CALIFORNIA STATE OF-OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY (2)-2012

Home Browse Search

GRANTS MADE EASY — STEP (Overtime) SCHEDULE A Grant No. PT1387 Page 1 GRANT DESCRIPTION PROBLEM STATEMENT In 2010, California's traffic fatalities decreased 11.9 percent (3,081 vs. 2,715) — reaching their lowest level since the federal government began recording traffic fatalities in 1975. California 2009 Mileage Death Rate (MDR) — fatalities per 100 million miles traveled is 0. 95, and marks the first time California has been below 1.0. California is much better than the national 1.14 MDR. Although the fatality rates have dropped for four consecutive years (2007- 2010), total fatalities are projected to be up 3.5% in 2011. Alcohol- impaired driving fatalities (fatalities in crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or greater) dropped by 14.4 percent from 924 in 2009 to 791 in 2010. The 2010 figure is the lowest DUI death total ever. As a percent of total fatalities, alcohol - impaired fatalities decreased from 30 percent in 2009 to 29 percent in 2010. Unfortunately, this number has remained virtually unchanged in the past five years and DUI arrests have dropped in 2010 to 195,879 as compared to 208,531 in 2009. The 2010 DUI arrest figure represents more DUI arrests than any year between 1997 -2005. For the second year in row, OTS commissioned an observational survey of cell phone use by drivers within the state, looking for hand -held and hands -free talking as well as texting and other use of mobile devices while driving. The overall rate was 10.8 percent of drivers on the road using cell phones at any given daylight time, up from 7.3 percent in 2012. Although observed cell phone use increases were seen across all age groups, 16 to 25 year olds showed a dramatic rise, doubling from 9 percent to 18 percent. The problem of drugged driving continues to rise. Based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30 percent of all drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in California in 2010 tested positive for legal and /or illegal drugs, a percentage that has been increasing since 2006. Motorcycle fatalities decreased 10.7 percent from 394 in 2009 to 352 in 2010, but projections indicated over 400 motorcyclists were killed in 2011. OTS -38b (Rev. 8/12)