ACE 'Straightening' Things Out

In early May, The National Safety Council (NSC) and Nationwide Insurance released findings regarding the status of recent cell phone distracted driving crash data and how this data may be vastly under-reported.  The white paper, Crashes Involving Cell Phones. Challenges of Collecting and Reporting Reliable Crash Data, illuminates an alarming industry trend, that "currently there is no reliable method to accurately determine how many crashes involve cell phone use; therefore it is impossible to know the true scope of the problem."  The white paper goes on to specify that the primary challenge of collecting this data is verifying that actual cell phone use was a contributing factor in the vehicle accident.  It is apparent that more research is required to develop a more reliable way to capture cell phone distracted driving crash data.  To that end, the NSC makes several recommendations in the published white paper to assist/begin changing the way cell phone accident data is compiled and captured. Data collection and ultimately, the safety of all drivers and vehicle occupants on the road today begins and ends with the individual sitting behind the wheel.  We invite you to review this very important information for your safety and that of every person on the road today.

See supporting infographic here. 

Source:  National Safety Council (NSC)

As the Winter season bids farewell and the warmth of Spring beckons, our thoughts turn to April showers, May flowers and the perennial high school tradition of Prom.  As we do each and every year, Auto Collision Experts (ACE) highlights certain local and/or national organizations efforting programs that foster and promote teen safety during this festive and yet dangerous driving season.  

As is normally the case this time of year, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization/website launched a comprehensive web page dedicated to Prom Teen Driving Safety.  The 2013 MADD web page called "Prom-oting Safe Behavior" PROMotes teens making good decisions when faced with the temptation of alcoholic consumption either individually or with friends.  A recent USA Today article called "Temptation High For Drunk Driving in Prom, Grad Season", addressing the tragic consequences of 'drinking before prom' can be found within the MADD Safe Behavior web page.  The USA Today article presents real-world examples and valuable content (see graphic below Teen Drinking and Driving) helping to create greater awareness for this all too deadly time of year.  An all important booklet called "The 411 On Teen Drinking", co-sponsored by State Farm®, is being touted as a new tool to help prevent underage drinking.  As the MADD web page details, "the booklet is part of MADD's Power of You(th) Program which empowers teens to resist peer pressure and influence other teens to not drink before age 21."  

Whether parent or teen, please take a moment to review the content and links presented here prior to your own 2013 Prom celebration. Auto Collision Experts wishes everyone a very happy and very SAFE Prom season.

Source(s):  MADD, USA Today

In light of events surrounding the tragic loss of Greeley, CO teen Alexander Heit, we wanted to focus our efforts for this blog on providing additional information and insight as it pertains to Teen Distracted Driving. We came across an extremely informative article in the March/April 2013 edition of "AAA Living". The article focused on "Training Teens' Brains", paying particular attention to teen driving. Per the article, "Some areas of the brain that control functions critical to safe driving do not fully develop until a person's 20s, according to the University of North Carolina's Center for the Study of Young Drivers."  

The article goes on to state that this may be a primary reason why "teens speed or text while driving, even when they're fully aware of the dangers." Researchers also found that some teens' brains may have trouble comprehending and managing a series of complex social situations. "As a result, driving with multiple passengers can be dangerously distracting for teens."  

So, how can we as parents be proactive about safety, before and after our teens hit the roads?  At ACE, we've compiled some great links below that feature additional info and new technology/apps that could be very instrumental in the fight to keep teen drivers safe when they are seated behind the wheel. Please keep in mind that while technology can be a wonderful tool in the prevention of teen accidents, it should never replace straight-talk with your kids regarding the hazards of distracted driving.  Be safe Northern Colorado.  

• Center for the Study of Young Drivers  
• Keys2Drive, The AAA Guide (Colorado) to Teen Driver Safety  
• 6 Tech Tools to Tackle Distracted Driving  

Source(s):  AAA.com, Mashable.com, AAA Living March/April Edition, page 9.

It's that time of year again!  Like Christmas morning for Colorado car enthusiasts.  The Denver Auto Show is back in town with the latest and greatest in the automotive world.  We know that many attend the show with the intention of shopping for that next car.  While others go simply for the love of the automobile.  No matter what your reason for attending, we at ACE hope all have a great time.  And for those that can't find the time to attend, we've tapped into the Denver Auto Show via "The Denver Business Journal" and their amazing 2013 Denver Auto Show ... Slideshow!  ;-)  Check it out car fans and enjoy the show.

Source:  The Denver Business Journal

While some play "Call of Duty", our honored Veterans live it, day in and day out.  Now there is an organization that works with companies across our great country, assisting our American Heroes with employment search resources to help identify and obtain gainful employment opportunities. Transitioning from a military life/career to a civilian life/career can be a daunting proposition. The Call of Duty Endowment help Veterans with that all important transition at the end of their service engagement.  

The Call of Duty Endowment Mission:  "To create a national campaign that will assist those organizations that provide our former service members with job placement, training and educational services in their post military careers. We will strive to show America how the private sector can mobilize and reward our proud veterans with employment. Our goal is to raise millions of dollars through an initial donation by Activision Blizzard, which will be supplemented by additional donations from the corporate world and the generosity of everyday civilians."

We at Auto Collision Experts (ACE) applaud the efforts of this fine organization and ask everyone to support their mission and find Your Own ... Call of Duty.  Please see the following Call of Duty Endowment participation links below.

• Grant Application.  The Call of Duty Endowment has established a process for considering worthy organizations for a grant.

• Donations.  The Call of Duty Endowment is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation approved by the Internal Revenue Service.  Donations or gifts received by the Endowment are tax deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.

• Other Ways You Can Help.  We all have an obligation to answer our own call of duty to honor them for their service, and we hope you will join us in this cause.

Resource:  Call of Duty Endowment.