Wednesday, October15, 2014
HOT TOPICS:
- Michigan Governor signs bill in honor of teen killed in crash to increase motorcycle, bicycle education
- AAA study finds hands-free devices put drivers at risk
- More Nebraskans will be able to renew vehicle registration online
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Michigan Governor signs bill in honor of teen killed in crash to increase motorcycle, bicycle education
The Saginaw News
Gov. Rick Snyder signs bill in honor of teen killed in crash to increase motorcycle, bicycle education
By Sarah Schuch
on October 14, 2014 at 3:40 PM, updated October 14, 2014 at 3:41 PM
SANILAC COUNTY, MI -- Tuesday would have been Nathan Bower's 25th birthday.
Instead of his family celebrating with Bower by their sides, they are celebrating in a different way.
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law the Nathan Bower Act, which was proposed in memory of Bower, who died on May 6, 2009 at age 19 after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle in Brown City only a few miles from his Peck home.
"This has been awesome. It feels fabulous. No words can express it right now. It's a mixed-emotions day," said Tammy Bower, Nathan's mother. "Especially for his birthday, it's a great birthday present."
The law, which requires that driver education courses in Michigan include lessons on bicycle and motorcycle awareness and safety, was proposed four years later on May 5, 2013, by Lisa Cook-Gordon, a friend of the Bower family.
The Nathan Bower Act – originally referred to as Nathan's Law – went through the legislative process after State Rep. Terry Brown, D-Pigeon, rallied for it. It passed in the Senate and in the House -- going back with some amendments -- on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Family and friends were determined to get the bill signed on Nathan's birthday. Their wish came true.
The goal with the Nathan Bower Act was to bring more education and awareness to new drivers in hopes of saving more lives of motorcyclists and bicyclists on the roads.
"I'm hoping that it gets out to all the young drivers that they just need to be more aware to the motorcyclists and the bicyclists," said Tammy Bower. "We are hoping that it catches on to other states. That needs to be our next mission."
Now that it's passed, there will be added requirements for Segment 1 driver training courses to include "information concerning the law pertaining to bicycles and motorcycles and shall emphasize awareness of their operation on the streets, roads and highways of the state," according to the bill language.
Snyder signed the Nathan Bower Act Tuesday, along with two other bills that focused on keeping drivers safe.
"Keeping Michigan motorists and travelers safe is always a priority," Snyder said in a written statement. "This legislation will help law enforcement crack down on all kinds of impaired driving. I'm proud that we're also making sure new drivers receive the necessary training to understand how to safely share our roads with motorcycles and bicycles. These common-sense bills will help save lives and raise awareness of the need to be alert and responsible when behind the wheel."
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AAA study finds hands-free devices put drivers at risk
Sierra Sun Times
AAA Study Finds Hands-Free Devices Put Drivers at Risk
Last Updated: Tuesday, 14 October 2014 04:56
Use of Electronic Systems While Driving Increases Cognitive Distraction, Says AAA Study
October 13, 2014 - Emeryville, October 7, 2014 – Talking on a cell phone, checking emails, responding to messages, and other distractions have become common behavior behind the wheel for millions of motorists as more “connected cars,” equipped with wireless Internet access, infotainment systems and digital devices, are now on the roads. Even though many motorists have now opted for the hands-free systems in the belief that they would be safer, many would be surprised to learn that these popular new vehicle features may actually increase mental distraction, according to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
This research can serve as guidance to manufacturers that increasingly market hands-free systems as safety features. The good news for consumers is that it is possible to design hands-free technologies that are less cognitively distracting, according to the research.
“Voice-activated electronic devices require cognitive focus, forcing a driver’s minds to not be fully focused on the road. Drivers may potentially miss stop signs, hit pedestrians and other cars while using voice technologies.” says Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “We now understand that current shortcomings in these products, intended as safety features, may unintentionally put drivers at risk.”
AAA urges manufacturers to make hands-free technologies as safe as possible for consumers. While manufacturers continue their efforts to develop and refine systems that reduce distractions, AAA encourages drivers to minimize cognitive distraction by limiting the use of most voice-activated technologies.
Using instrumented test vehicles, heart-rate monitors and other equipment designed to measure reaction times, researchers evaluated and ranked common voice-activated interactions based on the level of cognitive distraction generated. The team used a five-category rating system similar to that used for hurricanes. The results show:
•Category 1-Minor risk: Listening to the radio.
•Category 2- Moderate risk: Talking on a hand-held or hands-free cell phone.
•Category 3- Extensive risk: Use of a speech –to-text system to listen, compose emails or texts.
•Category 4-Highest risk: Use of menu-based systems that rely on voice recognition.
AAA is calling for developers to address key contributing factors to mental distraction including task complexity, accuracy and time on task with the goal of making systems no more demanding than listening to the radio or an audiobook. AAA also plans to use the findings to continue a dialogue with policy makers, safety advocates and manufacturers.
AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to nearly 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 114 years ago.
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More Nebraskans will be able to renew vehicle registration online
Omaha World-Herald
More will be able to renew vehicle registration online
POSTED: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 1:00 AM
By Michael Shoro / World-Herald Bureau
LINCOLN — More people in Sarpy and Douglas Counties will be able to renew their vehicle registrations online under changes being launched by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.
Sarpy and Douglas County residents will be able to upload pictures or documents of their insurance cards during online renewals if the renewal system cannot verify their current insurance, according to the DMV. The State Treasurer’s Office will then review the documents and decide whether to approve them.
“We are really excited to open up this enhancement to thousands of individuals that want to take their DMV business online, and make it as easy and seamless as possible,” said Rhonda Lahm, director of the DMV.
Insurance companies share insurance information electronically with the department twice a month, but there are exceptions that exempt some companies from reporting electronically. This can require people to visit their local county treasurer’s office or to mail the renewal with proof of insurance.
The DMV plans to expand the pilot project to other counties after a short test period.
A fee is assessed to cover operating costs when vehicle registrations are renewed online at clickdmv.ne.gov.