22nd National Triad Conference
held in conjunction with the 15th Annual Illinois Triad Conference
October 3 - 5, 2011
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive
Tinley Park, IL 60477
www.nationaltriad.org
Please nominate your “Triad Volunteer of the Year” by sending a (no more than) 1,500 word letter to: ehutchison@sheriffs.org by COB 08/31/2011
Taking control with Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Written by Holly Richards Staff Writer
COSHOCTON -- Glancing at a few container labels before dumping their contents into a tall box, Deputy Steve Fox occasionally was taken aback.
"Some things catch your eye, like medications that expired in 1989 and 1994," he said. "This is nice to get things like that out of medicine cabinets so they don't fall in little hands that shouldn't have them."
Fox and fellow Coshocton County Sheriff's Office representatives Lt. Bill Kobel and Lt. Jim Crawford participated in a nationwide effort Saturday. The Prescription Drug Take Back Day took place at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds and was part of a national endeavor to rid homes of unused, unwanted and expired medications.
"The health department did this last year," Kobel said. "This year it's through the National Sheriff's Association, local law enforcement, the Coshocton County Prosecutor's Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency and our local Behavioral Health Choices."
In September 2010, the DEA initiated the nationwide effort to prevent pill abuse and theft. The first event was deemed a success, as Americans turned in more than 242,000 pounds -- 121 tons -- of prescription drugs at close to 4,100 sites operated by more than 3,000 of the DEA's state and local law enforcement partners, according to a DEA press release. This year's second effort has been taken up a notch with more than 5,300 sites.
"It's a worthwhile project," Kobel said. "We've gotten various drugs, like painkillers, and this helps eliminate the possibility of youngsters getting a hold of things like that. We don't want these in the hands of little kids."
The beauty of the effort was complete anonymity. Drivers simply handed over bags, boxes, and other containers of various medications. Pills and containers were separated and placed into separate boxes to be picked up by the DEA later in the day. Items then were to be disposed of by incineration.
"We're not concerned about what it is or who it's from," Fox said. "We just want to collect as much as we can."
Some drivers had only one or two bottles of which to dispose, while others made it a spring cleaning effort by handing over large bags full of unwanted items.
The four-hour event wasn't overly hectic, but Kobel said the trio saw a steady flow of traffic.
"If it's a successful program, we'd like to see it continue," Fox said. "It's in conjunction with the federal government, so we coordinate around them. These should be held at least once every year."
hrichards@coshoctontribune.com; (740) 450-6772
Funding Available for Coalitions To Assist Identity Theft Victims
Deadline: June 15, 2011
OVC is pleased to announce the launch of a National Identity Theft Victims' Network cooperative agreement with the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc., (MCVRC) to facilitate up to nine subawards of up to $50,000 each to create or support regional or statewide coalitions to assist victims of identity theft.
This national scope project is designed to encourage the expansion of victim service programs via victim assistance coalitions to improve their responses to victims of identity theft. The project's overarching goal is to expand the outreach and capacity of victim service programs to better address the rights and needs of victims of identity theft.
MCVRC will provide support and guidance to the subrecipient coalitions—working to create or improve their service delivery portfolio at the local, state, and regional level to better address the needs of victims of identity theft and to provide them with appropriate assistance.
Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2011, through MCVRC at https://mdcrimevictims.egrant.net. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process well in advance of the deadline.
Cars need to be checked and prepped for every new season. Check out the tips for making your family's cars ready for spring!
TIRES: Check Your Tire Condition - Worn tires cause reduced performance. It takes longer to brake on a wet road surface when tires are worn, and there is more risk of skidding.
- Under inflated tires reduce your control of the vehicle, increase braking distances and wear out your tires more rapidly.
- Over-inflated tires reduce grip, reduce stability in braking and lead to poor handling.
- You should inspect your tires at least once a month. The correct pressure information can usually be found on the edge of the driver's side door.
- Check your tires for signs of damage or cracks. Even a small tear should be checked by a tire technician.
- All tires have tread wear indicators. These indicators appear in the main grooves when the tread has worn down to 1.6mm, showing the tire needs to be replaced. For more information, visit bridgestone.com.
Want another incentive to check your tires?
Quick Fact: a properly inflated tire will provide better gas mileage!
TUNE-UP: Give Your Vehicle a Tune-Up
Provide maintenance to your cars by replacing air filters, fuel filters, spark plugs, adjust valves, and check all fluids. If you are not experienced at tuning-up your own vehicle then take them to your local mechanic.
BRAKES: Check Your Vehicle's Brakes
Listen and feel your vehicle's brakes when you are slowing down and coming to a stop. Are they pulling or shaking? if so, take your car to your local mechanic to have the brakes checked. They may need to be replaced! Also, pay attention to the warning light inside your vehicle.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS: Check Your Vehicle's Wiper Blades
Snow and ice from the winter may have damaged your windshield wiper blades. Make sure you check to see if they need replaced. Spring brings a lot of rain and you want good wipers for those rainy days!
STOCK YOUR TRUNK: Re-stock Your Trunk with the Necessities - Windshield wiper fluid
- Coolant
- Oil
- Jack
- Fresh Water
- A blanket
Visit www.noys.org for more information.
Spring Forward with a Clean Home Office and Security from Identity Thieves
Easy Spring Cleaning Tips Help Keep You Safe and Productive
As the winter weather moves on, the urge to clean, unpack, unclutter, dust and polish moves in. This desire to freshen up our lives and sweep away the winter chills signals that spring cleaning season is officially here.
When creating a spring cleaning to-do list, it’s important to remember the home office. An organized and clutter-free home office helps you stay more productive and protects you from one of the country’s fastest growing crimes - identity theft. In fact, this costly crime affected 11.1 million adults in 2009, an increase of 12 percent from the previous year, according to Javelin Strategy and Research.
From tax documents to medical bills and store receipts, the home office is filled with confidential information that can lead to identity theft. And while it’s easy to think that identity thieves only prey on electronic data, criminals are notorious for sifting through garbage in search of confidential paper documents to steal. By making shredding a part of your spring cleaning exercises, you can help ensure that your confidential paper documents don’t fall into the wrong hands.
“Identity theft is a scary and evolving crime. In 2011, thieves will get savvier through new theft techniques, such as organized crime rings that sell stolen information,” says Jay Foley, executive director of the ITRC. “Proactive measures are key. It’s important to take control of your sensitive data by using smart practices during spring cleaning time and throughout the year.”
The ITRC recommends their top-5 tips for spring cleaning the home office: - Begin with the Basics: Sort through the piles of paperwork on your desk and in your office drawers. Place them into two categories: ‘save’ and ‘shred.’
- Proper Storage: Organize the ‘save’ pile into labeled folders and be sure to put anything confidential into a fire-proof lock box. The ‘shred’ pile should be properly disposed of with a Cross-Cut shredder. Cross-Cut technology is an important feature for a shredder because it provides high security, destroying confidential information into unidentifiable pieces. Equally important are enhanced safety features, such as having a SafeSense technology, which shuts the machine down when hands come too close to the paper opening.
- Get a Digital Makeover: Refresh your home office computer by deleting files you no longer use and backing-up important data onto an external hard drive. Clean out your inbox and change all passwords. Refreshing your computer is a good practice to follow throughout the year as well.
- Make Life Easier: Plan ahead by purchasing organizational tools for your desk, such as computer risers or file folder holders. This will help clear clutter from your desk top while keeping things within arms reach.
- Freshen Up: Get rid of dust and germs that easily build up on office equipment such as keyboards, telephones and cabinets. You’ll feel instantly more productive with a clean workspace.
Provided by Fellowes - Fellowes on Facebook
When Alzheimer's turns violent
CNN iReport
By Madison Park, CNN
(CNN) -- One minute, Sam Cohen, 80, points to photos of his kids and talks about how his son wanted to become an actor.
The next minute, he unravels.
Cohen, a former New Jersey taxi driver and ironworker, is convinced his family will steal his money. He talks about escaping to Israel. He ignores his grown children's pleas to take his medication -- he tells them they've been brainwashed. And he threatens his wife, Haya.
"He is starting to make Charlie Sheen look rational," said his son, Michael Cohen, about his dad's Alzheimer's disease.
Earlier this month, he went from paranoid to physically violent. An attack on Haya put Cohen in a hospital psych ward.
Sometimes, verbal rants, as in Cohen's case, escalate, leaving families in a bind. What can you do when your loved one with Alzheimer's becomes physically aggressive?
To share patient experiences, CNN Health asked the iReport community how they have dealt with the challenges of Alzheimer's. Some described being cursed, kicked, slapped and bitten by their loved ones, who cannot understand their actions because of their disease.
Alzheimer's patients are often vulnerable and fragile, but in rare cases, they can become the aggressor. About 5% to 10% of Alzheimer's patients exhibit violent behavior. It's unclear why the outbursts occur in certain patients.
"If you don't understand what's happening because your brain is not functioning, it can be scary," said Beth Kallmyer, senior director of constituent services at Alzheimer's Association. "It's normal human behavior. You might act out, become agitated, or violent if you don't know what's going on."
Before the Alzheimer's disease, Sam Cohen had never struck or hurt his family and his wife, Haya.
Earlier this month, Cohen, who got an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis in 2010, got into a heated argument with his wife. He snatched a pot from the kitchen and smashed the glass of water his wife had been holding. The glass shards cut her hands and she called 911.
"We're at a loss," his son said. His father had never before behaved in such a way.
"It's like the 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers,'" said the younger Cohen, who submitted an iReport about his family's struggles. "It looks like Dad, sounds like Dad, but it's not Dad."
His mother continues to be his primary caregiver, but is "very nervous just about being around him," Cohen said.
While the younger Cohen is also anxious about his father's behavior, the family agreed. "We don't want to just warehouse him."
"We feel pretty alone and we don't know what to do," Cohen said. "The hard thing is getting my mom to heed the advice of experts -- even though he got violent with her -- she doesn't really take advice from experts. So nothing's being done."
Caregivers are often overwhelmed and being on call round-the-clock leaves their patience in tatters. They may deny the problem, although aggressive behavior often reoccurs.
The Chart: Alzheimer's caregivers suffer as well
In 2008, a 74-year-old Kentucky woman with Alzheimer's shot her daughter-in-law with a gun hidden in the home. A Connecticut woman was fatally beaten with a hammer by her 85-year-old husband, who had Alzheimer's.
The violent behavior leaves caregivers conflicted about their own safety.
It was a struggle for Roxanna Zamora, who takes care of her 81-year-old mother, Peggy Zamora, at their Virginia home.
Although Peggy Zamora was fiercely protective of her bichon frise, Angel, she became violent because of Alzheimer's.
Starting in 2008, Zamora who has Alzheimer's, would curse and berate hired caregivers, hurl objects at them and lock them out of the house. Every day, she would kick, bite or punch whenever her daughter and son-in-law, Jack Riegel, tried to help her undress or use the restroom.
"She understood that this was total loss of dignity," said Riegel, who submitted several iReports. "She had no control over it. I think the problem was she understood enough and had no way to lash out except physically."
They would dodge her blows. They kept objects out of reach so she couldn't throw them. They hid all the knives in the house.
"Of course it was pretty disturbing," said her daughter. "It was hard to feel close to her, because she was so combative and mean sometimes. You just have to keep remembering it is a disease."
They noticed her striking her beloved dog, Angel, with enough ferocity to knock the bichon frise over. Her violent period lasted almost 18 months. They had to keep an extra eye on the pets to make sure it didn't happen again.
Earlier in her life, Zamora had been an adventurous woman who had become a licensed pilot in her teenage years and raised five kids in El Salvador. She trotted the globe, visiting more than 50 countries.
Now, she could barely navigate her house.
Zamora would wake up in the night sobbing, insisting that a little girl had just been dragged into a barn and killed. The stories grew more elaborate and horrifying, she sometimes was inconsolable.
Those symptoms eased after her neurologist prescribed antidepressants.
Today, Zamora is seems to be more peaceful.
The challenges of Alzheimer's never wane, the iReporters said. They've joined support groups, reached out to local organizations and sought weekly breaks. They stressed the need to find a good doctor and help with caregiving.
For emergency situations that could become violent, Alzheimer's experts offered these tips to placate a patient.
1. Back down.
Most of the time, the incident escalates when the patient does not want to do tasks such as undress, brush teeth or bathe.
"No one ever died from not bathing," said Geri Hall, advanced practice nurse at the Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. "Relax and calm down about it. If the patient means no, they mean no, and you have to heed that."
Patients lose their ability to reason, so don't try to negotiate. Try again later when the person's mood has improved.
2. When the patient is upset, apologize -- even when it's not your fault.
"You apologize because the patient is upset," Hall said. Using this strategy will buy you time and good will.
Don't argue with an Alzheimer's patient, because you can't win. Don't physically force the person to do anything, she warned. This could worsen the situation and possibly injure all parties involved.
3. When the patient becomes agitated, change the topic.
Move to another room to see the birds or something he or she usually enjoys. Talk about something the person enjoys while remaining calm.
"If you can stay calm, you can mirror that calmness back to them," Kallmyer of the Alzheimer's Association advised.
4. Keep in mind that the world is distorted for an Alzheimer's patient.
The patient is sensitive to noise and easily fatigued.
"They become exhausted trying to follow on a day-to-day basis," Hall said. "Without a rest period, it's like you didn't get a toddler to nap. They are increasingly irritable and they are confused late in the day. That's called a sundown syndrome -- when they may become agitated and aggressive."
5. Call for help.
Call 911, if the patient or you are at risk for injuries. When a patient sees a uniform, he or she is likely to feel reassured about his or her safety, Hall said.
For nonemergency help, contact the Alzheimer's Association's 24-hour hotline: 1-800-272-3900.
Medical identity theft: the growing cost of indifference
While consumers grasp the importance of protecting their medical and personal information, few individuals take the necessary precautions to avoid medical identity theft. This finding comes from the second annual National Study on Medical Identity Theft by The Ponemon Institute and sponsored by Experian’s ProtectMyID™.
It is estimated that nearly 1.5 million Americans are victims of medical identity theft, up slightly from last year, according to this comprehensive study. Alarmingly, the average cost to resolve a case of medical identity theft stands at $20,663, up from $20,160 in 2010. Other key findings from the survey include:
Recognizing the importance of privacy does not equate to action
Despite consumer desires for medical data privacy and statistical findings of data vulnerability, people are not taking action to protect their valuable health information. Nearly 70 percent of study respondents felt it was important to have personal control over their medical records, and 80 percent felt that health care organizations should ensure the privacy of these records. However, these beliefs do not translate to action, as 49 percent of victims took no new steps to protect themselves after a crime.
Consumer indifference is fueled by lack of understanding of repercussions
Fifty percent of former victims chose not to report the incident to law enforcement at all, up from 46 percent in the 2010 study. The number one reason for this failure to report was the lack of resulting harm and the desire to not make it a big deal (43 percent). In fact, more victims fear embarrassment (37 percent) than the loss of medical coverage (21 percent) or a diminished credit score (18 percent) as a potential result of medical identity theft.
Medical data breach notification fails to protect the consumer
The risk of medical identity theft lies beyond consumer control, as health care organization data breach accounts for a significant portion of reported incidents. When a breach occurs, the organization normally is required to inform the affected people, depending on state law notification requirements. However, only 5 percent of victims learned of their theft from a data breach notification, which is especially troubling when considering that data breach accounted for 14 percent of all theft instances. This includes breaches involving health care providers, insurers or other related organizations.
Consumers are uninformed of new health care reform policies
The majority of survey respondents (55 percent) are not familiar or have no knowledge of the new policies, and 79 percent are not aware of the creation of a national electronic database of Americans’ health information. Furthermore, 33 percent believe that a national electronic database will increase the risk of medical identity theft. The lack of general awareness makes consumer education about medical identity protection all the more critical in the face of shifting policy.
Medical identity theft is a family affair
The study also revealed the startling rate at which medical identity theft occurs between family members. In fact, theft of this nature accounted for 36 percent of all victim responses, making it the most common type of theft. The frequency of family-related medical identity theft contributed to the most commonly stated reason (51 percent) why victims elected not to report a given incident: the victim discovered that he or she knew the thief and did not want to report him or her.
It is important that consumers take steps to understand and protect themselves from medical identity theft.
For more information on this topic, please visit ProtectMyID blog.
Study Finds Wireless Networks are Wide Open to Hackers
by Jan Legnitto
Do you think most wireless networks are safe from hackers? If you do, the results of a recent ethical hacking experiment might change your mind. At home and at hotspots, it found that WiFi use can be risky business.
Nearly 40,000 wireless networks run a high risk of being penetrated by hackers, according to the new study commissioned by the British life assistance company CPP.
The company hired ethical hacker and Senior Vice President of Cryptocard Jason Hart to travel around six British cities. Hart used basic wardriving equipment – a laptop and widely available software – to identify unsecured private wireless networks. What he found was shocking. Almost a quarter of the WiFi networks had no passwords at all, making them immediately accessible to hackers.
Even password protected wireless networks with the old WEP encryption standard are not secure. They can be hacked in a matter of minutes. Despite that, 82% of Brits believe their WiFi networks are protected.
If penetrated, the wireless networks could be used for everything from buying pornography to selling stolen goods and accessing victims’ personal information to commit identity theft and credit fraud.
We wondered whether home wireless network security is any better on this side of the ocean. The answer wasn’t reassuring. “CPP’s road survey findings are consistent with what I’ve seen while performing informal scans across the U.S. over the years,” says Lisa Phifer, president of Core Competence, a network security consulting company. “Although the percentage of wireless networks using security has grown, the WiGLE.net wireless network database indicates that one third of them still don’t use encryption.” Phifer says one in ten operate with default settings, which makes hacking easy.
The CPP study also revealed the dangers of using public WiFi networks to go online. Ethical hackers were able to “harvest” user names and passwords from unsuspecting WiFi users at coffee shops and restaurants at the rate of 350 an hour.
The experiment found that 200 people unknowingly logged on to fake WiFi networks within an hour, risking the exposure of their personal financial information to hackers.
Phifer has found similar wireless security issues in the U.S. “When I’ve tested mobile WiFi access points in public places like cafes and conference centers, I often see users immediately trying to connect to my wireless network,” she says. According to Phifer, that’s because WiFi enabled devices are far too friendly to strangers. “Many users have no idea what their laptops and smartphones are trying to connect to without any prompting or permission,” she says.
How to Protect Yourself at Home and at Hotspots - Use WPA instead of no encryption or WEP encryption. The old WEP (Wired Equivalency Privacy) encryption has weaknesses that make it an easy target for hackers. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), or even better, WPA2 has stronger encryption.
- Change the default wireless network name and administrative password. Network devices generally come with default names and passwords which are easy for hackers to find online.
- Make sure your firewall is turned on and your antivirus software is up to date. It can reduce the damage hackers can inflict if they try to access your network.
- Only allow authorized users to access your network. Restrict access by filtering MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. This will discourage accidental connections from neighbors, but not serious attacks by sophisticated hackers.
- Turn off wireless connectivity when you’re not using it.
- Disable printer and file sharing options when you’re at a hotspot.
- Avoid logging into public hotspots that don't have secure login pages, (indicated by the padlock in your browser and "https" in the URL).
- Use a VPN (virtual private network) like Private WiFi to insure that your information is transmitted through an invisible secure tunnel.
Jan Legnitto is an investigative journalist and documentary producer who writes about criminal justice and intelligence issues. Jan is also a frequent contributor to the Private-i blogs.
Community Support Programs
Law Enfrocement Grant Program
Target BLUE Partnership
The Target & BLUE Law Enforcement Grant Program- go to your local Target Retail store and ask abou the Target & Blue grant program. Target is deeply committed to extending a hand of partnership to law enforcement and criminal justice organizations. By sharing our time, talents and resources, together we build stronger, safer more vibrant communities. As part of this commitment, Target established the Law Enforcement Grant Program in 1990 to provide grants to law enforcement agencies serving the community. Amounts range from $250 to $2,000. Grant applications will be accepted from February 1 through April 30.
Funds for Neighborhood Programs in Bank Communities
Bank of America Foundation: Neighborhood Excellence Initiative
The Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, Bank of America's signature philanthropic program, recognizes nonprofit organizations and individuals working to improve their communities. The Initiative's Neighborhood Builders category provides grants of $200,000 each to two nonprofit organizations that are focused on local neighborhood priorities in each of the Bank's 45 markets. The Local Heroes category provides grants of $5,000 each to nonprofit organizations selected by five recognized individuals in the targeted markets. Applications and nominations must be submitted online by June 1, 2011. Guidelines for both categories are available on the Bank of America website.
Community Impact Grants
Home Depot Foundation Grant Program
Grants, up to $5,000, are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools or tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Grants are given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services. For 2011 funding, The Home Depot Foundation’s Community Impact Grants Program will accept proposals for grants beginning April 4, 2011 through October 31, 2011. Grant proposals ideally would specifically identify projects for veterans, seniors, and/or the disabled and will include housing repairs, modifications, and weatherization work. Please do not contact your local store or The Home Depot Customer Care helpline to inquire about the status of your application. Only proposals submitted through the online application process will be considered for funding. Donation requests submitted by mail, phone or e-mail will not receive funding and will be directed to the online application process.
Grants for Youth Football Field Enhancements in NFL Communities
NFL Youth Football Fund Grassroots Program
The NFL Youth Football Fund Grassroots Program, administered by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and funded by the National Football League, provides support for neighborhood-based organizations and middle or high schools to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. Matching Field Surface Grants of up to $200,000 are available to help finance the resurfacing of community, middle school, or high school football fields. General Field Support grants of up to $50,000 are available for capital projects not associated with the actual field surface, such as the installation/refurbishment of bleachers, concession stands, lights, etc. All organizations applying for funds must be located within NFL Target Markets and serve low- to moderate-income areas within those markets. A list of eligible communities is included in the Request for Proposals (RFP). The application deadline is December 15, 2010. Visit the LISC website to download the 2010 RFP.
Support for Animal Welfare Programs in Oregon and Washington
The Handsel Foundation
The Handsel Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations in the states of Oregon and Washington that are working to end companion animal cruelty and neglect. The Foundation primarily provides grants to nonprofit organizations with effective plans to reduce animal suffering through targeted spay/neuter programs to address companion animal overpopulation. The Foundation is particularly interested in funding smaller animal welfare organizations and programs that have the potential to be models for others working on behalf of companion animals. However, the Foundation is not currently providing funds for start-up organizations or new capital projects. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $10,000. Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time; invited applications are reviewed quarterly.Guidelines for developing letters of inquiry are available on the Foundation’s website.
Support for Youth Running Programs
Saucony Run For Good Foundation
The Saucony Run For Good Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children by helping to prevent and reduce childhood obesity. They act to inform the public about its cause and prevention and provide funding to optimize the impact and success of community organizations that promote running and healthy lifestyle programs for youth. Grants of up to $10,000 are provided to nonprofit community organizations that initiate and support running and fitness programs for kids up to 18.
Animal Welfare Projects Supported
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Grant Program
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Grant Program provides support to a variety of U.S.-based nonprofit animal welfare organizations. The ASPCA's funding priorities for 2011 include grants for the following purposes: response to and prevention of animal cruelty, emergency and disaster response and preparedness, equine projects, shelter and spay/neuter programs, and veterinary outreach. Grants generally range from $500 to $5,000. Letters of inquiry may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the ASPCA website to review the online application process
Community Organizing Groups in the Northeast Supported
Community Training and Assistance Center: Intermediary Support for Organizing Communities
The Intermediary Support for Organizing Communities Program, administered by the Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC), provides small grants and technical assistance to build the capacity, sustainability, and impact of grassroots organizations that are engaged in important community organizing work in low-income communities. Six to seven grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to groups in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Applying groups must demonstrate a track-record of successful community organizing within their low-income community or constituency. Priority will be given to organizations with the capacity to effectively partner with networks at the city, state, and/or national levels in efforts to promote broad-based social change movements. The application deadline is May 26, 2011. Visit the CTAC website to review the program guidelines and download the application form.
Edmunds.com Finds Uptick of Traffic Deaths Among 51-to-65-Year-Old Men Since 2000
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An Edmunds.com analysis of driver fatality data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that the death rate of male drivers age 51 to 65 has increased in the last decade, even as traffic deaths in all other male and female age groups decreased over that period.
“We spend a lot of worthwhile energy teaching younger generations about the virtues of staying safe on the road — especially when it comes to the dangers of drinking and driving — and based on the stats, it looks like they’re getting that message”
According to NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the number of annual traffic fatalities for men 51-65 rose by almost one-quarter from 2000 to 2009 (the last year for which data is available). In comparison, annual fatality figures for all male drivers during that time declined more than 20 percent. Fatality figures for female drivers also declined 20 percent during the ten-year period.
Most alarming for the 51 to 65 age group, Edmunds.com found, is its rise in drunk driving fatalities — for both men and women — since 2000. The number of annual drunk driving fatalities for this group rose 37 percent from 2000 to 2009, while overall drunk driving fatalities among all drivers fell almost seven percent.
“We spend a lot of worthwhile energy teaching younger generations about the virtues of staying safe on the road — especially when it comes to the dangers of drinking and driving — and based on the stats, it looks like they’re getting that message,” said Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. “But the baby boomer generation is not heeding the same advice they’re giving to their children. There needs to be a longer look at why there are more traffic deaths within this age group while all others are seeing fewer.”
Other fascinating traffic fatality insights gathered by Edmunds.com’s analysis of FARS data include: - Men are twice as likely to be intoxicated when getting into a fatal accident as women.
- Drivers ages 26-35 are more likely to be intoxicated when getting into fatal accidents than any other age group.
- Male drivers are 30 percent more likely not to be wearing seatbelts at the time of a fatal accident as female drivers.
These are just some of many insights pulled from the FARS database in preparation for Edmunds.com’s car safety conference next month in Washington, D.C. The conference is expected to facilitate a constructive discourse that will influence car safety policy and product development, and will examine ways to make our roads safer.
A wealth of insights on car safety from some of the top experts can be found at Edmunds.com’s exclusive Safety Library at http://www.autoobserver.com/2011-car-safety-conference/library.html
Another recent analysis of FARS data by Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl found that the gradual decline in traffic fatality rates over the last 100 years could not be attributed to any one law or technology. More on his analysis and commentary can be found at http://www.autoobserver.com/2011/04/why-are-transportation-deaths-falling.html.
Additional safety data, including a compilation of vehicle recalls and an analysis of automotive complaints filed with NHTSA can be found on Edmunds.com’s Data Center at http://www.autoobserver.com/car-data-center/safety/.
About Edmunds.com Inc.
More Senior Safety related articles are located at www.nationaltriad.org; e-news section. |
