APR-JUN 2016

NEW MEXICO HITS A50-YEAR LOW IN DWI-RELATED FATALITIES

THIRD NATIONALDISTRACTED DRIVINGENFORCEMENTCAMPAIGN

BUCKLE UP NEW MEXICORECERTIFICATIONTRAINING

I-25/PASEO DEL NORTE INTERCHANGE CITED IN NATIONAL ENGINEERING COMPETITION

TRACS IMPLEMENTED ACROSS NEW MEXICO

ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDED WITH THE HIGHEST ISO RATING

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NEW MEXICO ADDRESSES RISK IN OLDER DRIVERS

OPERATION LILLY WRAPS UP; ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS CONTINUE

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Third National Distracted Driving Enforcement CampaignSOURCE: NHTSA

From April 8 to 13, 2016, law enforcement personnel implemented a combination of traditional and innovative strategies to crack down on motorists who text while driving. The objectives of the national high-visibility enforcement U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign are to: conduct intense enforcement of anti-texting laws, and couple the efforts with advertising, media, and social media outreach to let drivers know about the enforcement and convince them to obey the law.“Distracted driving kills, there is no excuse for it,

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and it must stop,” said Transportation

New Mexico Hits a 50-Year Low in DWI-Related FatalitiesOn March 23rd Governor Susana Martinez addressed members of the press to announce a 50-year low in the number of DWI-related fatalities in New Mexico. This marks a 26% decrease from the previous year thanks, in part, to increased penalties and

PHOTOS BY: SAFER NEW MEXICO NOW

putting distracted drivers on notice: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Texting and driving will at least cost you the price of a ticket but it could very well cost you your life or someone else’s.”

Distracted driving statistics portray a grim picture: In 2014, an estimated 3,179 people were killed (10% of all crash fatalities) and an additional 431,000 were injured (18% of all crash injuries) in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. According to a 2014 article in the New England Journal of Medicine, the risk of a crash or near-crash among novice drivers increased with the performance of many secondary tasks, including texting and dialing cell phones.

law enforcement campaigns aimed at DWI offenders. Yet, Martinez states law enforcement efforts will continue until alcohol-related deaths are fully eliminated. “The goal is to have zero alcohol-related deaths,” the Governor stated, “and then to keep that number at zero.”

Martinez hopes New Mexico’s latest DWI law will lower the number of alcohol-related fatalities even further. Legislation signed by Martinez reclassifies vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs from a third-degree felony (which carries a maximum 6-year prison sentence) to a second-degree felony (which carries a sentence up to 15 years). The law also adds mandatory sentencing for convicted, repeat DWI offenders with an eighth or subsequent DWI arrest from a minimum ten years to a maximum 12 years.

The 2015 absconder program, which is enforced by the New Mexico State Police, has led to 55 fugitive

Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Across the country, we’re

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arrests, including 8 of the 10 most wanted DWI absconders in the State. The New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas commended the law enforcement officers who have helped prevent DWI fatalities by taking countless drunk drivers off of the roads. In addition, Chief Kassetas stressed the importance of the public’s role in preventing DWI. “Drunk driving must have a certain amount of shame associated to it – it shouldn’t be socially accepted.” CLICK TO CONTINUE ON PAGE 5

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

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2 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS

PHOTOS BY: SAFER NEW MEXICO NOW

Buckle Up New Mexico Recertification TrainingThis year’s Buckle Up New Mexico Recertification Training was held on March 9-10, at the Sandia Resort in Albuquerque. The annual event is hosted by the NMDOT TSD and Safer New Mexico Now. This training provides Child Passenger Safety Technicians from across the State with education and “hands-on” activities from expert instructors and national manufacturers in the field of child passenger safety.

The NMDOT Deputy Secretary of Business Support Loren Hatch provided welcoming remarks. Sessions included such topics as “Unsafe from the Start,” delivered by the keynote speaker, Ben Hoffman, MD, FAAP, of the Oregon Health and Science University, and “Air Bags: Today and Tomorrow,” delivered by Kim Herrmann of Safe Kids Worldwide.

An awards luncheon was held to recognize individuals and organizations with an outstanding contribution to Child Passenger Safety in New Mexico. The Honorable Judge William Liese of the Farmington Municipal Court was presented with the H.J. “Doc” and Lena Weiler CommunityCLICK TO CONTINUE ON PAGE 3

I-25/Paseo Del Norte Interchange Cited in National Engineering Competition Multi-Faceted Infrastructure Upgrade Untangles Longstanding CongestionSOURCE: AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES

WASHINGTON, DC (February 25, 2016) – Bohannan Huston, Inc., of Albuquerque, N.M., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 49th annual Engineering Excellence Awards for designing the reconstruction of the I-25/Paseo del Norte Interchange in Albuquerque.

The commute to and from the West Side during rush hours created some of the city’s worst traffic congestion, especially at the I-25/Paseo del Norte interchange, where traffic would often back up for 2.5 miles. The congestion affected air quality and created safety issues.

The innovative solution included new flyover and ramp structures, a grade-separated overpass at Jefferson Street and Paseo Del Norte, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and upgrades to the I-25 mainline. The collaborative engineering effort delivered a fully optimized reconstruction design with minimal project right-of-way needs, and no impacts to a nearby landfill. Other benefits include improved safety, enhanced pedestrian and bicycle mobility.

ACEC recognized 151 projects throughout the nation and the world as preeminent engineering achievements, and all were eligible for top national honors. Judging for this year’s awards—known industry-wide as the “Academy Awards of the engineering industry”– took place in February, conducted by a panel of more than 30 engineers, architects, government officials, media members, and academia. Award criteria included uniqueness and originality, technical innovation, social and economic value, complexity, and success in achieving goals.

TraCS Implemented Across New Mexico Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS) is a statewide traffic data collection software initiative. TraCS is implemented with the goal of electronic data transfer, allowing officers in New Mexico to accurately complete Uniform Traffic Citations, Uniform Crash Reports, Commercial Vehicle Inspection, Offense/Incident Forms, Tow Sheets, and other supplemental forms used daily by law enforcement agencies.

The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office continues to serve as NMDOT’s pilot agency for New Mexico TraCS development. In addition, three law enforcement agencies, including Albuquerque Police Department, Santa Fe Police Department, and Rio Rancho Police Department have fully implemented TraCS and are currently sending crash data to the UNM data center.

The New Mexico State Police has also rolled out the software in four State Police Districts, with future plans to expand to the entire State, while Farmington Police Department has undergone training for TraCS and has a rollout in progress. Additionally, Bernalillo County, Las Cruces Police Department, Aztec, Bloomfield, San Juan County, Artesia Police Department, Carlsbad Police Department, Sunland ParkCLICK TO CONTINUE ON PAGE 5

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Albuquerque Fire Department Awarded with the Highest ISO RatingSOURCE: ALBUQUERQUE FIRE DEPARTMENT

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Mayor Richard J. Berry and Fire Chief David Downey are proud to announce that the Albuquerque Fire Department has earned a Class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), an organization that independently evaluates municipal fire protection capabilities in communities throughout the United States. ISO analyzes fire department and water supply data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule and then assigns a rating number. The ISO Class 1 rating is the highest rating possible and has been achieved by less than 100 fire departments nationwide. The department was previously a Class 3 rating.

“Receiving the ISO Class 1 rating is an indication of the Albuquerque Fire Department’s tremendous professionalism and efficacy”, said Mayor Richard J. Berry. “I am proud of Chief Downey and our department for earning this prestigious designation and setting a national standard for fire protection and public safety.”

The ISO rating process involves a periodic, detailed analysis of all fire department operations, including fire suppression capabilities, community risk reduction, fire prevention efforts, available equipment, and the distribution of emergency response vehicles. The evaluation includes the available water supply and hydrant system provided by the Water Authority.

The program provides an objective nationwide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training and provides a tool for insurance companies to measure the expected performance and capabilities of the area’s fire response force. Insurance companies use rating information to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance, generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection.

“Evaluation by the Insurance Services Office is extremely comprehensive. Fire prevention and investigation, training, dispatch, staffing, equipment, and resource deployment capabilities are each reviewed. An ISO 1 rating indicates that the risk and cost of property loss due to fire in our community is significantly reduced through both fire prevention and emergency response efforts when a fire does occur. Achieving an ISO 1 rating is a tremendous accomplishment that benefits the entire community.”

The new rating will take effect February 1, 2016. AFD encourages residents and business owners to contact their insurance companies to determine how the improved ISO classification may affect insurance premiums.

Buckle Up New Mexico Recertification TrainingCONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Leadership Award, for his extraordinary service as an occupant protection advocate. The Making a Difference Financial Service Award was presented to Kohl’s and Sisbarro Auto Dealerships for providing crucial funding and support to Child Passenger Safety initiatives.

The New Mexico State Police was recognized with the Leading by Example Team Service Award for their active support for occupant protection programs. The following individuals were also recognized for their dedication to child passenger safety and recognized with the respective awards:

• GEORGE RICHARDS Outstanding Contribution Individual Service Award

• MONICA WATRIN (City of Albuquerque Trumbull Family Resource Center) Commitment to Excellence New Mexico Child Safety Seat Distribution Program Award

• HELEN SISNEROS Senior Technician Award

• RITA ABBOUD Instructor Commitment Award for 15 years of service

• BEN HOFFMAN, MD, FAAP Instructor Commitment Award for 15 years of service

• JAMIE MICHAEL Instructor Commitment Award for 15 years of service

• ERIN ZETOCHA Instructor Commitment Award for 10 years of service

Additionally, the following Child Passenger Safety Technicians received the Above and Beyond Service Award: • LEROY CORONADO, Artesia Police Department• RICHARD PORTILLO, Doña Ana County Health and Human Services• SHANNON BARNES, Independent Volunteer• MONICA WATRIN, City of Albuquerque Trumbull Family Resource Center• ARNOLD DIAZ, Las Cruces Fire Department• MAGALI GOMEZ, Luna County Parents as Teachers• IMELDA SANCHEZ, New Mexico State Police• JANINE FREDERICKSON, Miners’ Colfax Medical Center

PHOTO BY: SAFERN NEW MEXICO NOW

Law Enforcement Coordinators’Symposium (LECS)May 11-12, 2016, Sandia Resort, Albuquerque

CLICK FOR MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION

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AlamogordoThird Saturday of each month (505) 439-4300

Albuquerque: NE2nd and 4th Fridays of each month (505) 856-6143

Albuquerque: SWThird Thursday of each month (505) 856-6143

Albuqerque: CentralFirst Friday of each month (505) 272-6024

Farmington Third Saturday of each month (800) 231-6145

Las CrucesFirst and Third Wednesdays of each month

(800) 231-6145

Las VegasLast Wednesday of each month (800) 231-6145

Rio RanchoFirst Friday of each month (800) 231-6145

Santa Fe2nd and 4th Fridays of each month

(505) 471-3965(800) 231-6145

UPCOMING Events Due to ongoing updates to the calendar of events, please CLICK HERE or visit www.safernm.org for the most current list.

FITTING STATIONS offer child safety seat inspection appointments during regular hours of operation at nine permanent New Mexico locations.

AprilNational Distracted Driving Awareness MonthAlcohol Awareness Month

Child Safety Seat Clinic, SILVER CITY,12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Grant County PublicHealth Office, 2610 N. Silver St.

Lifesavers Conference: LONG BEACH, CA

Child Safety Seat Clinic, LAS VEGAS, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., San Miguel County Public Health Office, 18 Gallegos Rd.

Child Safety Seat Clinic, SANTO DOMINGO, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Veteran’s Building

Child Safety Seat Clinic, KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., East Side Shoppette

Child Safety Seat Clinic, ISLETA PUEBLO, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Isleta Health Center, #1 Sagebrush St.

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Child Safety Seat Clinic, JEMEZ PUEBLO, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Jemez Fire Department, 4535 Highway 4

Child Safety Seat Clinic, ALBUQUERQUE,10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., A Child’s Garden Preschool, 215 Locust St. NE

Transportation Engineering ConferenceLAS CRUCES

Transportation Commission Meeting,DEMING

Child Safety Seat Clinic, ACOMA PUEBLO, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Acoma Head Start, 43G Pinsbarri Dr.

Child Safety Seat Clinic, SANTA CLARA PUEBLO,10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Santa Clara Pueblo Administration Building

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Child Safety Seat Clinic, SOCORRO, 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m., Socorro General Hospital, 308 N. California St.

Child Safety Seat Clinic, FARMINGTON, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Target, 4900 E. Main St.

Child Safety Seat Clinic, ANTON CHICO, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Anton Chico Head Start

Child Safety Seat Clinic, LAS CRUCES, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., SW Region Public Health Office, 1170 N. Solano

Child Safety Seat Clinic, RIO COMMUNITIES, 12:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Rio Communities City Hall, 360 Rio Communities Blvd.

Child Safety Seat Clinic, GRANTS, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Grants High School, 500 Mountain Rd.

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May

June

National Youth Traffic Safety Month,Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,and Bicycle Safety MonthMini Superblitz: ENDWI and BKLUPMay 2 - May 8

National Bike to School DayChild Safety Seat Clinic, TUCUMCARI,10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Kmart 2100 E. Tucumcari Blvd.Law Enforcement Coordinators’ Symposium, ALBUQUERQUE

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Child Safety Seat Clinic, ALBUQUERQUE,11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Kohl’s, 3714 Ellison Rd. NW National Transportation Week and National Police Week Child Safety Seat Clinic, DULCE, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Jicarilla EMS

Transportation Commission Meeting,RUIDOSOBike to Work DayChild Safety Seat Clinic, SANTA FE,8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Kohl’s, 4401 Cerrillos Rd.

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Child Safety Seat Clinic, ALBUQUERQUE,10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Dr.

Child Safety Seat Clinic, FARMINGTON,10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., San Juan Plaza,3030 E. 20th St.

Child Safety Seat Clinic, ANTHONY,12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Anthony FireDepartment, 1055 W. Ohara Dr.

Click It or Ticket, (National Occupant Protection Mobilization) May 23 - June 5

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National Safety Month

Click It or Ticket (National Occupant Protection Mobilization) May 23 - June 5

Child Safety Seat Clinic, DEMING,3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Deming Fire Department, 309 S. Gold Ave.

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Child Safety Seat Clinic, ALBUQUERQUE,10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Lovelace Women’s Hospital, 4701 Montgomery Blvd. Child Safety Seat Clinic, LAS CRUCES,12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave.Safer New Mexico Now DayNational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program, CLOVISChild Safety Seat Clinic, CLOVIS,1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Hobby Lobby,2001 Prince St.

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Transportation Commission Meeting, RATON

Child Safety Seat Clinic, SANTA FE,10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St.

National Ride to Work Day100 Days and Nights of SummerJune 23 - September 30

Child Safety Seat Clinic, ROSWELL,10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Lovelace Regional Hospital, 117 E. 19th St.

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The Traffic Safety News Publication is a federally-funded project from the NMDOT Traffic Safety Division. Contents may be republished with attribution. The contents of this newletter are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of any program. If you would like to submit articles, calendar events, or other items for consideration, please email: info@safernm.org, or call: (505) 856-6143.

Design and Content by Michelle Cisewski and Ana Schor

5 TRAFFIC SAFETY NEWS

New Mexico Addresses Risk in Older DriversDriving is, often times, a key to independence when it comes to older drivers. And, while people over the age of 65 tend to drive fewer miles than younger drivers, they are also shown to keep their licenses longer and drive more miles than in the past. As the overall National population ages, the number of older drivers on the roads is bound to increase.

Driving is a complicated task. It requires clear vision and hearing; paying close

Operation Lilly Wraps Up; Enforcement Efforts ContinueOn March 21, Governor Susana Martinez held a press conference announcing the conclusion of Operation Lilly, a campaign aimed against road rage and reckless driving. The operation was named after Lilly Garcia, a 4-year-old victim of a road rage shooting in October of the previous year. Her father, Alan Garcia, who was driving the car at the time of the shooting, also attended the news conference in hopes of bringing awareness to the dangers of road rage.

Governor Martinez reiterated the importance of “slowing down to take a breath,” before engaging in aggressive driving or behavior behind the wheel. Though the operation has reached its conclusion, yielding multiple reckless driving and DWI citations, the Governor said law enforcement agencies would continue their efforts in reducing these dangers on New Mexico roads.

As NMDOT Secretary Tom Church stated, tragedies such as that of Lilly Garcia, are “100 percent preventable.” Others in attendance included Mayor Richard Berry, DPS Cabinet Secretary Scott Weaver, who took the time to applaud those who “do the right thing and drive safely every day.” The conference was also attended by members of the Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and other law enforcement agencies from across the State.

PHOTO BY: SAFER NEW MEXICO NOW

Police Department, Taos Police Department, Taos County Sheriff’s Department, Taos Ski Police Department, Española Police Department, and Los Alamos County Sheriff’s Department have all expressed interest in the TraCS program. The NMDOT TSD is in communication with all interested agencies to discuss licensing, training, and opportunities to join the TraCS Program.

TraCS Implemented Across New Mexico CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

attention to other cars, traffic signs and signals, and pedestrians; and reacting quickly to events. Drivers must be able to accurately judge distances and speed as well as monitor movement around them. Yet, age-related declines in vision, hearing, and other abilities, along with certain health conditions and medications, can affect these driving skills. As a result, older drivers are more likely to have trouble in certain situations, including making left turns, changing lanes, and navigating through intersections. These driving errors can, in turn, lead to traffic crashes, injuries, and even fatalities.

Studies show that, while older drivers are less likely to be involved in crashes related to alcohol use, speeding, and driving at night, they are generally more likely to be involved in crashes, especially after the age of 75. Moreover, when they are involved in crashes, drivers over the age of 65 have a higher risk of serious injury compared to younger drivers.

New Mexico is currently leading the Nation in developing an Older Driver Program (ODP) to address and serve this “at-risk” population of drivers. The ODP will center around providing education and resources directly to older drivers, as well as medical providers, law enforcement, and social service providers. The overall goal of the Program is to prolong the time that seniors can drive safely. Mark McCracken of Safer New Mexico Now and Joe Colella of Traffic Safety Projects had the privilege of presenting on New Mexico’s ODP at this year’s Lifesavers National Conference on Highway Safety Priorities, held April 3 through 5 in Long Beach, California.

New Mexico Hits a 50-Year Low in DWI-Related FatalitiesCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety Cabinet SecretaryScott Weaver also weighed in on DWI offenders, stating, “When it comes to drinking and driving, it shouldn’t be a question of ‘will I get caught and end up in jail?’ It should be a question of ‘will I end up in a morgue?’” To conclude the press conference, Governor Martinez unveiled the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s new DWI prevention video featuring a paramedic team, also in attendance.

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO