|
On the Road with ASIRT _____________________Summer 2024
__
| |
|
Safe Summer Cycling
Dear Friends,
One of the sweetest memories many of us share is holding tightly onto the back of the seat of our children’s first two-wheeler, running frantically behind the bike as it veers precariously, watching as our young riders slowly gain control, and then, with
a leap of both faith and terror, letting go.
Learning to ride a bike is an important rite of passage and for good reason. Biking is a healthy, low impact exercise enjoyed by people of all ages that produces a zero-carbon footprint and improves air quality. It is the principal means of transportation in many regions of the world. Sadly, biking carries with it serious risks.
There has been a significant increase in bicycle fatalities in the United States in the past few years as a growing number of people bike for pleasure and commuting. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration there were 1,105 bicycle fatalities in 2022, the latest year for which we have complete data. It was the deadliest year for people biking in the U.S. since records have been kept. Speeding, distracted driving, and texting are high on the list of causes for the rise in fatalities.
The National Safety Council indicates that the number of bicycle-related deaths increases in the warmer weather, peaking in the month of July and remaining at its highest level through October. I hope you’ll read the information in this issue to learn more about bicycle safety.
As we delight in the magnificent summer months, let us all remember that this enjoyable and healthy activity brings with it serious risks and be even more vigilant than we already are.
Warmly,
| |
|
Rochelle Sobel
Founder and President
ASIRT
| |
|
ASIRT Partners with Congressional Caucus on Global Road Safety for Briefing on the Hill
A June 4 briefing titled Protecting Overseas Employees and Travelers: Organizational Responsibility for Road Safety was organized by ASIRT and sponsored by the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Global Road Safety Co-Chairs Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN). A panel of invited representatives from the government, international, corporate, and education sectors addressed how road safety information is provided to employees and travelers in advance of travel abroad. The purpose of the briefing was to raise Congressional awareness of the impact of road crashes on American citizens working, living, and traveling abroad through a discussion of the responsibility of the organizations that send employees, volunteers, and visitors overseas.
Ambassador Marc Grossman, Vice Chairman at The Cohen Group and former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, moderated the event. At the conclusion of the briefing Ambassador Grossman summarized the main issues and challenges raised during the briefing: 1) data is key; 2) the need to find ways to ensure the public sees road safety information and data to stay informed; 3) the shared responsibility between states, corporations, governments, and MDBs (Multilateral Development Banks) and NGOs to be part of the solution and educate the public; 4) many road-related crashes are preventable, and there are solutions we should implement to address this important issue.
Congressional Global Road Safety Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) opened the briefing and expressed gratitude to ASIRT founder and President Rochelle Sobel for organizing the briefing. Hudson highlighted the significant public health challenges posed by road safety, which he termed “preventable.” He discussed how former Congressman Alcee Hastings brought him into the Caucus. Hudson relaunched the Caucus to raise awareness and improve road travel safety in a bipartisan way.
Senator Norm Coleman also stressed the importance of ASIRT, road safety, and bipartisan and bicameral work. He urged staffers in attendance to return to their offices and seek sound solutions to these pressing issues. Read more about the briefing.
| |
|
Ambassador Marc Grossman
addresses briefing participants.
| |
|
Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) opens the briefing and discusses the current
road safety crisis.
| |
|
Sen. Norm Coleman answers
questions from attendees.
| |
|
Why ASIRT’s Work Is Critical — Hear What Safety-Minded Travelers Are Saying
“We saw so many near misses that we always felt lucky to be alive whenever we arrived unscathed at a new destination.… It was unfortunately much worse than I had imagined and feared.”
~ Dr. Melissa Arking, volunteer in Tanzania
ASIRT believes the safest traveler is the well-informed traveler. Our families and friends are increasingly traveling for pleasure, education, business, and humanitarian work. Click here to read more.
| |
|
Dr. Melissa Arking and her daughter Vivi
in Tanzania
| | | |
|
Have Yourself a Super Safe Safari
By Julie Anne Friend
Director of the Office of Global Safety and Security at
Northwestern University and ASIRT Advisory Board Member
Everyone has an idea of a dream vacation. For the animal-loving outdoors person, it might just be an African safari. While there are many types of safaris available all over the continent, a “driving safari” is the most common. Typically, guests will stay in a lodge or a free-standing, permanent dwelling such as a rondavel or a tent in the “glamping” style in or near a wildlife park, but will spend most of their time on “game drives.” Some safari packages also offer special accommodations to get clients closer to wildlife such as a pup tent or a treehouse. And keep in mind that outside of marked tourist areas, the wildlife parks are for wildlife. Respecting the rules will allow for a safe and enjoyable experience. Read more.
| |
|
Update: ASIRT Road Safety Reviews (RSR)
Recent RSR updates include Belize, Cambodia, Estonia, Latvia, Puerto Rico, Russian Federation, and Rwanda.
Current Road Safety Review (RSR) subscribers should have received a link to access reports or updates to reports for countries of interest. Contact asirt@asirt.org for assistance or renew your subscription.
Free sample reports can be downloaded at asirt.org/resources.
| |
|
Travel Snapshot
International Bicycle Tour Offers Unique
Travel Experience
Maryland resident Paula Schuster recently traveled to Mallorca, Spain for an 8-day bike trip with a Vermont-based bike travel company. She found that “safety measures were very impressive.” Schuster and her group of friends used the company’s navigation app on their phones when biking through quaint villages and scenic rural areas for an average of 15 to 30 miles per day.
| |
Each morning, the company’s guides gathered the vacationing cyclists together for a safety briefing in advance of the day’s ride. Bikers were required to wear helmets and were often reminded to pull over and let cars and groups of racing cyclists go ahead of them on narrow roads. The bikers were regularly told, “Don’t take on a car.” Schuster adds, “Your chances of getting injured were very small if you adhered to the safety tips.”
| |
|
Schuster shares, “There were always two guides — one in front of the group as a leader and the other at the end of the group with the slower riders to make sure we were safe and not getting lost. We all had our own navigation on our phones that was thoroughly tested for accuracy before we started traveling. It [the navigation system] told you every hazard, light, and reason to be cautious.”
Schuster also describes how the tour group biked through charming villages where “the guides would stand at main streets and guide us through major intersections. If anyone needed them, the guides were there in a few minutes.” A “sag wagon” (van) followed the cyclists in case one of the riders needed help or medical attention. Each evening, after the day’s ride, the guides performed safety checks on the bikes and ensured they were ready for the next day’s trip.
| |
If you are considering a bike trip, ASIRT recommends that you vet tour companies and their safety protocols carefully. ASIRT’s Road Safety Reviews also are available for purchase and are a useful resource for road safety information in specific countries. These invaluable reports offer helpful information for days when you are not biking with your tour group but exploring on your own. Click here for a list of current Road Safety Reviews. | |
Bicycle Safety Tips to Help You Stay Safe This Summer | |
-
Obey all road laws and driving etiquette. Stay to the right of the road, use proper hand signals, and look both ways before you turn.
-
Ride a bike that is in good working condition and fits you. Check that tires are inflated properly and test brakes.
-
Plan your route in advance. Your safest route may be away from traffic in a bike lane or bike path. Choose routes with less traffic and slower traffic speeds.
-
Helmets save lives. Wear a well-fitting, regulation, buckled helmet that has not been worn in a previous crash. Wear your helmet so it is level on your head and low on your forehead — one or two finger-widths above your eyebrows. Adjust the slider on both side straps to form a “V” shape under, and slightly in front of, your ears. Lock the slider if possible.
| |  |
-
There is safety in numbers. Studies show that when more people ride bikes together, drivers behave more safely around them on the roads.
-
Compared to vehicles, bikes are harder to see because of their smaller size. To make it easier for drivers to see you, attach a white light in front and a red rear light and reflectors on your bike.
-
Wear bright clothing by day and reflective clothing and gear by night.
-
Ride one person per seat. Keep both hands on the handlebars unless signaling.
-
Tuck and tie shoelaces to be sure that they don’t get caught in the bike’s chain.
-
Do not text, listen to music, or use anything that distracts you by taking your eyes, ears, or mind off the road and traffic.
| |
|
ASIRT was gratified to hear the announcement of the passage of the latest United Nations resolution.
General Assembly Urges Speedier Action to Reduce Deaths, Injuries from Traffic
Crashes Worldwide, Adopting Resolution on Improving Global Road Safety
The General Assembly on June 24 urged accelerated action to reduce deaths and injuries from traffic crashes worldwide by implementing the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.
Acting without a vote, the 193-member organization adopted the resolution “Improving global road safety” (document A/78/L.78), by which it urged Member States and relevant actors to accelerate and scale up efforts to implement the Global Plan, making road safety a political priority and ensuring its relevance in the broader sustainable development agenda.
Also by the text, the Assembly invited Member States that have not already done so to “consider adopting comprehensive legislation on key risk factors,” including the non-use of seat belts, child restraints and helmets, and driving under the influence. It encouraged countries to establish ministerial coordination mechanisms — notably among the health, transport, education, infrastructure, interior and environment ministries — to address cross-cutting issues.
| Rochelle Sobel represents ASIRT at a UNRSC meeting in New York City | |
|
Road Safety in the News
Read about how improved data about traffic crashes involving disabled people would enable better solutions to prevent fatalities and injuries. (Governing.com)
Learn how a recent study revealed an increase in crash hot spots on nearby roads when speed limits were raised on interstate highways. (StreetsBlogUSA.com)
Rome’s new Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan is expected to help the city adopt healthier, more efficient, and more climate-friendly transport. See how. (Forbes.com)
Starting in 2029, vehicle manufacturers must make automatic emergency braking, which reduces vehicle and pedestrian crashes, standard in cars and light trucks. Learn more. (NHTSA.com)
The Association for Safe International Road Travel “is pleased about the passage of long overdue legislation ensuring that more foreign drivers who commit traffic offenses in host countries will be held accountable.” Read about the European Union’s new regulations here. (Forbes.com)
See how a new crash test dummy spine is giving researchers a clearer picture of how vehicle collisions impact older children and smaller females. (Transurban.com)
Learn how deaths from vehicle crashes in rural areas are much higher than those in urban areas.(CDC.gov)
Former diplomat honors wife killed in bike lane as road safety bill is signed into Maryland law. Read here.
(MarylandMatters.org)
| |
ASIRT Thanks Its Generous Sponsors | |
View a complete list of sponsors | |
Support ASIRT's mission to improve road safety. Make a contribution today. | | | | |
