Community Groups / interested parties:

Community groups, injury prevention advocates and other organizations also have a role to play in improving and maintaining school vehicle safety by raising awareness of school vehicle safety issues for the general public or their particular client group. Many participate as co-sponsors of safety programs such as the First Rider program or the Bus Watch program. Individuals can participate as field trip chaperones, and support school vehicle safety by encouraging passengers to ride safely.

School Bus Safety Factors

Seat Belts:
Transport Canada sets safety standards for school vehicles at time of manufacture. These standards include high seat backs with energy absorbing padding, seats that are placed close together, and strong seat anchorages. In 1984, Transport Canada conducted research on the use of seat belts on school buses in frontal collisions using the current configuration. It was found that adding seat belts to this system did not increase safety but did increase the potential for more severe head and neck injuries. Transport Canada also tested several other seating configurations, but found no significant safety improvements that did not also involve other safety trade-offs. Given the extremely low number of fatalities involving school bus passengers inside the bus, the addition of seat belts does not constitute a safety advantage.
Illegal Passing of School Buses:
Few studies into the problem of the illegal passing of school buses have been conducted. One Florida study recorded occurrences over one typical school day, and extrapolated the results. An unpublished 1987 Ontario study counted illegal passes over three weeks in various parts of the province. It found they occurred in two per cent of stops, were higher in approaching traffic, in some metropolitan areas and on three and four lane highways. Some municipalities have instituted awareness and enforcement programs to address illegal passing of school buses, and the provincial government has recently raised the fines.
School Bus Driver Action:
School bus drivers involved in fatal or injury crashes are more likely than drivers in similar crashes to be driving properly (57% compared to 47%). The major causes of collision were failure to yield (29% of improper driving actions), following too close (16%) speeding (11 %) and losing control (11 %).
Collision location:
The most common school vehicle injury-producing crash location was "intersection" (31 %), "non-intersection" (27%) and "at or near driveway" (17%).
Other Factors:
The Canadian Hospital Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) indicates that 18% of injuries occur when the passenger is entering or exiting the bus. Student activity on the bus remains a significant factor in injuries. CHIRPP reports that 24% of injuries result from "horseplay or inappropriate activity" or "fighting". Fifteen per cent of injuries reported by CHIRPP result from the school bus being involved in a motor vehicle collision.

Rules for leaving the bus safely:

1. When you leave the bus, hold the handrail and take two large steps away from the bus.
2. To cross the street in front of the bus, walk ahead at least ten giant steps (three metres). Cross only when the driver gives a signal. Cross the street in single file.
3. If you drop something near the bus, don't pick it up. Tell the driver or other adult.
4. If everyone is getting off the bus, the people at the front leave first. Do not push.
5. be familiar with the rules for emergencies.

Forward-facing Seat

* Required by law for children weighing between 9 and18 kg (20-40 lb.).
* Best to use when child is at least one year old and a minimum of 10 kg (22 lb.). Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for height/ weight.
* Harness slots at or above shoulders.
Children

As a motorist:

* Be patient, especially with older pedestrians who need more time to cross the road;
* Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning;
* Remember, stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school zones.
Breaking the law can be costly. Fines for offences at pedestrian crossings, school crossings, and at crosswalks where there are traffic signals are $150 and 3 demerit points. All fines are double ($300) in Community Safety Zones near schools and public areas.

Indigenous Road Safety

The ATSB, with assistance from the Office of Road Safety in Western Australia, convened the 3rd Indigenous Road Safety Forum from 23-25 October 2006 in Broome.

About sixty people from a range of professions in the health, safety, justice and education sectors attended the forum.

Forum delegates reacted positively to the opportunity to work with and develop communication networks with their road safety colleagues to identify further actions to improve road safety outcomes for Indigenous people.

Delegates discussed issues identified by a previous forum in 2004 and recommendations of a research study Australian Indigenous Road Safety – 2005 Update commissioned by the Australian Government. Issues related to the need to:

* improve the accuracy of national road trauma statistics
* increase driver licensing rates
* involve indigenous communities in road safety efforts
* improve road safety behaviours relating to seatbelt wearing, alcohol use, riding in open load spaces and pedestrians
* research into attitudes toward health and injury
* conduct formal evaluations of initiatives
* apply enforcement activity to address known risky practices.

There were workshop discussions held at the forum to address these issues, resulting in a large number of recommendations made. These will be further developed with facilitators who led the workshop discussions and incorporated into a forum report as early as possible.

Pulling a trailer safely

Trailers come in many shapes and sizes. Pulling a trailer requires extra care and attention. A trailer puts extra weight on your vehicle and increases the space you need to drive and stop safely. Trailer safety involves some simple and important rules.

A trailer must be registered and licensed before it can be used on the road.

Before using your trailer, make sure it is in safe operating condition. Inspect the lights, tires, brakes (if equipped), bearings, safety chains and hitch. The law requires brakes on trailers that weigh 1360 kg (3000 lb) or more.

Use the correct class of trailer hitch on your vehicle. (Class I – up to 2000 lb; Class II – up to 3500 lb; Class III – up to 5000 lb; Class IV – 5000 to 10000 lb) Repair or replace broken or worn out hitches. Contact a trailer hitch retailer for more information.

Thinking of buying a trailer? Consider the size, power and condition of your vehicle. Trailer dealers can help match your vehicle with the right type of trailer and the proper hitch system.

You must have two separate means of attachment between your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains should be crossed under the tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the road should the primary hitch accidentally disconnect. It is recommended that chain hooks have latches or devices that prevent accidental disconnect. The breaking strength of each chain should equal the gross weight of the towed trailer. (See: Farm Vehicles and Equipment and The Highway Traffic Act, Appendix A - chain grades charts.) Chains are required for goose neck type trailers that utilize a ball and socket type hitch. Fifth-wheel type hitches that have safety latches do not require safety chains.

When attaching the trailer to a vehicle, make sure it is hitched securely. The trailer tongue should be snug on the ball when locked. Never overload the trailer. Overloading or poor load distribution can cause serious swaying and separation when driving and possible tire, wheel bearing and axle failure. Also, the law requires that loose objects be covered with a tarp and everything be strapped down so nothing can bounce or fly off.

Adjust vehicle mirrors to clearly see traffic approaching from behind. Keep the load low. Use extension mirrors if necessary.

It is against the law to tow more than one trailer behind your vehicle unless using a commercial vehicle. You cannot carry people in a house or boat trailer.

You cannot accelerate as fast when towing a trailer, or stop as quickly. Maintain a speed that avoids sudden stops and slow-downs. Be alert, increase your following distance, keep out of fast lanes of traffic and always use your signals when passing or turning.

Tips for Drivers

Share the road with motorcycles – in almost half of all motorcycle collisions the motorist is at fault, not the motorcyclist
* Motorcycles use a full lane; treat them like other vehicles when driving.
* A safe following distance is at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This lets you see around the vehicle ahead and gives you enough distance to stop suddenly.
* Many motorcycle collisions occur between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., so take extra caution at these times.
Watch for motorcycles at intersections – over one third of motorcycle collisions are intersection related.
* Be sure that you are safe to proceed before doing so by checking your mirrors and around your car.
* Slow down as you come to intersection and look carefully for traffic, yield signs, stop signs, traffic lights, cyclists and pedestrians.
* Be extra cautious when turning left in front of a motorcycle. It’s difficult to judge their speed and their turn signal may be accidentally left on as they don’t automatically shut off.
Watch for clues
* Motorcycle turn signals can be hard to see.
1. Watch for signs, such as shoulder checking or leaning that indicates the rider is going to turn or change lanes.
Carefully assess an oncoming motorcycle’s speed
* A motorcycle is more difficult to see than other vehicles and its profile is smaller from most angles.
1. A motorcycle's speed and distance can easily be misjudged by drivers.
2. Make sure you don't pull out in front of, or cut off, a motorcycle.
Be courteous
* Respect motorcyclists - they are just as entitled to use the road as you are.
1. Speed and other aggressive tactics such as tailgating can potentially be more dangerous to the motorcyclist, who has less protection on a smaller, open vehicle.
2. Give other drivers space to change lanes, avoid cutting them off and signal your turns and lane changes properly.
Be aware of motorcycles (and other vehicles) around your car
* Check your mirrors frequently so you are aware of the other vehicles around you and how close they are.
1. Remember to check your blind spot, especially before changing lanes. A motorcycle is small enough to be entirely hidden within your blind spot.

Smart Drivers Just Drive!

When driving a vehicle, road safety is your first responsibility! It is important to focus on driving and to reduce driver distractions.
Driver distraction is a major cause of collisions
Using either a hand-held or hands-free cell phone while driving makes it four times more likely that you will be involved in a collision. In fact, using a cell phone affects what a driver sees, reduces reaction time and changes the way drivers react – especially in heavy traffic. Driving for work and using a phone? Motor vehicle collisions are the greatest single cause of traumatic workplace deaths in Ontario.
Drivers should avoid using their cell phone while driving except in an emergency. Police can charge drivers with careless driving if they do not pay full attention to the driving task. A driver convicted of careless driving will receive six demerit points, fines of up to $1,000 and/or a jail term of six months. In some cases, the driver's licence may be suspended for up to two years. This is one of Ontario's toughest rules of the road.
Remember, smart drivers just drive! In three seconds driving sixty kilometers per hour you travel fifty meters – that’s the distance across half a football field. A momentary distraction can result in death or serious injury.
The following are some tips to help reduce driver distraction:
* Plan for safe locations to stop (for example, rest stops or commuter lots) to make and receive calls
* Before you start driving turn off your cellular phone.
* Allow calls to go to voice mail or allow a passenger to make and receive calls.
* Consider recording an outgoing voice message that lets callers know you are on the road.
In Emergencies:
Having a cellular phone in your vehicle can be an important safety aid for drivers and passengers – whether for personal safety or for reporting a crime or a collision. If you must use your cell phone in an emergency – a situation that could result in a danger to your safety or the safety of others if it is not corrected without delay – consider the following tips:
* Pull over safely if conditions allow.
* Keep emergency calls as brief as possible.
* Alert the caller that you are on the road.
* End conversations immediately if driving conditions or situations become hazardous (for example, inclement weather, roadway construction, high-speed or high-volume traffic).
Other considerations:
* Be alert to situations on the road where a cell phone's radio frequency and electronics may be potentially harmful such as: construction zones where blasting is occurring, or at gas stations/fuelling areas.
Remember; focus on the task of driving, with your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Reduce the distractions that may cause you to overreact or respond too slowly to a situation.

Making the call on road safety

Common-sense tips to help truck drivers stay in touch and return home safely have been released

Common-sense tips to help truck drivers stay in touch and return home safely have been released

Australia's professional truck drivers will receive advice on the safe use of mobile phones through a new fact sheet developed by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) in partnership with the National Transport Commission (NTC) and the mobile telecommunications industry.

Making the call on road safety outlines ten tips for safer mobile phone use by truck drivers. The information will be distributed widely throughout the industry

"A mobile phone has become essential for truck drivers to stay in touch with family and operations staff while away, but their first priority must be road safety," said ATA Chief Executive Stuart St Clair. "We want all drivers to return home safely."

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal - unless a hands-free in-vehicle-kit, or portable hands-free device is fitted*. NTC Senior Manager Safety Dr Jeff Potter warned a hands-free kit doesn’t make mobile phone use safe.

"Mobile phone use while driving is a distraction. My advice is to plan ahead and make your calls when the truck is safely parked. If the mobile phone rings while you are driving, let it divert to voicemail and return the call when it is safe to do so," he said.

Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus said the mobile telecommunications industry was pleased to assist in this important safety initiative.

"Although mobile phone technology, such as voice-activated dialling, can reduce the physical and visual effort required to make and receive a call, road safety awareness and education are essential to remind drivers not to be distracted," he said. "Safety is the most important call drivers can make."

Slow moving vehicle sign

A slow-moving vehicle sign is a reflective orange triangle bordered with red. It is used to warn drivers that a vehicle – as the name suggests – is moving slowly.
Slow-moving vehicles can only travel up to 40 kilometers an hour – so it’s important to slow down when approaching these vehicles on the road.
Be patient!
While travelling behind a vehicle that carries a slow-moving vehicle sign, be extra cautious by reducing your speed and staying well back. Only pass a slow-moving vehicle when it is safe to do so.
If it is a horse drawn carriage, be aware the horse may be startled when a motor vehicle approaches and passes.
Photo of farm vehicle Farm vehicles, such as combines and tractors, are longer and wider and turn at places that may not be well marked, such as field entrances. Be patient. Not only are these vehicles difficult to pass, but often they doing not travel very far along the road.
The vehicle is slow moving, not the mailbox!
Slow-moving vehicle signs are used on vehicles. It’s against the law to attach a slow-moving vehicle sign to a roadside mailbox and the signs are not to be used as driveway markers.
If your property has a sign displayed improperly, you can receive a fine of $110!

Spreading Equipment and Methods

MTO is committed to reducing the effects of salt on the environment. Our salt management plan ensures that salt is used efficiently and effectively, and requires all salt spreading trucks to be equipped with electronic salt management spreading controls. This technology helps to reduce waste and maximize the effectiveness of the materials used.
In addition to conventional salting, anti-icing is a strategy employed before a winter storm event to prevent black ice from forming and snow from bonding to the pavement surface. This is accomplished by applying winter road maintenance liquids directly to the road surface before the frost / black ice and winter storm. These liquids are also added to granular salt, to help it stick to the pavement and activate more quickly. This reduces the quantity needed and minimizes the impact on the environment.
The ministrys specifications for winter road maintenance liquids require them to be less corrosive than traditional road salt. Inhibitors added to the liquids reduce the corrosive effects on the vehicles and highway infrastructure that come into contact with them. This ministry is conducting field tests to determine the effectiveness of the corrosion reducing agents under field conditions.
New Initiatives and Technologies
Many new technologies and research initiatives were also demonstrated, including electronic patrol diaries, Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) devices, experimental plow blade designs, as well as various friction-measuring equipment.
MTO is always looking for new technologies, tools and methods to improve winter maintenance operations and the MTP project will help to ensure that our highways are as clear and safe as possible during inclement winter events.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Peters Announces New Strategy to Improve Safety on Rural Roads

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters today announced a new national strategy that will bring new focus, including resources and new technology, to reducing deaths on the nation's rural roads.

"We want to put the brakes on rural road fatalities," said Secretary Peters. "This is a challenge that we have the experience, the ability and the resources to address. We can make our rural roads safer, we can do it now and we can do it without reinventing the wheel."

The Department's Rural Safety Initiative will help states and communities develop ways to eliminate the risks drivers face on America's rural roads and highlight available solutions and resources. The new endeavor addresses five key goals: safer drivers, better roads, smarter roads, better-trained emergency responders, and improved outreach and partnerships. The Secretary said approximately $287 million in existing and new funding is available to support the effort.

Secretary Peters said she has asked the Department's Deputy Secretary, Admiral Thomas Barrett, to personally lead the comprehensive effort to help state and local leaders get solutions implemented in rural areas faster.

"Smarter, low-cost options are readily available and can be deployed quickly. By partnering with state and local leaders to integrate these safety strategies, we can change the trend and improve safety on our nation's rural roads," Barrett said.

Secretary Peters said that of the over 3 million miles of rural roads in the country, almost 80 percent are owned and operated by local entities, which is why partnering with states and local governments is critical to the initiative. She indicated that the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has already offered their support.

"State transportation officials have set a goal of reducing highway fatalities by half over the next two decades. Improving rural highway safety is critical to saving those lives. We are pleased that the U.S. DOT is focusing both attention and resources on this issue and we commend them for this initiative," said Pete Rahn, AASHTO President.

Truck Arrester Beds

In 1994, Ministry of Transportation Ontario constructed a truck arrester bed at the north entrance to the City of North Bay. Thibault Hill, with an elevation change of about 100 m on the eastbound TransCanada Highway at the north entrance to the City is not an extremely steep or long hill: however, it has unique features that justified the choice of a truck arrester bed. It was hoped that the truck arrester bed would improve safety, as there have been several incidences (with one fatality) of trucks losing their brakes on the downgrade and failing to stop at traffic lights. The climate of North Bay is severe.

Road Pricing Demonstrations Project

In May 2007 we announced our intention to work closely with industry to explore the systems and technology that could make a future road pricing scheme possible. This will be done via the Demonstrations Project.

The Demonstrations Project will explore in a simulated environment how a road pricing scheme charging by time, distance and place could be designed so that it can safeguard people's privacy whilst operating reliably, accurately and effectively. Pre-qualified companies have now been invited to bid to be part of a framework that will run the Demonstrations over the next two years.

The results of the Demonstrations will help to support local authorities as they develop local road pricing schemes as a way of tackling congestion. They will also help the Government explore road pricing as part of a wider strategy for tackling congestion set out in the Secretary of State's speech on 4th March.

Reduce Your Risks (Driver safety)

As a driver, you have to co-operate to keep traffic moving safely. You must be predictable - doing what other road users expect you to do. You must be courteous, and you must be able to see dangerous situations before they happen and to respond quickly and effectively to prevent them.

Here's how to reduce your risks:

* Always wear your seat belt

* be aware of traffic around you by looking ahead, behind, and from side to side and make sure other road users see you and they know what you are doing

* keep a safe distance from other vehicles

* check your mirrors and find your blind spots - and don't drive in other driver's blind spots

* don't make sudden lane changes, use your signals

* When stopping, check mirrors and begin braking early and stop smoothly

* don't crowd your driving space with passengers or belongings

* keep to the right of the road or in the right-hand lane on multi-lane roads unless you want to turn left or pass another vehicle

* slow down as you come to intersections and look carefully for traffic lights, pedestrians and cyclists

* obey the speed limit and all signs and signals.

Graduated Licensing for Automobile Drivers

Class G2

New drivers must hold a G2 licence for a minimum of 12 months before they can attempt the G2 road test. At this level, you have more privileges because of your driving experience. You may drive without an accompanying driver on all Ontario roads anytime. However, you are still required to:

· maintain a zero blood alcohol level while driving;

· ensure the number of passengers in the vehicle is limited to the number of working seat belts.

Our Graduated Licensing System has been a resounding success in reducing death and injury among novice drivers. Ontario research shows that new teenage drivers are almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious collision when they are carrying teenage passengers. In fact, research shows the more teenage passengers, the higher the risk.

To further protect youth on our roads, effective September 1, 2005: the number of young passengers that teen G2 drivers can carry will be limited from midnight to 5 a.m. as follows:

· Initially, G2 drivers 19 or under can carry only one passenger aged 19 or under.

· After the first six months, and until the G2 driver earns a full G licence or turns 20, they can carry only three passengers aged 19 or under.

The passenger restrictions do not apply if the G2 driver is operating a motor vehicle after 5 a.m. and before midnight.

These restrictions will not apply if the G2 driver is accompanied by a full "G" licenced driver (with at least four years driving experience) in the front seat, or if the passengers are immediate family members.

Thirty-one jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S. have some form of teenage passenger restrictions in effect.

Transport and the EU

To help meet its goal of a dynamic economy and cohesive society, the EU has developed a transport policy that allows people and goods to move around quickly, efficiently and cheaply.

The transport sector occupies an important position in the EU, generating 10% of EU wealth, 7% of total employment, 40% of investment and 30% of energy consumption.

European activity in the transport sector has a long history, dating back to the establishment of the Common Transport Policy in 1957. Efforts to liberalise the industry across the EU began in 1988, and measures to improve safety were added in 1992.

In 1998 the Commission set out new objectives aimed at improving the internal market and establishing trans-European transport networks. The 2001 White Paper "European Transport Policy for 2010: Time to Decide" proposed 60 new measures to stimulate the industry and guarantee efficiency, quality and safety.

To help take this forward, EU Transport Ministers met in the Transport Council twice during the UK Presidency - on 6th October and 5th December 2006. The work programme included negotiations across all modes of transport, with a focus on carrying forward the agenda inherited from Luxembourg's Presidency.

Ministers also held an online discussion by means of an electronic bulletin board from 12 - 19 September 2006 of the Commission's 2001 White Paper. Ministers were asked to respond to the question "What should be the priority objectives for transport policy at EU level between now and 2010, and how most effectively should these be carried forward?"

Sustainable TransForum

On Monday, May 28th and Tuesday, May 29th, MTO hosted the first ever sustainable transportation conference in Ontario, the Sustainable TransForum. Speakers and thought leaders from across North America and Europe shared their knowledge of leading technologies, new innovations, and the latest research that supports sustainable transportation. In keeping with the sustainability theme, the conference was planned with a focus on resource conservation, efficiency, reduced consumption, and the maximum possible reuse and recycling.

"What we as a government have to do and this is something we share with governments in almost every other jurisdiction in North America is to find a way of integrating and promoting different transportation modes like air, rail, marine, road and transit so we can ease the strain on our roads and highways, and in the process ease the strain on our environment," said Minister of Transportation Donna Canfields in her opening remarks. "Because in this day and age, we as a government, have a responsibility to be mindful of our effects on the environment and how we can minimize our impact."

Topics focused on the impacts of climate change, the future of transportation, the marketing of greener transportation, economic issues, accessibility, fuel efficiency, community planning, and sustainable development education.

Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development considers the impact on the "triple-bottom-line:" Social, Economic, and Environmental (SEE) impacts. Technologies that support a "zero waste" approach will assist in meeting emission reduction standards while addressing SEE.

Current land use policies present a challenge as they focus on driving as the main mode of transportation. The high quantity of vehicles contributes to problems associated with congestion, air quality, health, mobility for an aging population, and economic and climate change. City planning can become more sustainable by considering transit oriented development pedestrian and cycling access, parking policy, and protection of green spaces.

Marketing cities to families promotes ways to combat suburban sprawl and to lessen commuter distances required when families live in suburban areas. Promoting more active forms of transportation by developing walking or bike paths, installing bike racks on the front of buses and bike lockers at bus terminals also addresses air quality and health issues while reducing congestion.

"We need to give attractive alternatives, and that means a public transit system that is four things: accessible, convenient, reliable and safe," said Minister Cansfield.

With continued population growth an expected 3.8 million more people in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area by 2031 there is a greater need to educate the public on more sustainable practices. One way to do this is through school programs. There is a need for education on land use intensification and the benefits of raising children in more densely populated environments. The provincial "Places to Grow" Act provides guidelines for urban development in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and demonstrates the provinces support to sustainability through legislation.

Other practical solutions include carpooling and HOV lanes, transit investments, and complementary infrastructure such as cycling lanes and car-sharing programs in high-density areas. The first provincial HOV lanes have already been built on Highway 403 and Highway 404 southbound to reduce emissions by encouraging carpooling and transit use. The Province of Ontario has further plans to add more than 450 km of new HOV lanes on 400-series highways.

Some specific topics discussed by speakers include:

* Many cities such as Vancouver, Portland, Denver, Berlin, and Minneapolis, promote sustainability through excellent bike networks. In Copenhagen, Denmark, 20% of capital is spent on biking infrastructure, and subsequently 40% of all trips in the city are made by bicycle.

* Transit organizations are now using the LEED process to make their operations more sustainable. LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Organizations can get points towards LEED certification by using recycled materials, low emission materials, local materials, and through the inclusion of green features such as green roofs. Transit organizations have followed these guidelines when renovating their building infrastructure to great success.

* E3 Fleet (Energy Environment Excellence) (www.E3fleet.com) is modeled after LEED, a green building rating system for construction but tooled for use with commercial vehicle fleets. E3 Fleet has developed a green fleet action plan with a rating system to encourage both public and private sector fleets to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions and costs. There are sixteen participating groups since E3 Fleet launched in November 2006. The City of Hamilton is Canada's first green rated fleet. To meet the requirements, they decreased their greenhouse gas emissions by 2% and increased their fuel efficiency by 5% for every kilometer driven.

* Life cycle assessment (LCA) tools can be effective for guiding decisions to improve the environmental performance of transportation infrastructure. LCA is the analysis of the impacts of a given product throughout its lifetime. LCA tools can be used to evaluate the relative costs and benefits of the materials used.

* Environmentally friendly pavement practices include reusing and recycling materials to make roads that remain safe and durable while reducing emissions, energy use, and waste. Recycled pavement has performed well, carrying more traffic than anticipated. Ontario's Ministry of Transportation is a responsible contributor to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the improved quality of life. For example, since the implementation of CIR/CIREAM contracts, MTO has reduced CO2 emissions by 54 thousand tones. CIR/CIREAM is two of the most environmentally friendly pavement rehabilitation techniques available.

Rural & Small Community Transportation Planning

Rural transportation planning is the process of examining travel and transportation issues and needs in non-metropolitan areas. It includes a demographic analysis of the community in question, as well as an examination of travel patterns and trends. The planning process includes an analysis of alternatives to meet projected future demands, and for providing a safe and efficient transportation system that meets mobility while not creating adverse impacts to the environment. In metropolitan areas over 50,000 population, the responsibility for transportation planning lies with designated Metropolitan Planning Organizations; in small communities and rural areas there is no federally designated body to do transportation planning. In some states, planning for these areas is undertaken by the State Department of Transportation. In other states these functions are performed by Rural Planning Organizations or local governments.

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility

MTO constructed a new style of Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) in Windsor this past summer. Most truck inspection stations were designed in the past to efficiently weigh trucks. However, changes in enforcement practices required an inspection facility that is flexible and enables efficient mechanical and driver inspections in addition to weight enforcement. The new concept was based on a recent Value Engineering (VE) study examining the site layout and a subsequent study to develop architectural guidelines for building accommodations which were further refined in a recently published CVIF design guidelines. The new CVIF design uses modular components that ensure immediate business needs are addressed with the flexibility to accommodate cost effective expansion in the future as business demands and traffic volumes change.

MTO introduced several technological advances designed to assist inspection processes and enhance employee and industry safety. Enhancements for the CVIF include a queue management system designed to meter trucks into the facility based on capacity, as well as primary and secondary inspection areas. The primary and secondary inspection areas are designed to put the enforcement officer in direct contact with both the truck and driver for the purpose of performing a triage or primary inspection. This approach minimizes delays and provides focus on higher risk carriers who are selected for a more detailed examination in the secondary inspection area. The primary inspection area is also equipped with technology that enables the enforcement officer to access Driver and Vehicle record information, in addition to weigh-in-motion data. The enhancements feature specialized lighting and surface treatments that improve the level of illumination under and around the truck being inspected.

The second CVIF facility is currently being constructed on Highway 402 near the Sarnia/Port Huron International Border Crossing. In addition to the many enhancements introduced at the Windsor facility, the newly constructed Sarnia facility will offer a specialized inspection bay equipped to inspect low profile vehicles. This bay will offer a depression in the paved surface equipped with track lighting for night inspection. The depression will be deep enough for staff to safely manoeuvre under the vehicle to inspect critical components such as brakes and suspension.

The collaboration of subject matter experts throughout this Value Engineering exercise has enabled Ontario to design a cost effective facility for the future. The CVIF is now a facility that meets the needs of the industry, and the regulators that oversee their performance.

Vehicle Approval Schemes

Full Volume

A full volume manufacturer is one that holds approval to place identification plates on new vehicles supplied to the Australian market in unlimited numbers.

Compliance tests are done on a representative vehicle or batch of vehicles. The results of these tests are used to demonstrate that all vehicles of that type meet the ADRs. As some of the tests require that a vehicle be crashed, it is only cost effective to obtain approval to fit plates to vehicle models that have sizeable markets.

New Low Volume Vehicles

The Low Volume Scheme for new vehicles allows for the supply to the market of up to 25 or 100 vehicles per year (numbers may vary depending on the vehicle category). The Scheme provides a major concession in that it allows alternative forms of evidence to be submitted against some of the ADRs. In the main this applies to ADRs where destructive or expensive testing is required.

The Low Volume Scheme for new vehicles is limited to vehicle make/models that are on the Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (the Register). The eligibility requirements for entry on the Register are set out in Regulation 24 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989, and in the Administrator of Vehicle Standards Circular 0-2-12.

Kash 'N Gold Racer X20TM Scooters

Kash 'N Gold is recalling about 7,500 scooters because the plastic "T" joint between the handlebars can break, causing the rider to lose control, fall and possibly suffer injuries.

Kash 'N Gold have received two reports of the joint breaking, resulting in two injuries including a bump on the head and a chest bruise.

These are Racer X20TM model scooters. The scooters' platforms measure 20 inches long. The scooters are made from lightweight aluminum, and have translucent in-line style wheels. They have swivel handlebars with foam grips, which adjust to various heights. The nonslip surface on the deck of the scooter reads, "RACER." "X20" is written on the lower part of the steering column. The scooters are mostly silver, and have blue, green, red, orange or clear wheels. The scooters were made in China.

Discovery and Mervyn's stores sold these scooters nationwide from August 2000 through September 2000 for between $70 and $100.

Consumers should stop riding these scooters immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or a new scooter with a metal "T" joint. For more information, call Kash 'N Gold at (800) 354-8785 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Requesting a Driving or Vehicle Record

Driving and vehicle records can be purchased through the Record Lookup Unit at the Secondary Complex, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918-1502. If you do not have an account with the Department of State, you must complete a record request form each time you request a record. Each record is $7.00 and must be paid in advance with a check, money order, or credit card (Discover, MasterCard, or VISA). A certified copy of a driving or vehicle record is available for an additional $1.00 fee.

Additionally, for only $8.00, you can purchase your own certified driving record payable by cash, check, or credit card (Discover only) at Secretary of State PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers. Simply show your driver's license (no form required) and walk out with your own driving record.

Adjusting chest clips

Properly adjust the chest clips on the harness. They should lie flat against the chest and be positioned at armpit level.

Installing away from active air bags

Always install child car safety seats away from active air bags. The safest place is in the back seat of a passenger car, sport utility vehicle or light truck and either the second or third row in a mini-van.

Using locking clips

Sometimes locking clips may be required to safely secure a child car safety seat in a vehicle. Consult your owner's manual to see if you need one. If so, install the locking clip on the seatbelt within 13 mm (1/2 inch) of the latch plate.

Toddlers

Photo of toddler By law a child can ride facing forward when they are over 9 kg (20 lb.) or more.

All forward-facing car seats must use a tether strap. If your vehicle does not have a tether anchor in place, contact a dealership to have one installed.

To prevent the car seat from moving forward and causing injury in a collision, it is important to use the tether strap exactly as the manufacturer recommends.

To install a forward-facing car seat, fasten the tether strap, then use your body weight to tighten and fasten the seatbelt or Universal Anchorage System (UAS).

Ensure that the shoulder straps are at or above the child's shoulders. Straps should be snug, with only one finger width between the strap and the child's chest. Avoid using aftermarket car seat products. They can become projectiles or may have hard or sharp surfaces that can hurt the child in a collision.

Seconds Can Save a Life

Stay alert. Avoid being distracted. Keep the noise level down in your vehicle. This will help you to hear or see an approaching emergency vehicle with the lights or siren on. And, when you do, prepare to clear the way.

• React quickly. Don't slam on the brakes or pull over suddenly. Use your signals to alert other drivers you intend to pull over.
• Check your rear-view mirrors, look in front and on both sides of your vehicle. Allow other vehicles to also pull over. Pull to the right and gradually come to a stop.
• Wait for the emergency vehicle to pass and watch for more than one emergency vehicle. Check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic.
• Don't drive on or block the shoulder on freeways. Emergency vehicles will use the shoulder of the road if all lanes are blocked.

Never follow or try to outrun an emergency vehicle. It is illegal to follow a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call, within 150 metres in any lane going in the same direction.

Note: Some volunteer fire fighters and volunteer medical responders may use a flashing green light when using their own vehicles to respond to a fire or medical emergency Although not required by law, courteous drivers yield the right-of-way.

Driving More Efficiently

Drive Sensibly - cartoon of carAggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can

lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also

safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Observe the Speed Limit - Graph showing MPG VS speed MPG decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mphWhile each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Remove Excess Weight - Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2%. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

National Driver Register

The National Driver Register (NDR) is a computerized database of information about drivers who have had their licenses revoked or suspended, or who have been convicted of serious traffic violations such as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. State motor vehicle agencies provide NDR with the names of individuals who have lost their privilege or who have been convicted of a serious traffic violation. When a person applies for a driver's license the state checks to see if the name is on the NDR file. If a person has been reported to the NDR as a problem driver, the license may be denied.

Air Travel Consumer Report for 1999

The Air Travel Consumer Report is a monthly product of the Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings. The report is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by the airlines. This page links to reports from 1999.

The report is divided into four sections. These sections deal with flight delays, mishandled baggage, oversales and consumer complaints. Each section of the report is preceded by a brief explanation of how to read and understand the information provided.

The report is usually issued during the first week of each month. The data on flight delays, mishandled baggage, and consumer complaints are two months behind the issue date of the report, e.g. the report issued in early May has data from the month of March. Oversales are reported quarterly rather than monthly, and oversales figures may be slightly older than the other data in certain months. The report, which contains tables of information, is best printed in "landscape" orientation.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) Information

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are the Federal government's regulations that must be observed for any motor vehicle used for transportation on U.S. roads and highways. Since 1968, when the original standards became effective by law, NHTSA has had the responsibility of developing new standards and regulations or amending old standards as the need arises. These standards and regulations are also published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), CFR, Title 49, Part 571 through 594. Much of this information can also be accessed through the Code of Federal Regulations on the World Wide Web.

Transportation

Transport on roads can be roughly grouped into two categories: transportation of goods and transportation of people. In many countries licensing requirements and safety regulations ensure a separation of the two industries.

The nature of road transportation of goods depends, apart from the degree of development of the local infrastructure, on the distance the goods are transported by road, the weight and volume of the individual shipment and the type of goods transported. For short distances and light, small shipments a van or pickup truck may be used. For large shipments even if less than a full truckload a truck is more appropriate. In some countries cargo is transported by road in horse drawn carriages, donkey carts or other non-motorized mode. Delivery services are sometimes considered a separate category from cargo transport. In many places fast food is transported on roads by various types of vehicles. For inner city delivery of small packages and documents bike couriers are quite common.