crossing traffic or turning.” Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it can be difficult for motorists to judge their speed and distance.
Hackman says the start of the riding season can also be a challenge for riders, as motorcycle skills get rusty during the off-season. Riders are advised to take safety training, wear protective gear and ride smart. “The four most common factors in motorcycle crashes are speed, inexperience, inattention, and alcohol. Those things are completely within control of the rider,” says Hackman. Last year, one-third of riders killed in MN crashes had been drinking alcohol. When looking at the motorcycle fatalities in Wright County, those numbers significantly increase to 4 out of 5 riders.
Motorcycle safety training for beginners and experts is available April – September in Minnesota. Safety information and riding tips are available at the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) Web site, www.motorcyclesafety.org.
Wright County is a great place to ride – just don’t let it be your last place.
Press Releases
0
Comment(s) >>
April 13, 2009
The following is an article that appeared in the April 13, 2009 edition of the Delano Herald-Journal Newspaper.
Learning to ‘Drive Wright’
by Jen Bakken
In my 21 years, or so, of driving, I’ve never been involved in a serious car accident or even had a speeding ticket. Guess I better knock on wood as I type this, before I jinx myself.
I use my cruise control all the time and just don’t like to speed. My children tell me I drive too slow, but I prefer to say I drive safe.
Well, with that said, I must admit I’m far from perfect behind the wheel, and proved this in February.
Of course, I was in a hurry (aren’t we, as parents, always in a hurry?).
After taking my oldest back to college in St. Cloud, I was rushing to take my other children to their Delano play rehearsal on time.
Thinking it may be faster to avoid the Monticello area, I took Wright County Road 8 to Maple Lake on the way home.
I turned onto US Highway 55 traveling east toward Buffalo. As I passed the Maple Lake School, I assumed the speed limit was 55 miles per hour and set my cruise control. The sirens and flashing lights in my rear view mirror told me otherwise.
I pulled over to the side of the road, as my daughter yelled, from the back seat, “Mom! What did you do? Are they gonna take you to jail?”
When the officer walked up to my car, he told me the speed limit was only 45 miles per hour and asked if I knew how fast I was going.
“Yes,” I told him. “I just set my cruise control, but I thought the speed limit was 55 here.”
He took my driver’s license and proof of insurance and walked back to his squad car. When he returned, he said he was going to cut me a break since I had a clean record.
I thought, “sweet – maybe I’ll get out of this with just a warning.”
Instead, he said he was giving me the option of paying for my ticket or attending the Drive Wright program.
While my ticket would have cost around $130, the Drive Wright program would cost $75, and if I attended the class, this speeding ticket wouldn’t go on my record.
Pretty much a no brainer in my book. I paid and signed up for the class. Admittedly, I was not excited to attend and didn’t think I’d learn anything.
The Drive Wright program began in Wright County in 2005. According to Pat Hackman, executive director of Safe Communities of Wright County, the program’s goal is to give people information about driving, the risks and responsibilities that go along with that, so they can make better choices when they are behind the wheel.
There are traffic laws to keep our roadways, drivers, and passengers safe. Some traffic violations are more serious than others and corrective action is needed in the form of a citation.
“The Wright County Sheriff’s Office along with Safe Communities of Wright County believes that in other cases, education can be more effective in changing a driver’s behavior,” Hackman said.
Deputies with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office have the discretion to give someone a Drive Wright ticket.
The program is funded by the fees paid by the program participants and classes are offered a couple times each month.
Similar driver diversion programs are offered in other counties but not all counties offer these classes.
The Drive Wright program is unique because the Wright County Sheriff’s Office partners with Safe Communities to present the courses. This offers participants a mix of Minnesota traffic law, along with research and safety information.
“Traffic safety is not a priority for most people,” said Hackman. “Yet, 99 percent of us will be involved in a crash in our lifetime. Simple changes to our driving can make a huge impact on our safety while we are in a motor vehicle.”
One thing that stuck out in my mind from the class was that when I was driving 55 miles per hour instead of the posted 45, I would have only saved one minute and 13 seconds.
We all know speeding is against the law and we run the risk of getting a ticket – but if it truly isn’t saving us time, why bother? Why risk a ticket, or an accident, to save a minute of time?
While I initially signed up for the Drive Wright program to save money and prevent having a ticket on my clean driving record, I really did learn some things.
I’m not alone. Drive Wright participants complete an evaluation after attending the class, and Hackman said that 90 percent indicate they will change their driving habits as a result of what they learned.
“Buckle your seat belt, obey the speed limit,” said Hackman. “Concentrate on driving, and drive sober.
For more information on Safe Communities of Wright County or the Drive Wright program, visit www.safecomm.org.
Safe Communities of Wright County News
0
Comment(s) >>
March 12, 2009
Dear Editor,
With the prom season fast approaching, it is important to remind ourselves that it is against the law to provide alcohol to minors.
Period.
As adults, we need to stop providing alcohol to minors not only to eliminate a major source of alcohol for underage drinkers, but also to stop giving teens the mixed message that even though state law forbids them from purchasing, possessing or consuming alcohol, it is really all right. It's not.
At the community level, we must realize that providing alcohol to underage youth is a community problem because it occurs, for the most part, in local neighborhoods. Surveys of high school students show that parents and their friends provide alcohol to minors. To stop this unsafe and illegal activity, we need to work with the schools, law enforcement, courts, the business community and especially with one another to make sure the word gets out. Please help get the word out and keep youth safe during the prom season.
Repectfully submitted,
Jill Hylla
Wright County Public Health
& Safe Communities of Wright County
Safe Communities of Wright County News
0
Comment(s) >>
February 26, 2009
Dear Editor,
Many people have experienced the frustration of being behind slow-moving vehicles. When this happens, countless drivers follow more closely than they should. This is known as tailgating. Tailgating is not only irritating, it is dangerous. Following too closely is the most common cause of rear-end collisions.
As emergency responders, our ambulance crews see this practice often and frequently are called to crashes that are the direct result of tailgating. When driver’s tailgate they significantly reduce their ability to come to a complete and safe stop. They also sacrifice their perception and reaction times.
Avoid tailgating as part of your regular safe driving practice by keeping a 3-second following distance between you and the driver ahead of you. To do that, choose a stationary object near the road. Watch for the vehicle ahead of you to pass that object. It should be at least 3-seconds before the vehicle you are driving passes that same stationary object. In the event of poor driving conditions (ice, snow, fog, rain), your following distance should be increased even greater.
Tailgating doesn’t make the person in front of you drive any faster; it only adds frustration for them and for you. If you must get ahead of the vehicle in front of you, maintain the proper following distance and wait for a safe and legal road segment to pass. This will make the roadways safer for all drivers.
Sincerely,
Brian Nord
Safe Communities of Wright County Board Member
Manager, Allina Medical Transportation
Buffalo
Safe Communities of Wright County News
0
Comment(s) >>
November 19, 2008
Dear Editor:
As the Thanksgiving holiday nears, Safe Communities of Wright County hopes that drivers will keep their minds on their driving and not on the turkey and trimmings. This holds especially true for buckling up, regardless of whether you’re driving across town or across the state. Thanksgiving has historically been one of the deadliest holiday weekends to travel on the road.
Too many people still do not wear their seats belts—the most effective piece of safety equipment in their vehicle. To lose a loved one is a terrible thing to experience, but to lose one’s life when it might have been saved by taking two seconds to buckle a seat belt is truly senseless. Remember, one of the great things about seat belts is that they are adjustable, so they will fit you even after that turkey dinner!
As we kick off the 2008 holiday season, all drivers are reminded to concentrate on driving, drive speeds appropriate for the weather conditions, drive sober, and most importantly, buckle up each and every trip. That way, this Thanksgiving holiday will be memorable for all the right reasons.
Sincerely,
Carol Schefers
Safe Communities of Wright County
Board Member
Wright County Public Health
Safe Communities of Wright County News
0
Comment(s) >>
November 10, 2008
To my dearest daughter, and her friends :
Congratulations! Much like other milestones achieved in your life, you now have your driver’s license. Cool. You will love not having to ask me or your dad for rides. But with that privilege comes responsibility. Here are just a few things to keep in mind:
1. Look around your classroom. See 10 people? One of you will be involved in a crash. 20 people? That makes 2 of you.
2. The State of Minnesota has recently passed a law saying you can’t have more than one passenger your age in the car with you for a while. (like 6 months). Do you know why?
Your risk of DYING in the car goes up with each passenger. Get this: If you are 16 and have 1 passenger in the car, your risk of dying is 39% higher than if you were alone. It’s 86% higher if you have 2 passengers and 282% higher with three passengers. DEAD IS DEAD. It’s not worth it.
One of the driving instructors, Mr. Mead, had a great idea. Have ALL the passengers act as alert drivers, pointing out activity on the road. You all work together to get to your destination safely. Leave your ego at home.
3. Seat belts are important. In 4 short years in Minnesota (1999-2003), 305 kids aged 15-28 DIED in traffic crashes. 74 % did not have a seat belt on. You have to wear it. ALL the time (and keep reminding me).
4. I may tell you that you can’t drive after 9 p.m. for the first few months after you get your license. O.K. I know the new state law says midnight. I don’t care. Research shows that night crashes peak NOT when the bars close after midnight, but between 9 p.m. and 12. It’s not forever, but for a short time, till you get more experience.
5. And NO cell phones while driving. EVER. Distracted driving = crash. End of story.
I may sound like the nastiest, most restrictive mother in the world, but anyone driving past a fatal crash scene slows down and looks at it. “Is it someone I know” they think. I don’t want it to be you, or your friends, or anyone in our community.
I will harass you. Remember that. But it’s because I love you.
Your mom,
Joy Westerdahl M.D.
Chairman Safe Communities of Wright County
P.S. It’s still cool (and always will be) to ride your bike. Its great exercise and good for the environment.
Safe Communities of Wright County News
1
Comment(s) >>
September 30, 2008
Dear Editor,
Most people know emergency rooms can be kept busy with those drivers who choose to drink alcohol and get behind the wheel, but they may be surprised to learn that drowsy drivers can be just as dangerous and can keep our emergency rooms busy as well. Sleepiness slows your reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs your judgment, just like drugs and alcohol. There are two times a day that your body is in most danger of falling asleep--at night between midnight and 6 a.m. and in the “afternoon lull” between 1 and 4 p.m. Of course, any time you are sleep deprived, you put yourself and others on the road at risk.
Most people think they are a good driver and can control their sleepiness, but the fact is, someone can fall asleep and never know it. When you are driving, falling asleep for even a few seconds can be dangerous and deadly. Danger signs for drowsy drivers include:
· Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves.
· You can’t stop yawning.
· You don’t remember driving the past few miles.
· You drift out of your lane or miss road signs.
If you have even one of these symptoms, you could be sleepier (and more dangerous) than you think. Pull off the road and take a break!
The solution to drowsy driving is simple - prevention. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. If you are feeling drowsy while you are driving get out of the vehicle to stretch, go for a walk, get a drink or something to eat, but don’t stay on the road. If drowsy driving is a persistent problem, consider seeing a doctor for a sleep disorder. Remember – safe drivers are alert drivers!
Shelley Simkins
Buffalo Hospital Emergency Room Director &
Safe Communities of Wright County
Board Member
Safe Communities of Wright County News
0
Comment(s) >>
July 31, 2008
To the Editor,
In many areas it is difficult to get through a day without hearing sirens or seeing emergency vehicles speeding down the roadway with lights flashing. Such occurrences have become commonplace as law enforcement, ambulance and fire personnel respond to a great variety of emergency calls. Yet, operation of an emergency vehicle can be a hazardous but necessary task. There is a risk to the driver and occupants of the emergency vehicle as well as other motorist and pedestrians. If we all work together and follow the laws related to emergency vehicles we can help minimize this risk.
Minnesota state law requires that drivers yield the right-of-way upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle operating with emergency lights or siren, and pull over to the right hand side of the road and stop. Drivers must remain stopped until after the emergency vehicle has passed. It is always a good idea to check closely for additional emergency vehicles that may be operating in the area as well before driving back into the driving lane.
Each year a number of officers, other emergency personnel, and citizens are injured when inattentive drivers crash into emergency vehicles parked of the side of the road. In an effort to reduce the number of these unfortunate incidents the Ted Foss, or Move Over law was enacted. This law requires any driver, when approaching an emergency vehicle, with lights flashing, parked, or otherwise stopped, on or next to the street or highway to move over. If the roadway is equipped with two lanes going in the same direction drivers shall safely move to the lane farthest away from the emergency vehicle if it is possible to do so. If the roadway is equipped with more than two lanes in the same direction drivers must move over as to leave at least one full lane between the drive and any lane in which an emergency vehicle is completely or partially parked, or otherwise stopped if possible to do so.
In short please move over when it is safe to do so in order to leave a safe distance between vehicle traffic and stopped emergency vehicles on or adjacent the roadway. If you are unable to move over reduce your speed and allow as much room as possible.
Lt. Bob Harri
Buffalo Police Department
Board Member Safe Communities of Wright County
Safe Communities of Wright County News
0
Comment(s) >>
June 24, 2008
During the recent legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature strengthened the state’s laws for newly licensed teen drivers. These laws are meant to help teens improve their driving skills during the first year of licensure by reducing exposure to two high-risk situations: carrying teen passengers and driving at night.
Minnesota teen drivers are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes each year — due to driver inexperience, distractions, nighttime driving, speeding and lack of seat belt.
A nighttime driving limitation during the first six months of licensure prohibits teens from driving from midnight to 5 a.m. — unless the teen is driving when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Other exceptions include driving between home and place of employment; driving to/from home and a school event for which the school has not provided transportation; or driving for employment purposes.
The nighttime limitation is lifted after the first six months of licensure.
There are also new teen passenger limitations. For the first six months of licensure only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. During the second six months of licensure, no more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Passengers under age 20 who are members of the immediate family are permitted for both periods.
These two provisions go into effect August 1, 2008, but also apply to teens licensed before August 1. As a result, a teen licensed on July 1 has five months and a subsequent six months of limitation requirements, rather than starting the limitation time periods anew on August 1. Violating these laws is a misdemeanor.
Although these laws are a step in the right direction, Safe Communities of Wright County urges parents to consider if these restrictions are enough for their teen drivers. While limiting nighttime driving from midnight to 5 a.m. is a start, parents should know that the peak of night time driving crashes for teens is from 9 p.m. to midnight. Well before the restriction goes into place. Safe Communities of Wright County recommends a 9 p.m. driving curfew for the first few months until driving skills are more fully developed.
Likewise with the teen passenger limitation, the law is a start, but Safe Communities of Wright County would recommend stronger parental restrictions. According to a John Hopkins Study, the addition of just one passenger along with a teen driver increases crash risk by 39%. The addition of 3 passengers increases crash risk increases by nearly 200%. Parents of teen drivers are encouraged to totally restrict any passengers for the first few months of driving until their driving skills can be more fully developed. Then, slowly add passengers as teens gain experience behind the wheel.
For more information on teen driving, including a downloadable Parent-Teen Driving Contract, visit www.safecommunitiesofwrightcounty.org.
# # # # #
Press Releases
0
Comment(s) >>
June 07, 2008
April 2008
Here is my story. Tuesday evening at the Delano Tiger Baseball game in St. Boni I was on cloud nine. I went three for three, two doubles and two RBI's, pitched four innings, no earned runs and six strike outs! WOW! It felt great!
Then Wednesday I found out that I had achieved my goal of reaching Varsity status and would be practicing with varsity that very afternoon. Practice was amazing (ok ... now you know for sure that my mom is helping me write this) ... practice was practice. Coach Paulson had me pitching before all of the other Sophmore pitchers so my hopes were high that possibly I would be playing in Thursday nights game. After practice I was heading home to pick up my sisters for religion class. My energy was high and I was extremely anxious with all that had transpired over the past two days. I was taking my normal detour home down Nelson Road due to the construction that continues to bind most all of Delano's residents. I was approaching tickle hill at Kutz Crossing going a little too fast. The road had recently been re-graveled so I should have been going a little slower. I went over the hill and the front end of my car began to slide to the right I knew there was nothing I could do when I saw the tree in front of me. BAM! I hit the tree! I remember sliding but I don't remember the impact. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT! The impact into the tree was so great that it caused the backend of the car to come up and over wedging the car between the tree and a telehone pole. I was stuck! I don't believe that I ever lost conciusness because the next thing I remember was realizing I could not get out of the car. My legs were trapped between the floor board and the seat. I looked down and saw my legs locked really twisted and mangled but could not get out. I could not reach my phone! I tried not to panic but was scared. I began to scream in hopes that someone would hear me. The next thing I knew there was a man (an angel my mom says) that was right by my side helping me through the pain and my fears. He somehow pried the door open and was able to unbuckle me but I was still stuck. Him and his wife stayed with me the entire time until the rescue workers were able to pry me from the vehicle. It took the rescure workers about ten minutes to free me from the wreckage using the Jaws Of Life. I was then airlifted to North Memorial Medical Center. I had emergency surgery on my left leg that night at 9:30. I had compound fractures and it was broken in several places. They put pins in my leg to assist with the healing and someday I will have to have them removed. My right leg fared better then initially expected with only several sprains and a slight fracture on the outter ride side of my foot. I am grateful to everyone that was there that day to assist me during one of the most scary and painful times in my life. And Thanks to all the friends and family that waited at the hospital that evening to make sure that I was o.k., especially Coach Paulson and Coach Van Cura -- what a wonderful surprise to wake up and see you standing there. The doctors tell me that I should be able to make a full recovery and I fully intend to do just that!
Nick Kelzer
Saved by the Belt Stories
0
Comment(s) >>
|
