Sept. `99 Newsletter - California Association for Safety Education

California Association for Safety Education
Volume IX, Number 4 - Sept. 1999
CASE and OTS Team Up for
Special Conference
By Jerry Gaines, CASE President
C
ASE is about to make history in traffic
safety education by co-sponsoring a fall
conference in Palm Springs with the
Governor’s Representative, Art Anderson and
the Office of Traffic Safety. Plans are being
made to bring together for the first time traffic
safety stakeholders from Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Environmental Health
(Injury Prevention interests such as the Child
Passenger Safety and MADD) to share their
knowledge on overall traffic safety trends and
needs.
The conference is set for the first week in
Jerry Gaines and Art Anderson
November at the Palm Springs Riviera Resort
and Racquet Club. The conference will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday,
November 1-3. The Monday general session program will feature key leaders of the traffic
safety arena. Key legislators such as State Senators Betty Karnette (Chair of the Senate
Transportation Committee), Jack O’Connell (Member of the Senate Education Committee), and other state officials such as Spike Helmick, CHP Commissioner, Jose Medina,
Director of CALTRANS, and Ed Snyder, Acting Director of the DMV are among the
speakers invited to attend. Exhibits are being scheduled around the program for three
conference days.
For the Tuesday session, plans are being made to present a variety of breakout sessions
featuring topics from each of the 4E’s, some of which will be repeated twice so that more
can attend key topics of interest. One session will feature background on the new University
of California at Riverside Extension program for training teachers in traffic safety
education. UCR will be providing credit for those participating at the Palm Springs CASE/
OTS Conference.
Wednesday's program emphasis will be in the 4E’s: toward the issues within education,
health prevention, enforcement, and engineering. CTA President Wayne Johnson will
present an update during the conference on issues related to teachers within California.
Fred Mottola will present a workshop (with his Auto Control Monster). Jim Lewis is
planning a first class conference program, which will enrich all traffic safety stakeholders.
Look for a special conference mailer soon.
The location is excellent (Palm Springs Riviera Resort and Racquet Club), and the room
rates ($79 per night single or $99 per night double) are great for November in Palm Springs!
There is free transportation from the airport and free parking for hotel guests.
What is unique for CASE members is that this is a rare opportunity to meet other traffic
safety professionals within the broader traffic safety arena. For CASE to achieve its
objectives of gaining greater overall support for our work with novice and other drivers for
improved skill (i.e. renewed support for high school driver education), a broad coalition of
support will be needed. The CASE/OTS effort is a great start.
Legislation Update
The California Legislature completed its
final session of the century on September
10. The following bills are traffic safetyrelated:
SB 1112 (Knight) - Authorizes private
driving schools to administer behind-thewheel driving tests to its students who are
seeking provisional licenses. The bill would
reauthorize the program that was in effect
from 1996 through 1998. The new pilot
program period would be from July 1, 2000
to June 30, 20002. SB 1112 failed passage
in the Assembly Transportation Committee on August 16, but reconsideration was
granted. CASE has taken an OPPOSE position on this bill.
SB 1197 (Morrow) - This bill would repeal
the requirement that motorcycle drivers
and passengers wear a helmet. No further
action has been taken on this bill since its
failure in the Senate Transportation Committee on May 18. It may be reconsidered.
CASE has taken an OPPOSE position.
SB 946 (Vasconcellos) - This bill would
require the Department of Motor Vehicles
to conduct a pilot project to compare the
effectiveness of distance learning in driver
education programs conducted in a nonclassroom environment with those in a classroom-based environment for persons under
the age of 18. This bill was signed into law
by the Governor on July 27. CASE was in
opposition to the bill.
AB 681 (Calderon) - This bill would require
that persons taking online and classroom
traffic school courses take a proctored exam
upon course completion. It would also create
a standardized curriculum for both Internet
and traditional traffic schools. AB 681 failed
passage in the Senate Transportation
Committee in June, but it was granted
reconsideration.
SB 567 (Speier) - Would require that
children up to age 7 be restrained in booster
seats similar to those provided to children
in restaurants and allow seat belts to restrain
(continued on page 3, column 1)
Results of the CASE Special
Election
Thanks to all members who took the
time to vote and return ballots in the
special election to fill the vacant offices of
President -Elect and Second Vice President.
Congratulations to Craig Dill who has
been elected to the office of PresidentElect and Carl Chapin who will fill the
office of Second Vice President.
The vacancies were created by the
resignation of President-Elect Bob Mihelic.
Craig Dill resigned his office of Second
Vice President in order to run for the
President-Elect position.
Craig and Carl will assume their new
positions for the remaining year of the
normal two-year terms.
Bad Tire Idea
B. F. Goodrich is promoting a new line
of colored tires called the Scorcher, which
promotional videos say will allow drivers
to leave a near rainbow of skid marks on the
road. The videos encourage drivers to spin their
tires and leave colors on
the asphalt.
Yellow versions of
the tires were scheduled
to reach the California
market during the first week of September.
Red and blue versions are slated to roll out
in January. The price of the tires is $225
each.
Each tire has two color strips that,
unlike sidewalls, won’t wear off over time.
The strips run through the entire tread, so
they continue to show as the tire wears.
In addition to encouraging dangerous
driving, law enforcement officials throughout California are worried that the red and
blue tires will be used by gangs to mark
their turf and insult their rivals. Red and
blue are the colors of a number of rival
gangs in the state.
The League of California Cities has
passed a resolution asking B. F. Goodrich
and its parent company, Michelin, to abandon the color tread product line. The League
said if the companies do not voluntarily
pull the color tread line, California cities
will seek legal means of recovering costs
for law enforcement and tread mark cleanup.
Page 2
Children in Traffic Video
Available from AAA
Foundation
Children don’t see traffic the way adults
do, reports the AAA Foundation for Traffic
Safety. That means extra danger, especially
now that school is starting. Younger
children in particular don’t have the ability
to deal with moving
vehicles,” says David
Willis, President of the
AAA Foundation.
“They have poor
directional hearing,
narrow peripheral
vision, and they can’t judge speed and
distance the way older children and adults
can.”
Motorists who drive in areas where
there are large numbers of children, such as
schools and neighborhoods of young
families, need to be aware of childrens’
perceptual and behavioral differences. In
addition to hearing and seeing differently
from adults, children tend to concentrate on
just one thing at a time. “Even though they
know they’re supposed to look both ways,
if they’re chasing a ball or a pet they won’t
do it,” Willis says. Children may also see
cars as being friendly rather than dangerous,
and may not understand that drivers can’t
stop quickly.
The AAA Foundation has produced
“Children in Traffic,” a 13-minute video
showing how children’s perceptions differ
from those of adults. Each topic — sight,
hearing, depth perception, concentration,
and so forth — is demonstrated with reallife situations.
“All drivers, not just parents, need to
know about these differences,” Willis says.
“It’s up to drivers to protect children,
because the children are not mature enough
to know how to protect themselves.”
“Children in Traffic” is available from
the AAA Foundation at 1-800-305-SAFE
(1-800-305-7233), priced at $60 for
commercial organizations and $40 for nonprofit organizations and schools, plus
shipping.
Credit is overdue to Ted Blake for
providing all the conference photographs
published in the June 1999 CASE
Newsletter. Thanks, Ted, for your hard
work and dedication to CASE!
CASE Newsletter
Published by the California Association
for Safety Education
Richard Mikulik, Editor
25 Shelbourne Place
San Mateo, CA 94402
Fax: (415) 349-7850
E-mail: [email protected]
CASE Web Site:
http://members.aol.com/CalAssn/CASE.html
CASE Officers
Jerry Gaines, President
2101 West 37th Street
San Pedro, CA 90732
(310) 833-2103
e-mail: [email protected]
Larry Terrill, Past President
470-980 Wingfield Rd.
Susanville, CA 96130
(916) 257-4220
e-mail: [email protected]
Craig Dill, President-Elect
2209 Atrisco Circle
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 925-2991
James Lewis, First Vice President
2303 Teasley St.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 957-4882
e-mail: [email protected]
Carl Chapin, Second Vice President
8255 Exbourne Circle
Sacramento, CA 95828
(916) 689-5515
Hayden Dawson, North Region
Representative
8908 Suttersgold Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 363-5666
Larry Woodruff, South Region
Representative
3608 York Circle
La Verne, CA 91750
(909) 593-0563
e-mail: [email protected]
Legislation Update
New Federal Child Seat Safety Standards in Effect
(continued from page 1)
kids at the proper height. Speier's bill is
based on recommendations by NHTSA that
children weighing between 40 and 80
pounds (roughly ages 4 through 9) ride
seated on booster seats.
The bill had passed both houses of the
Legislature and was sent to the Governor.
However, Senator Speier pulled the bill
back at Governor Davis' request because
Davis said it was not clear enough on exemptions for oversized children who cannot fit in a weight limit rather than an age
limit. Speier has said she will change her
bill in January to add the height and weight
parameters.
SB 335 (Hayden) - This bill originally
would have required California drivers age
75 and older to pass a written and road test
when their licenses come up for renewal.
The tests would have been required more
frequently as drivers get older, until—by
age 90—they would need to renew every
year. Due to much opposition to the age
references in the bill, Senator Hayden agreed
on August 16 to amendments that removed
any references to age and instead would
require the DMV to adopt testing regulations by next May to protect the public from
at-risk drivers. The bill is currently in the
Assembly where it has been placed in the
inactive file.
AB 15 (Gallegos) - Requires that school
buses manufactured on or after January 1,
2002, and purchased or leased for use in
California have a "passenger restraint system" at each seat. It also requires the
California State Board of Education to adopt
regulations to require schoolbus passengers to use these restraint systems.
The bill specifies that at least once in each
school year, all pupils in prekindergarten,
kindergarten, and grades 1 to 8, who receive home-to-school transportation shall
receive safety instruction that includes
proper loading and unloading procedures,
instruction on the use of passenger restraint systems, proper passenger conduct,
bus evacuation, and location of emergency
equipment.
AB 15 was passed by both the Senate and
Assembly and was submitted for enrollment on September 9. It will next go to the
Governor.
New stricter head protection standards for child car seats took effect on September 1.
Most seats will now come equipped with a tether strap that anchors the top of the seat more
securely to restrict the movement of children in a crash.
Implementation of the new requirements is the first phase of a three-year plan by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to create a universal, easy-to-use child
seating system. The new program, known as the Universal Child Safety Seat System
(UCSSS) is designed to eliminate the confusion that results in incorrect installation of up
to 80 percent of car seats and result in a projected saving of 50 lives and a reduction of 3,000
injuries each year.
Existing car seats may be modified to add the tethers and attachment points needed to
meet the new requirements. Seat manufacturers and automakers are offering kits for the
modification.
Continued on page 7, column 1
Page 3
U.S. Alcohol-Related Fatalities
Lowest in 17 Years
California Traffic Deaths Lowest Since 1955
The California Highway Patrol reports that traffic deaths in the state dropped to a 42year low in 1998. There were double-digit declines in motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities
The CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that 3,459
people died in crashes on California’s highways in 1998, down 5.8 percent from 1997 when
there were 3,671 fatalities. Deaths were the lowest since 1955, when 3,431 people died.
Motorcycle deaths dropped 15.3 percent, from 235 in 1997 to 199 in 1998. Pedestrian
deaths went down 10.7 percent, from 782 in 1997 to 698 in 1998.
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program and the motorcycle helmet law have
demonstrated their effectiveness in saving lives,” said Commissioner D. O. “Spike”
Helmick. He said that motorcyclist casualties have dropped for the eleventh straight year
since the safety program was initiated in 1987. The helmet law was enacted by the
Legislature in 1992.
Lives are being saved by a combination of enforcement and education,” Helmick said.
“We’re vigorously enforcing speed and DUI laws at the same time we’re educating
motorists about slowing down and designating a driver.”
The 1998 statistics also highlight another milestone - a 7.8 percent drop in the mileage
death rate. The mileage death rate is the number of fatalities per 100 million miles of vehicle
travel.
Despite an increase in the miles Californians drove in 1998, the mileage death rate
dropped from 1.29 in 1997 to 1.19 in 1998. The 1998 figure is the lowest since the state
began keeping figures in 1942.
“I commend the California Highway Patrol, the Office of Traffic Safety, Caltrans, and
local law enforcement for their efforts to make California a national leader in traffic safety,”
said Maria Contreras-Sweet, Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing.
“Governor Davis and I are committed to making transportation safer for Californians.
By implementing effective traffic safety programs — such as our recent fight against socalled aggressive drivers — combined with our message to buckle up and not drink and
drive, I am confident the number of traffic accidents and fatalities will continue to go down,”
said Contreras-Sweet.
California Highway Patrol Office of Public Affairs, Aug. 24, 1999
Fatalities
1998
1997
% Change
Total
3,459
3,671
-5.8
Pedestrians
698
782
-10.7
Bicyclists
107
115
-7.0
Motorcyclists
199
235
-15.3
Moped Victims
1
-
Vehicle Occupant
2,374
2,444
-2.9
Caused by Drunk
Driving (DUI/PCF)
896
918
-2.4
1,072
1,100
-2.5
Involving Alcohol
(HBD)
Page 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration reports that there were
15,935 alcohol-related traffic deaths in
1998. This represents a decrease of 1.5
percent from 16,189 in 1997—the lowest
number in 17 years.
Alcohol-related traffic fatalities
accounted for 38.4 percent of the 41,471
highway deaths in the U.S. last year. In
1997 the total was 38.5 percent. Texas had
the most alcohol-related traffic deaths last
year with 1,792, followed by California at
1,324.
Urge to Change Lanes May
be Based on Illusion
According to a Canadian study published in the September 2 edition of the
science journal Nature, the urge to change
lanes may be caused by an optical illusion
that deceives people into believing the cars
in other lanes are going faster. The study
was funded by the University of Toronto
and the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Researchers using videotape of cars in
adjoining lanes found that most drivers
overestimated the relative speed of other
drivers. The study also determined that
when drivers did not measure their speed
against cars in other lanes, they made quicker
progress. This may be the result of an
optical illusion, since drivers tend to notice
when they are being passed, because they
are looking forward, more than when they
are passing others.
“People should recognize the illusion
and resist small temptations to change
lanes,” said Don Redelmeier, a professor of
medicine at the University of Toronto, who
led the study. “The gains may be an illusion,
but the risks are always real.”
By placing a camera in a moving vehicle
on a congested road, university researchers
were able to study drivers’ perceptions of
speed. People were asked to watch the
videotape and gauge the relative speed of
the car carrying the camera and cars in a
neighboring lane.
Seventy percent of the 120 people
participating in the study said they thought
that cars in the other lane were moving
faster than theirs, even though the vehicles
in the adjacent lanes were actually moving
slower. Sixty-five percent said they would
change lanes if they could.
Proposed Road Tests for Older Motorists Spurs Debate
Senator Tom Hayden’s bill (SB 335) to require increasingly frequent driving tests for
senior motorists has generated much debate, including opposition from the American
Association for Retired Persons. However, polls show a substantial majority of adults in
California, including seniors, support testing.
Hayden’s bill would have required drivers ages 75 to 79 to be tested every four years,
drivers 80 to 85 every three years, and drivers 86 to 89 every two years. Drivers 90 and
older would have had to be tested every year.
The proposed legislation passed the Senate in June, but ran into opposition in the
Assembly, where it is currently in the inactive file. Hayden has indicated that he will
reintroduce the bill next year.
Among the opposition was the AARP, which strongly opposed the measure, saying it
would discriminate against one age group. Also opposed were the Paralyzed Veterans of
America and other seniors’ groups.
Hayden has made amendments removing any references to age from the bill. With the
amendments, the DMV would be required to adopt testing regulations by next May to
protect the public from at-risk drivers. At-risk drivers are defined as motorists with a
“higher-than-average propensity” for causing or being involved in traffic collisions.
Hayden’s amendments were a compromise between those who believe older drivers
need additional testing and those who believe that any references to age are discriminatory.
Several recent polls have shown that the public (including seniors) is in favor of testing
for older drivers. An August Field Institute poll of 496 California adults released one day
after Hayden shelved his bill showed that most adult Californians support such a law. In
response to the question, “What is your opinion about a proposed law to require drivers 75
and older to take behind-the-wheel road tests before being relicensed?, “ 83% were in favor,
16% opposed, and 1% had no opinion. In the same poll, 68% of those 75 or older were in
favor.
Another poll, also conducted in August, found that 75 percent of those questioned
favored Hayden’s bill in its original form before the amendments, including 61 percent of
people 65 and older. This survey, conducted by the Santa Monica-based firm Fairbanks,
Maslin, Maullin & Associates, polled 1,000 likely voters, including 215 persons 65 or older.
At the present time, Illinois is the only U.S. state that requires testing for elderly drivers.
Drivers 75 and older in Illinois must renew a license in person and pass a vision and road
test.
Child Safety Seat “Fitting Stations” Urged by NTSB
Jim Hall, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, is encouraging states
to get moving on setting up “fitting stations” where parents go to have child restraints
installed and checked. "Most parents do not know a child seat is improperly installed until
after their child is killed or injured in a crash," Hall said.
Pointing out that car accidents are the No. 1 killer of children, Hall said, “Safety
advocates know that children should be in child restraints up to the age of 4, in booster seats
to the age of 8, and in the back seat." But “not one of the 50 states has a child restraint law
with all of these requirements in it.” Indeed, no state requires booster seats for children 4
to 8, he said. (Editor's note: SB 567 (Speier) addresses this issue—see description of the bill
under "Legislation Update" on page 1).
In January, the NTSB asked all states to set up fitting stations. So far, two are doing so,
New York and South Carolina. Three others - Hawaii, Idaho and Indiana - are establishing
sites where motorists can get trained in using the seats, according to the board.
Separately, DaimlerChrysler AG is setting up fitting stations in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., Denver and Sacramento, Calif. Hall praised DaimlerChrysler, but said “states
shouldn’t wait for automakers to do something. They need to take the lead by coordinating
the establishment of permanent fitting stations” - perhaps at repair shops, firehouses, health
centers or places where cars are annually inspected for safety, he said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the federal government is providing about $90,000 for fitting station demonstration grants for two or three
states in the next fiscal year.
The Dangers of Using a
Cell Phone While Driving
Using a cell phone while driving is
obviously a distraction to the driver and a
dangerous practice. A 1997 study
published in the New England Journal of
Medicine found that talking on a cell
phone while driving increases the risk of
an accident by four times. According to
the National
Highway and
Traffic Safety
Administration,
cell phones were
a contributing
factor in 57 fatal
crashes in 1997.
Most
people—even those who use cell phones
while driving—agree that it is dangerous
according to the results of a recent Field
Institute poll of California adults. Ninetyfour percent of those responding said that
drivers who do this are more likely to
have an accident.
According to the poll, men and
younger drivers use cell phones more
often than others. Only one percent of
respondents 60 or older said they use a
cell phone “a lot” as they drive, compared to nine percent of those aged 3039. Eight percent of men who responded
said they use a cell phone “a lot” as they
drive, compared to three percent of
women.
The first law in the U. S. restricting
talking on cell phones while driving was
passed in March in Brooklyn, Ohio, a
suburb of Cleveland. Police began
handing out tickets to cell phone users the
first week of September.
Violation of the new law is a misdemeanor with fines starting at only $3 for
a first offense, but quickly escalating to
as much as $100 for a second offense or
if the driver is involved in an accident.
The law prohibits use of a cell phone
while driving unless both hands are on
the steering wheel. Exceptions are made
for emergency calls, using a phone in a
parked car or using a speakerphone.
Considering current public opinion
and the research and statistics confirming
the dangers, we will no doubt see many
more laws restricting the use of cell
phones while operating a motor vehicle.
Page 5
Questions Frequently Asked of the CHP
Following are some of the questions most frequently answered by
the California Highway Patrol Public Affairs Department:
Is it illegal to use my cellular telephone while I’m driving?
Present California law does not prohibit the use of a wireless
telephone while operating a vehicle. However, the CHP recommends common sense in its use, and we urge users to familiarize
themselves with their cellular telephone features and follow these
tips:
• If possible, dial while the car is not in motion, such as at a traffic
light or stop sign.
• Learn to operate the phone without looking at it.
• Never allow a phone conversation to distract you from driving.
• Keep calls brief.
• While talking, keep your head up and your eyes on the road, with
frequent checks of side and rearview mirrors.
• Use a hands-free device when available.
• Don’t take notes or look up phone numbers while driving.
• If you must check information, arrange to call back and do your
research while the car is safely stopped.
I have heard that some gangs are initiating new members
by driving with their headlights off and when people flash their
lights at them, they must shoot the drivers of the cars who do
this. Is this true?
The California Highway Patrol has received many inquiries
from people who have seen this message on the Internet. The simple
answer is, it is not true. Of course, as a law enforcement agency we
would caution people not to do anything in their vehicles which
could anger or upset other drivers. But to our knowledge, nothing
of this sort has taken place.
What is the telephone number to call for current road conditions? Is there a web site which contains this information?
The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) operates two road conditions hotlines. From within California, call 800427-ROAD (7623), and when you are outside the state you can
receive the same information at (916) 445-1534.
CalTrans also has a web page which contains several different
sources for road information. The URL is: http://www.dot.ca.gov/
onroad.htm
Can I put after-market tinting on the windows of my vehicle?
The main requirements for legal window tinting in California are:
1. The windshield and front driver’s side and passenger’s side
windows cannot receive any aftermarket tinting.
2. If the rear window of a vehicle is tinted, the vehicle must have
outside rearview mirrors on both sides
The law prohibits any person from driving any motor vehicle
with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or
applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows, with certain
limited exceptions.
However, legislation signed into law effective January 1, 1999,
exempts from the above prohibition specified clear, colorless, and
transparent material that is installed, affixed, or applied to the front
driver and passenger side windows for the specific purpose of
reducing ultraviolet rays. If, as, or when this material becomes torn,
bubbled or otherwise worn, it must be removed or replaced.
Is it legal for motorcycle riders to “split” lanes and ride between
other vehicles?
Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible under California
law but must done in a safe and prudent manner. The motorcycle
should be traveling no more than 10 mph faster than surrounding
traffic (without exceeding the speed limit) and not come close
enough to that traffic to cause a collision.
Page 6
I have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Do I have to carry / use chains?
What do the “R” ratings which are associated with chain
requirements mean?
“R” ratings on snowy roads indicate chain requirements for
various conditions. Some vehicles may not be required to use
chains under all conditions, but all vehicles must carry chains. Most
vehicles come equipped with snow tires. Look for M+S (mud and
snow), All Season, or All Terrain, on the side of the tire.
R-1 chains required except for vehicles with snow tires
(chains required for any vehicle pulling a trailer)
R-2 chains required except for 4-wheel drive with snow tires
R-3 chains required for all vehicles
I have studded tires installed on my vehicle. Are they legal in
California? When?
The California Vehicle Code [Section 27454 (e)], permits
studded tires to be used on vehicles between November 1 and April
1 of each year. The number of studs or the percentage of metal in
contact with the roadway cannot exceed three percent of the total
tire area in contact with the roadway.
Since there could be some confusion on this issue, you may
wish to write to the CHP. That way you will receive an official
response that you can carry in your vehicle. The mailing address is:
California Highway Patrol
Office of Public Affairs
P. O. Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
California Highway Patrol website: www.chp.ca.gov
Continued from page 3
Existing seats are safe, according to
experts, provided they are installed correctly. The new regulations are designed to
simplify installation.
As of September 1, automakers must
begin to equip new cars with anchor points
for the top tether straps. For most cars, these
will be located on the shelf between the rear
seat and rear window. In minivans, the
anchors will be on the floor behind the seat.
Eighty percent of the 2000 model year
vehicles sold in the U. S. must have the
anchors. The percentage will increase in
each succeeding year.
By September 1, 2002, car seat makers
must also add two more straps to attach the
seat bottom to a car without using its seat
belt system. Automakers will be required to
equip all new vehicles with standardized
attachment points for both the top and bottom straps.
The new head protection regulation
reduces the amount a child’s head can move
in a 30 mph crash from 32 inches to 28
inches. While some existing seats can meet
the stiffer requirement without a tether strap,
most of them cannot.
ADTSEA Conference Report
by Jerry Gaines
CASE served as the host committee for
the 43rd ADTSEA National Conference
held July 31 - August 5 in San Diego. The
host committee consisted of Jim Lewis,
Bill Lee, Larry and Judy Woodruff, Ted
and Agnes Blake, Lupe and Cody
Colchado, Lorraine Gaines, and myself.
The committee worked to provide key
host events for those attending, including
golf, an outing to a San Diego Padres
baseball game, a spouse outing, and a harbor
cruise. Comments received by those
attending the conference indicated a great
appreciation for the host activities.
Jim Lewis completed his term as
ADTSEA President at this successful
conference. Jim worked for many months
to have it held in San Diego.
We had a good turnout of CASE
members at the conference. Among the
members making presentations were Arline
Dillman, Merry Banks, Rich Mikulik,
Bill Cole, and Bill Lee.
I wish to thank all who worked to make
it a great week in San Diego!
Alan Probst 1917-1999
Alan Probst passed away on June 13, 1999 at the age of 81. A founding member of
CASE, he had a long and distinguished career in traffic safety education, including serving
as both CASE President and Executive Director. He was a consummate professional.
Born in Loveland, Colorado, Alan grew up in Casper, Wyoming before serving in
World War II. He began teaching driver education and English at Riverside high school in
1951 following a baccalaureate degree and graduate study at UCLA. After 17 years of
teaching in Riverside high schools, primarily in driver education, he became Associate
Professor of Safety and Driver Education at California State University, Long Beach in the
fall of 1968. He taught continuously in the driver education teacher preparation program
until his retirement in June, 1980.
Alan served as CASE President during the 1973-74 school year. He became Executive
Director in 1981 and was awarded the Marland K. Strasser Award in 1985 for his longstanding service to CASE and to traffic safety education.
During his career, he was a close associate of Richard Kaywood at California State
University, Long Beach. He served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Traffic Safety
Education and as the publication’s Advertising Manager. A prolific writer, he wrote
numerous articles as a regular contributor to the Journal for more than twenty years. As he
assumed the position of CASE Executive Director from the retiring Walt Lunsford, Alan
wrote: “Driver education came into being because people who believed in its possibilities
dedicated their efforts unfailingly to the cause of traffic safety education. It continues today,
and will continue, tomorrow, only because of continued efforts of the believers.”
Alan Probst was a believer.
Free ADDRESS EXPRESS
Kit Available for CASE
Members
California Casualty, a CASE Corporate
Member, is providing a free change of
address kit for CASE Members. Called
Address Express, it takes just a few minutes
to notify everybody of your new address.
A $24.95 value, the kit is free to all
CASE members. You don't need to be
insured with California Casualty to take
advantage of this offer.
To request your kit, call toll-free at 1877-668-2278 or visit the California
Casualty website at www.calcas.com and
click on the mailbox icon.
CASE Members Elected to
ADTSEA Posts
Larry Woodruff, CASE South Region
Representative, and CASE member Cody
Colchado have been elected to the
ADTSEA Board of Directors.
Both Larry and Cody will be representing the Southwest Region. Larry has been
elected for a 2 year term, while Cody will
serve a 3 year term.
Stickshift Foils Carjacker
In July an 18-year-old
tried to carjack a Mercedes
in Charlotte, North Carolina.
However, he was thwarted
by the car's manual transmission. During
the 10 minutes that he tried to drive away,
he hit a shopping cart, a retaining wall, and
another car.
1
3
R
Child Safety Seats
2
4
CASE Corporate Members
Our Corporate Members are a vital asset to
our organization. These companies show
their support for traffic safety education by
participating at our state conferences and
providing financial assistance. We value
our special relationship and thank them for
their outstanding support.
Adept Inc.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
California Casualty
Doron Precision Systems, Inc.
Propulsion International, Inc.
Page 7
California Association for Safety Education
Presents a Special Conference on
Integrating Traffic Safety Issues into the New Millenium:
Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Environmental Health
November 1-3, 1999
Palm Springs Riviera Resort & Racquet Club
Palm Springs, CA
Hotel rates are $79 single and $99 double occupancy, plus tax
Phone (800) 444-8311 for reservations • Reservations cut-off date: October 11, 1999
Please mention that you are attending the CASE conference to receive the group rate.
After October 11, overnight accommodations are based on availability at the prevailing rate.
Early registration fee............................$150
Late registration fee (after Oct. 11)......$190
To register, call (800) 858-7743 or (916) 278-4960