March 2022 News & Updates
Photo courtesy of Times Argus
Greetings!

March = mud + maple syrup. Both are sticky substances that define Vermont.

Shortly after our arrival in Vermont, we rented a house in Goshen which is in the middle of the Green Mountain National Forest between Brandon and Middlebury Gaps. Living on a dirt road I quickly learned that driving in mud season is not unlike driving a boat in rough water. Steering is a bit arbitrary and staying on your side of the road is next to impossible.

Keeping your vehicle in your own lane, eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, eliminating distractions, and wearing a seatbelt are keys to safe driving. After reviewing 50-plus public service announcement videos from Vermont high school students, it appears the Generation Zers are hearing the message. Thanks to all the students, drivers ed and media instructors, and sponsors that are supporting this outreach event for high schoolers.

Sue Hoxie, Executive Director
Register Now for the Vermont Impaired
Driving Summit - May 11
We're excited to announce that our keynote speaker will be Christina E. Nolan, the former United States Attorney for Vermont and a principal with Burlington-based law firm, Sheehy Furlong & Behm P.C. Ms. Nolan is part of a great line-up of nationally recognized speakers and local experts.

We are meeting in person at the Killington Grand Resort & Conference Center. We ask that attendees be vaccinated so that everyone can safely participate in the summit.

Wednesday, May 11 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Haven't signed up for Know Your Limit: Vermont Impaired Driving Summit? Click on the registration link below to reserve your seat.

If you're planning to stay overnight, the deadline to guarantee the reduced group rate ($124-$164/night) is April 10th.
We are all aging! But as we age, we may also experience changes in vision, physical fitness, and slower reflexes which may cause safety concerns.

You might not have concerns about your driving abilities now, but you could in the future. You may even know others who already have experienced changes in their driving abilities—perhaps a parent, relative, friend, or neighbor.

But what happens after someone can’t drive anymore? What resources are available? Are we creating communities that are accessible, safe, and livable for our older Vermonters?

In this webinar series, we will explore how we can all play a role and take action in keeping older Vermonters safe, mobile, and independent while also ensuring our roadways are safe and our communities are accessible and livable for all.

This webinar series is presented free in partnership with AARP Vermont, Vermont Highway Safety Alliance, University of Vermont Medical Center, the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living, and the Vermont Department of Health.

Wednesday, April 27, 12 p.m.

Caregivers and Loved Ones: Supporting the Older Drivers in Your Lives
How do you know when it's time for a loved one to stop driving? What happens if they can’t drive anymore? These are challenging questions and conversations for most families. In this webinar, you will learn how you can support older drivers, look for warning signs, have difficult conversations, and provide resources to ensure your loved ones stay safe, mobile, and independent.
Mark Your Calendar!
VHSA Board Meeting
April 13, 2022, 9 a.m.

Email if you'd like to receive an invitation to attend. The meeting is open to all VHSA partners.
Work Zone Awareness Week
April 11-15, 2022
Virtual Awards Ceremony: Video PSA Contest
April 27, 2022, 5 p.m.

From 50+ submissions, find out who are 2022's winners. Email if you'd like a link to the virtual ceremony. This event will be recorded for on-demand viewing as well.
Vermont Walk/Bike Summit
May 5, 2022
Become A Child Passenger Safety Tech
Interested in becoming a Child Passenger Safety Technician? There are several opportunities around the state to become certified.

  • Vergennes: April 6-9
  • St. Albans: May 4-7
  • Montpelier: July 22, 23, 29, 30

Additional classes may be added in Rutland and Springfield.
As a Child Passenger Safety Technician, you not only help keep children safe but you get to interact with caregivers and with CPSTs from, police, fire, EMS, hospitals, child care centers, etc. The certification class is a national certification and there are requirements that need to be met every two years to recertify. The Vermont Department of Health will pay for all of your certification and recertification fees.


Questions? Email Sid Bradley.
NHTSA Awareness Campaigns
NHTSA’s targeted awareness campaigns give the traffic safety community the
chance to emphasize one message in a unified way across the country during a
specific period of time. Each campaign has associated materials that can be
found at TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or at the specific links below.
Information Sharing: Reports, Studies & Newsletters
Report: 2021 Virtual Forum on the Impact of Vehicle Technologies and Automation on Users. Published by the AAA Foundation for Safety. Read it here.

Report: Effectiveness of Distracted Driving Countermeasures: An Expanded and Updated Review of the Scientific and Gray Literatures. Published by the AAA Foundation for Safety. Read it here.
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Get links to relevant articles and news stories. Share posts during enforcement periods. See VHSA at community outreach events, and enjoy an occasional chuckle. All in an effort to educate folks about highway safety initiatives. Like us on Facebook.