Improv Traffic School

Florida Chapter 1

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Improv, The Comedy Club Presents Drive Safe Florida Crash Prevention Workshop

INT RODUCT ION

Attitude Determines Altitude This phrase can be used in many different settings. For example, when flying an airplane, the plane's attitude (or the angle at which it flies) determines its altitude. The same can also be said for our "altitude" in all aspects of life. Our attitude determines our altitudeor how much we accomplish in life. The one basic theme, presented throughout the course, is the influence of attitude on driving behavior. Whether we are discussing seat belts, defensive driving, crash avoidance, or alcohol, always remember that your attitude will be reflected in your behavior. It's a matter of CHOICE!

Objectiv es To gain insight as to how our emotions and attitude affect our driving ability. To recognize your own driving patterns and, where needed, learn ways to improve them. To better understand and use safe driving techniques. To become better acquainted with new laws and changes in traffic safety. To understand the grim consequences of driving under the influence. And of course, TO HAVE FUN!

C o u r s e C o mp l e t i o n I n s t r u c t i o n s PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

The course consists of 10 easy-to-follow modules. The course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As an approved provider of the Basic Driver Improvement course, The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires the course to be 4 hours long. You can proceed through the course at your own pace, but you cannot proceed to the final exam until you have spent the required minimum amount of time on the course.

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There is no maximum time limit however we recommend you spend enough time on each chapter as all course material is covered in the final quiz. You may print out chapter material to review prior to taking a chapter quiz or for the final quiz. You can log on and off as many times as you wish. You will be given full credit for any time spent on the course But our recommendation is to complete at least a full chapter per session. When you're ready, simply log back into the course, go to the chapter where you left offyou will be given credit for time spent on that chapter prior to logging off. As you begin each chapter, watch the video clip associated with that chapter; then read the chapter text. Each chapter is followed by a 2 question quiz. You must answer both correctly before you can proceed to the next chapter. You can also print a chapter's content and use it for quiz and final exam review. All quiz questions are covered in the chapter material. The final quiz portion of the course consists of 40 multiple choice or true and false questions. You must answer 32 questions correctly (80%) to pass the course and receive a certificate of completion. Upon successful completion of the course we'll mail you a Certificate of Completion for your records and update your driving record with The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Important: different courts have different requirements, but most students are expected to turn in a copy of their certificate to the Court themselves. The world is changing fast with new technology bringing both advantages and disadvantages to all our lives. For instance, a cell phone keeps us in touch but texting at 40 miles an hour can also be a disaster It's your CHOICE how to use that technology. Everyone shares the risk of knowing a neighbor, a co-worker, a friend, a family member, a loved one, or even a child that might be injured due to a collision. If you want exact statistics, one person dies in a car collision every twelve minutes. But when it comes down to statistics the only number that counts is one: one friend, one co-worker, one family member, one love, one child, one you. You are Number ONE. W hat Can Be Done? Think of yourself as Number One, take responsibility for yourself and extend it to the people around you by making a difference in your life. Remember you have influence over the people you live and work with.

Sit back, Enjoy

C HA PT E R 1 : T RA F F IC C RA S H PROBL E M : M A G NIT UD E & F ACT ORS

OR IN OTH E R W O R D S S OM E S OB E R IN G F A C TS

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Florida Chapter 1

CURRENT COLLISION STATISTICS

National Traffic Fatalities Traffic Crash Related Injuries Police Reported Traffic Crashes (You know the real number is higher because the police are not always called) Alcohol Related Fatalities Alcohol Related Injuries Alcohol Related Fatal Crashes Pedestrians Killed Bicyclists Killed Motorcyclists Killed 37,216 2.46 Million 5.8 million Florida 2,978 199,658 243,342

11,773 278,000 13,029 4,378 716 5,290

1,041 15,736 1,073 490 125 556

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Florida Chapter 1

National
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) 2008 Florida Traffic Crash Statistics 2008 NHTSA Crash Facts 2008

Florida

These are not just numbers in a table. Think about it, over 37,000 people died in traffic crashes; over 30% of those were alcohol related crashes. Let's breakdown these statistics into some simple facts according to the latest statistics: An average of 102 people die each day in motor vehicle crashesone every 15 minutes! There were more than 5.8 million traffic crashes in 2008. Over 37,000 people die in those crashes. That's about 102 people each day. There are an average of 665 crashes per day in Florida. That's almost 30 crashes per hour! In addition to the cost in human lives, the economic cost exceeds $230 billion annually!
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) 2008

According to NHTSA the estimated cost of motor vehicle crashes in 2000 (their latest available data) was $230.6 billion, or $820 for every person living in the United States. A 2008 report states that the per-person cost of traffic fatalities in 2005 dollars is $3.2 million and $68,170 for injuries. Crash Costs and Statistics You don't need to memorize those statistics, just walk away from your computer today knowing that the losses are staggering. One life lost is one too manythink about it this waywhat if it was your mom, or your son, your friendYOU?

P e r s o n a l R e v i e w Of Y o u r D r i v i n g S k i l l s An d At t i t u d e
1. Compared with other drivers, how would you rate your driving skills? Do you feel your skills are above, below or just average compared to other drivers? Did you ever notice that anyone who drives faster than you is a manic and anyone who drives slower is an idiot? 2. Think of 3 things that other drivers do that upset you the most? Things like tailgating, not using signal lights, or speeding. Are you ever guilty of these things yourself? 3. What things do you do that might upset other drivers the most? 4. What are some of the reasons why you might knowingly violate traffic laws? Perhaps you speed because you are running late for an appointment? Did you know that exceeding the speed limit by 10 MPH on a 10 mile stretch will only save you about 1 minute and 41 seconds much less than spending 4 hours in traffic school. 5. What do you think are positive driver attitudes? 6. How about negative driver attitudes? 7. Can positive emotions impair your ability to drive? Depends if our positive emotions get out of control, they can become a distraction. A past student told us the cause of his crash was because "I was laughing so hard that I ran off the road into a tree."

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8. Can negative emotions improve your ability to drive? Only if you recognize those emotions are getting out of control and do something about them. This will be covered later in the course. 9. Can negative emotions impair your ability to drive?? What do you think? 10. How can you reduce the possibility of having a collision? Follow the rules, have a good attitude, and don't do stupid things!

C o n t r i b u t i o n Of D U I An d Ot h e r H a z a r d o u s Ac t s
Let's review some of the dangerous and stupid things some people do (not you) when they drive. Drinking And Driv ing According to latest available statistics: It is estimated that 11,773 people were killed in the United States in alcohol-related motor vehicle traffic crashes. Nationwide, 32% of traffic related fatalities involved alcohol. That's one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality every 38 minutes. In Florida, this number is as high as 35% (traffic related fatalities). JUST STOP AND THINK ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THIS PART IS NOT FUNNY!
Florida Traffic Crash Statistics 2008

Speeding Speeding is another one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. Of all the fatal crashes in Florida, 18% were due to speed.
Florida Traffic Crash Statistics 2008

So if everyone would slow down and never "Have one for the road" we would be able to save over 500 lives just in this state alone. Think of the numbers If there is a plane crash, we hear about it for weeks. This many fatal crashes is like having 6-8 plane crashes every year, and no one talks about it.

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Talking On The Phone, Distracted Driv ing In the U.S. over 266 million people have cell phones. While it's hard to imagine life without a cell phone, you increase the risk of having a crash by 400% every time you use your cell phone when driving. Many states have passed laws prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. Although Florida does not prohibit you from using your cell phone while driving, we do hope that you'll realize what a dangerous distraction your phone can be. Top 10 Driv ing Distractions: 10. Eating - Messy and Dangerous 9. Kids - the trick is keep them busy with books, games whatever works 8. Navigation - decide where you are going before you leave the house 7. Changing radio stations - just plug in your iPod 6. Pets don't let them loose inside the car 5. AC - Just give it up. It will never be perfect for either of you 4. Personal grooming 3. Rubbernecking 2. Cell phones And The Number One Dangerous Distraction: 1. Arguing with your spouse. (Why can't you two just get along?)
And if you absolutely insist you need to be connected use a Bluetooth or other hands-free device.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 1 in 4 crashes are caused by distracted drivers.

People do many different things while driving. You must focus 100% of your attention to the road and driving your vehicle, because in a split second, conditions on the road can change and you must be prepared to react to these changes. Now that you know that you can't drink and drive, speed, eat, argue, talk on the cell phone What else should you be concerned with?

R e s e a r c h S h o ws 4 1 M i l l i o n L i c e n s e d D r i v e r s D o n ' t K n o w T h e B a s i c Rules.

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The GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test showed that too many licensed drivers do not know the rules of the road. Results for the latest test found that 20.1% of drivers on the roadamounting to roughly 41 million licensed Americanswould not pass a written drivers test exam if taken today. More than 5,000 licensed drivers between the ages of 16 and 65 were administered a 20-question written test designed to measure basic knowledge about traffic laws and safety. They were also surveyed on their general driving habits. Idaho and Wisconsin drivers tied for first in the nation, with an average test score of 80.6%. Florida drivers ranked 43th, with an average score of 74.1. That's a drop from 28th in 2008. The national average score was 76.6%, which is only 6.6% above the 70% failure line. Test results showed: Overall, findings from the fifth annual survey indicate the number of drivers with knowledge of basic road rules is decreasing, with this year's test scores lower than last year's (76.6 percent vs. 78.1%). Seventy-two percent of drivers could not properly identify a typical safe following distance from the car in front of them. Only 15% of drivers knew the correct answer of what to do at a traffic light displaying a steady yellow signal (stop if it is safe to do so). The older the driver, the higher the test score. Drivers 35+ years old were most likely to pass. The age group with the highest failure rates was young adults (18 to 24 years old). White males older than 45 received the highest average score. Fortunately, nearly all respondents (98%) know what to do when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches, what to do when hydroplaning and the meaning of a solid yellow line. Hopefully you knew the correct answer. If you didn't before this course, you will by the time you are done. You can take the test yourself - just visit GMAC: Take the National Driver's Test

Let's Rev iew

More than 5.8 million crashes occur every year. An average of 100 people die in car related crashesone every 123 minutes. A positive emotion (happy, excited, anticipation, etc.) allows the driver to relax but can also distract. Don't let negative emotions control you. Take a deep breath, ask yourself if this would really matter 5 minutes from now, a day from now, a week from now probably not. Speeding, Driving Under the Influence and Distractions represent the majority of all traffic crashes. 1 in 4 crashes are caused by driver inattention. The road equivalent of Time Out.

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Congratulations! You are DONE with the first chapter. That wasn't so bad let's move on.

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