Teen crash deaths increase by 15% between Memorial Day and Labor Day – the 100 Deadliest Days for teens on the road.

As we communicate about the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer we are promoting the role that parents and guardians can play in helping young drivers be safer on the road. Involved parents can make a difference in teaching their teens safe driving habits. Our call to action for parents is to be “Road Models” – demonstrating responsible driving and participating in their teens’ driver education.

Use the links to download a 100 Deadliest Days Fact Sheet, Infographic and social media graphics. Send parents to http://bit.ly/roadmodel for tips and links to resources on how they can be Road Models.

100 Deadliest Days Fact Sheet

100 Deadliest Days Social Media

Be a Road Model Infographic

Be a Road Model PDF

Click It or Ticket 2019

The annual Click It or Ticket campaign runs May 13 through June 2. More than 145 law enforcement agencies are participating around the state as we remind everyone that buckling up is the right and safe thing to do.

Help make that point, by using these campaign materials during the High Visibility Enforcement period.

We will again be promoting our “Slasher” PSA, which uses humor in a horror-genre format to stress the serious importance of seat belts. Video and audio versions of this PSA are available on this page for you to download and use.

Also check out our sample social media, which has graphics and message ideas you can download and use.

You’ll also find a fact sheet.

Thank you for all you do to promote Target Zero in Washington!

 

Download audio here

Download audio here

Social Media and Social Graphics

Click It or Ticket Fact Sheet

Distracted Driving High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) patrols will begin across the state starting March 28 and run through April 14. We’re asking our partners to help increase awareness of focused driving behavior bVE campaign.

Our messaging focuses on:

  • The positive reduction in the number of cell-phone distracted drivers, according to our most recent distracted driving observational survey;

  • Reinforcing the requirements of the law; and,

  • Reducing all distracted behavior, not just distractions from cell phones.

To help reinforce positive social norms, we captured the comments of young drivers on video, talking about what they do to avoid distractions while driving. These videos are great to share on your social media.

You can also find sample key messages and facts to use , as well as social media graphics and sample posts.

We made progress on distracted driving, with your assistance in continuing to educate Washington drivers we move ever closer to our Target Zero goals.

Distracted Driving Key Messages

Distracted Driving Fact Sheet

Social media and social graphics

Young Drivers Speak Out on Distracted Driving

WTSC News Release

WTSC News Release (Spanish)

March 17 is Saint Patrick’s Day, and WTSC is asking our Target Zero partners to help remind party participants to plan ahead if they plan on drinking.

We’ve prepared a communications tool kit for your convenience to help encourage people to use designated drivers or other strategies to help keep our roads free of impaired drivers. Enclosed in this tool kit you will find:

  • Key messages: please incorporate these messages in your communications to your audience over the next few days

  • Email/Website message: A sample message you can send to your constituency or post on your website

  • Sample Social Media: Sample messages (with our graphics included) that you can incorporate into your social media. We’ve also included a suggested timeline

  • WA Drive to Zero: These materials include links to the DUI page on www.wadrivetozero.com/dui for further information and resources and we encourage you to send your key audiences there.

February 3 is Super Bowl Sunday, and WTSC is asking our Target Zero partners to help remind fans to plan ahead if they plan to party.

We’ve prepared a communications tool kit for your convenience to help encourage fans to use designated drivers or other strategies to help keep our roads free of impaired drivers. Enclosed in this tool kit you will find:

  • Key messages: please incorporate these messages in your communications to your audience over the next few days

  • Email/Website message: A sample message you can send to your constituency or post on your website

  • Sample Social Media: Sample messages (with our graphics included) that you can incorporate into your social media.

  • WA Drive to Zero: These materials include links to the DUI page on www.wadrivetozero.com/dui for further information and resources and we encourage you to send your key audiences there.

 


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Super Bowl Key Messages

Email/Website Message

Sample Social Media

Spanish version of the video here.

Alcohol and drug impaired driving is the leading contributing factor in Washington fatal crashes and is involved in nearly half of all traffic fatalities.

WTSC is launching a Plan Before You Party campaign coinciding with the annual DUI HVE patrols, December 11 through January 2. But there’s a lot that’s new and we want you to be a part of it.

First, we’ve joined forces with Vivian McPeak, director of Seattle’s Hempfest and a long-time and well-known marijuana activist. “Driving drunk or high is dangerous,” says McPeak. It will increase your chances of being in a crash.” McPeak’s voice can help get that message to a new audience – and he is featured along with WTSC Director Darrin Grondel in a new PSA – help us share it!

We’re also teaming up with Lyft, through a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration to offer up to $10,000 worth of Lyft rides, to be distributed in Seattle and Spokane, with a kick off at two prominent marijuana retail establishments in both cities. You can read more about these activities in our news release ( and there’s a Spanish version as well).

Check out (and use) our social media, fact sheet and talking points in your communication efforts. There’s everything there you need to help get the word out so more people plan before they party this holiday season.

Thank you!

 

Alcohol, Cannabis and Driving – the Facts

Talking Points

Social Media Graphics

News Release: Traffic Safety Officials, Cannabis Advocate and Lyft Combat Driving Drunk or High

Spanish News Release: Traffic Safety Officials, Cannabis Advocate and Lyft Combat Driving Drunk or High

News Release:  Intervening to Prevent Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis and Alcohol is Part of Washington’s Traffic Safety Culture

New Cannabis and Alcohol Traffic Safety Culture Study Reveals:

Washington Drivers Intervene to Prevent Driving Under the Influence

OLYMPIA, WA [November 29, 2018] – When it comes to driving under the influence of both cannabis and alcohol, most Washingtonians do not believe it is safe and do not engage in this behavior. That’s according to a new study of Washington’s traffic safety culture, commissioned by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). The study explores the values, beliefs and behaviors regarding driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis (DUICA).

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of traffic deaths where the drivers involved were under the influence of two or more substances, or poly-drugs, usually cannabis and alcohol,” said Shelly Baldwin, WTSC spokesperson. “The good news is most people in Washington believe driving impaired is unsafe and unacceptable.”

The survey showed that nine percent of Washingtonians report driving after marijuana and alcohol use. These people were also most likely to believe, mistakenly, that using cannabis after drinking helps sober them up.

“This mistaken belief is playing out with deadly consequences on our roadways,” said Baldwin. “The fact is using marijuana after drinking alcohol increases crash risk. While some people surveyed felt that using marijuana after drinking calms them, this feeling of calmness should not be interpreted as a sign they are safe to drive.”

The study, conducted by the Center for Health and Safety Culture (CHSC) in the Western Transportation Institute of Montana State University, found that among adults in Washington:

  • 81 percent are concerned about traffic safety

  • 78 percent do not drive within two hours of consuming alcohol

  • 85 percent do not drive within two hours of consuming cannabis

  • 91 percent do not drive within two hours of consuming both

  • 81 percent have a negative attitude about DUICA

  • 83 percent believe it is unacceptable to drive within two hours of consuming alcohol and cannabis

  • Most agree that impairment begins as soon as you start consuming alcohol or cannabis.


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Download a high-resolution .png file of this graphic.

The survey also explored “intervening behavior,” or helpful actions people take to prevent someone from driving impaired. Among adults in Washington who were in a situation to intervene, 81 percent took steps to prevent someone from driving impaired.

People who intervened were most likely to arrange a ride for the impaired person, engage someone else to prevent the person from driving, or arrange for the person to stay until they are sober.

Nicholas Ward, Ph.D. of the Center for Health and Safety Culture and who conducted the study, said, “These results show that Washingtonians have healthy beliefs, attitudes and behaviors about intervening to prevent driving after consuming alcohol and cannabis, but there are opportunities to improve. Intervening should be normal and appreciated.”

Baldwin said, “Most Washingtonians are reaching out to help keep impaired drivers off the road. It’s what we do as friends, family and neighbors, and is part of being a good Washingtonian. While I remain concerned about people who drive impaired, this study gives me hope that all of us have the desire to help. I am thankful for all the people who help keep impaired drivers off our roads by intervening.”

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The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is Washington’s designated highway safety office. We share a vision with numerous other state and local public agencies. That vision is to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero. The WTSC Director is the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative, which is a designated position each state is required to have in order to qualify for federal traffic safety funding. Our Commission is made up of 26 employees and 10 Commissioners chaired by Washington’s Governor Jay Inslee.

During the 2016 Thanksgiving weekend, 49% of those killed in crashes were not wearing their seat belts. While most (about 95%) Washingtonians wear their seat belts, Thanksgiving weekend provides an opportunity for a timely reminder during one of the most traveled times of the year. Please feel free to download the content provided here and use in your communications as we work together to get everyone to Buckle Up.


Download Social Media graphics  like this one for your use in getting people to buckle up!

Download Social Media graphics like this one for your use in getting people to buckle up!

 

Thanksgiving Weekend Seat Belt Fact Sheet

Sample Social Media Posts and Graphics

 

Seat Belt Video Library

 

October 21-27 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. It’s a great time to remind parents that they can do more than worry about their teen drivers, that there are constructive and active steps they can take to help launch their teen into a lifetime of safe and responsible driving.

We’re providing a fact sheet and sample social media you can use to help get the word out. Our infographic provides an “at-a-glance” tip sheet for parents. You can also download and use the videos on you website or in your social media.

With more than 100 young people perishing on our roads every year it’s important we encourage and support parents as they help their teens learn safe driving. We hope you will help us spread the word!

Teen Driver Safety Week Fact Sheet

Teen Driver Safety Week Sample Social Media

What Parents Should Know Infographic

IDL Rack Card (English and Spanish)

Teen Driver Safety PSAs – Click on “Vimeo” to download.

 

 

September 23-29 is Child Passenger Safety Week in Washington and nationwide, providing focus on ensuring parents and caregivers are using the right car seats for child passengers.

Many communities have Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) on hand to check that caregivers are using the right seats in the right ways. Please take advantage of the focus on child car passenger safety during this week to communicate the importance of using the right seat and having it checked by a technician to ensure it’s installed correctly.


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We’ve provided materials you can use to help get the word out.

On this page are links to sample social media, a child passenger safety fact sheet, installation guides from NHTSA, and a NHTSA video. We’ve also included the news release we sent out statewide to help get the word out about child passenger safety week.

Please download these materials and feel free to adapt for your own use.

Child Passenger Safety Week Fact Sheet

Child Passenger Safety Social Media

NHTSA Booster Seat Guide

NHTSA Car Seat Guide

WTSC &DOH Joint News Release on Child Passenger Safety Week