(Source: USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood’s Fastlane Blog)

After looking at this picture, I’m sure you will never drive while talking on the cell phone.

Sec. Ray LaHood’s blog post offers some details behind this horrific mangled mess of metal:

• A garage New Canaan, Connecticut has put this mangled vehicle on display along with a “No-Cell-Phones” sign . This one was destroyed in a crash that may have been caused–not by drunk driving, but by a distracted driver.
• The red VW Jetta, now barely recognizable, was being driven by a 19-year-old woman. When she entered Interstate 95, she struck another vehicle, causing her car to spin out and hit the median, where it was hit by a tractor trailer. The young driver was killed in the accident.
• The deceased driver’s family gave written approval for the Garage owner  to put it on a highly visible corner of his property with hopes of deterring at least a few “distracted drivers.”

What a powerful message, in deed.

Click here to read more.

Related articles

• Distracted: 1 in 6 Road Deaths Tied to Texting (abcnews.go.com)
• US official wants ‘distracted driving’ label on cell phones (alternet.org)
• U.S. Transportation Sec. Hates Facebook, Twitter [Emissions] (jalopnik.com)
• UPS Supports LaHood’s Effort to Stop Distracted Driving (eon.businesswire.com)
• “Focusing On Distracted Driving” and related posts (transportation.nationaljournal.com)
• No Surprise: Distracted Driving Up Significantly Since 2005 (ridelust.com)
• Distracted driving deaths declining in the U.S. (ctv.ca)
• LaHood releases 2009 distracted driving crash figures ahead of summit (autoblog.com)
• Report: LaHood mulling nationwide ban on all in-car mobile phone use? (autoblog.com)

Thursday, November 4, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

Traffic Technologies Tour to Visit Austin, Chicago, Washington, DC and Toronto

Public sector transportation agencies involved in design, deployment, planning or operation of ITS, ATMS, TMCs or connected vehicle/infrastructure projects are invited to attend this open forum information exchange.  Topics will include technologies that are in use around the world for location referencing and harmonization, data exchange between systems, next generation of real-time data for traffic navigation, and data exchange for connected vehicles/infrastructure projects.  If you are interested in attending one of these free events or would like more information, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com.

AVIATION

1) FAA Finalizes Flight Crew Alerting Rule

New rule delineates which colors can be used in cockpit systems.

Link to article in Air Transport Intelligence:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/11/02/349235/faa-finalises-flightcrew-alerting-rule.html

2) New Technology Helps Airlines Track Lost Luggage

Link to article in Gulf News:

http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/new-technology-helps-airlines-track-lost-luggage-1.703356

MARITIME

3) Ship Emissions Portal to Aid Ports

Link to article in Port Strategy:

http://www.portstrategy.com/news101/news-extra/ports-get-help-to-bring-in-cleaner-ships

4) Distracted Marine Operations: Beyond the Cellular Telephone

Link to blog on Maritime Professional:

http://maritimeprofessional.net/Blogs/The-Final-Word-with-Joseph-Keefe/November-2010/Distracted-Marine-Operations–Beyond-the-Cellular-.aspx

RAILROADS

5) NASA’s Aviation Reporting System Improves Railroad Safety

Link to article from NASA:

http://www.nasa.gov/topics/nasalife/features/fra_asrs.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Israel’s Tightly Protected Airport Gives Rare Glimpse Into Its Security Procedures

Link to CP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gEKMkRmlipOcW8qrLiv-rJIK563g?docId=5011301

7) TSA Administrator Calls Technology Key to Combating Terrorism

Link to article in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=228200081

TELEMATICS

8) Ford Sync Feature Spotlight: Wi-Fi and Mobile Hotspot in the Car

Link to article in In Telematics Today:

http://intelematicstoday.com/2010/01/20/ford-sync-feature-spotlight-wifi-and-mobile-hotspot-in-the-car/

TRANSIT

9) Cell Phone Service Expansion at DC Metro Slowed by Track Work

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/03/AR2010110307634.html

10) Ottawa and Gatineau Transit Services Merge Travel-Planning Databases

Link to article in the Ottawa Citizen:

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Transit+services+merge+travel+planning+databases/3774123/story.html

11) Bus Stop Displays to Tell Bus Passengers in Ireland of Waiting Times

Link to article in the Irish Independent:

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/busstop-displays-to-tell-passengers-of-waiting-times-2406937.html

News Releases

1) Ford and MIT Research Study Shows Technological Advancements Reduce Stress on Driver

2) Operation Lifesaver Unveils Redesigned Web Site

3) FMCSA Orders JBS Carriers to Install Electronic On-Board Recorders on Its Entire Fleet of Commercial Trucks for Violating Hours-of-Service and Other Federal Safety Regulations)

4) Simulating Human Decision-Making Could Improve Emergency Evacuation Planning

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Airport Security: Cutting Edge Technology and Emerging Trends – November 16

https://cc.callinfo.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=1qutuuzoxixc2

Today in Transportation History

1890 **120^th anniversary** The City and South London Railway, the world’s first deep-level underground passenger railway, officially opened.

http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=1030

======================================================================

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

The Transportation for America (T4America) Campaign is looking for an experienced, highly skilled individual with knowledge and interest in federal transportation policy and the federal legislative process to help develop and implement the Campaign’s government relations strategy.The T4America Campaign is a national advocacy campaign working to ensure that the next generation of transportation investments helps to make our country more competitive globally; improves mobility options for people of all ages, incomes and geographic areas; maintains our existing transportation assets in good and safe working order; and helps our nation reduce its carbon footprint.The campaign represents a broad coalition of housing, aging, environment, community development, business, planning, urban design and transportation interests. The Legislative Director works with the Campaign’s Director and other members of the Campaign’s leadership, and supervises other members of the Legislative Team.

• The Legislative Director must possess detailed knowledge of Capitol Hill, the relevant committees, and the legislative process. This position develops and directs the legislative strategy for the Campaign, including building strong relationships with Congressional leaders and their staff members.
• The Legislative Director will develop the Campaign’s Legislative work plan which would include such elements as an assessment of federal policy makers on relevant committees, or key districts, draft legislation, research on relevant previous bills or amendments, and Congressional briefings and outreach strategies.
• The Legislative Director will also provide assistance, as needed, to the Field and Outreach team in strategies to engage and coordinate state and local partners. While this team’s priority will be the federal transportation authorization bill, it will also engage with related bills such as those addressing climate change, energy, and appropriations.

Minimum of 5 years experience on Capitol Hill, with a government relations firm or non-profit engaged in government relations work is required, with legislative program management experience strongly preferred. An advanced degree ishelpful, as is experience with transportation policy. Also strongly preferred is experience working in a campaign environment. The applicant should possess excellent communications and research skills. Knowledge of the legislativeprocess is essential, as well as the ability to think strategically and in a bipartisan manner.The position is full-time and available starting August 2010. Salary is commensurate with experience, and includes benefits. Please send a cover letter and resume to Lea Schuster, Deputy Director at lea.schuster@t4america.org. In the subject line write T4America Legislative Director Position. For more information about us please visit our website www.t4america.org.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

Traffic Technologies Tour to Visit Austin, Chicago, Washington, DC and Toronto

Public sector transportation agencies involved in design, deployment, planning or operation of ITS, ATMS, TMCs or connected vehicle/infrastructure projects are invited to attend this open forum information exchange.  Topics will include technologies that are in use around the world for location referencing and harmonization, data exchange between systems, next generation of real-time data for traffic navigation, and data exchange for connected vehicles/infrastructure projects.  If you are interested in attending one of these events or would like more information, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com.

OTHER

1) Mississippi DOT ITS Newsletter – October 2010

Link to newsletter:

http://www.gomdot.com/Divisions/ITS/Categories/Newsletter_Archive/October%202010.pdf

2) Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator – November 2010

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/TrafficOperations/Newsletters/2010/2010-011-Nov.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) New CCTV Technology Senses Aggression from Sound

Link to BBC News story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11654139

TELEMATICS

4) Nissan’s New EV Tech Goes Beyond Batteries

In-vehicle maps will show charging stations as well as warnings about slippery roads based on data from other Nissan vehicles.

Link to blog in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/11/nissans-new-ev-tech-goes-beyond-batteries/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

5) Seattle Metro Touts New Web Tools to Stay Ahead of Storms

Link to story and video on KOMO-TV:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/106466069.html

VEHICLES

6) Five Ways Mobile Car Apps Will Change the Way You Drive

Link to article on VentureBeat:

http://venturebeat.com/2010/11/02/5-ways-mobile-car-apps-will-change-the-way-you-drive/

News Releases

1) IATA Vision for Intelligent Aviation Security – Coordinated Response on Cargo Security

2) Texas DOT’s ‘Know When to Pass’ Truck Launches Game Day Tour

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Safety Management Systems – What Airports Need to Know Now – November 22

http://events.aaae.org/sites/101105/index.cfm%20

Today in Transportation History

1920 **90^th anniversary** KDKA, Pittsburgh begins broadcasting as the first commercial radio station in the US.

http://kdka.cbslocal.com/shows/kdka-90th-anniversary/

======================================================================

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, November 1, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

November TCN Fundraiser

Twice a year I hold a fundraiser to help support the Transportation Communications Newsletter.  If you’ve been a subscriber of the TCN for more than a few months you probably know my putting together the TCN is mostly a labor of love.  I never intend to charge a subscription fee for the TCN because I believe that would exclude many who might not be able to pay.  A number of you have provided financial support to the TCN through donations however.  During this month I’ll be asking you to consider making a donation to the TCN.  I’ve tried to make it as easy as possible.  At the bottom of the newsletter is the address where you can mail a donation. You may also donate online via PayPal.  Thank you very much!

AVIATION

1) National Air Traffic Controllers Association Lauds FAA Collaboration on Implementing New Technology

Link to article on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/NATCA_Lauds_FAA_Collaboration_203529-1.html

2) Advertisers Put Out Life-Size Installations at Many Airports

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2010-11-01-airportcheckin01_ST_N.htm

3) FAA Safety Briefing – November/December 2010 Issue

Link to newsletter:

http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2010/media/NovDec2010.pdf

CAMERAS

4) Traffic Cameras: Protection or Profit?

Link to stories and video report on KCCI-TV:

http://www.kcci.com/automotive/25557466/detail.html (part 1)

http://www.kcci.com/r/25571438/detail.html (part 2)

5) Red Light Cameras: Groups Sues Houston to Get Statistics

Link to article in the Houston Press:

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/11/red_light_lawsuit_camera.php

CARTOGRAPHY

6) Google Street View Privacy Flap Shows Growing Rift Between US, EU

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2010/10/google_street_view_privacy_fla.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) Spoken Street Names Useful in Navigation Units, Consumer Reports Says

Link to article in AutoWeek:

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101101/CARNEWS/101109985

Link to article in Consumer Reports:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/december/cars/best-gps/overview/index.htm

OTHER

8) Virginia DOT Opens Statewide Customer Service Center

Link to article in The Roanoke Times:

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/265881

9) Volpe Highlights – November Edition Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.volpe.dot.gov/infosrc/highlts/10/nov/index.html

PARKING

10) Bury, UK Drivers Still in the Dark as Car Park Signs Fail

Link to article in the Bury Free Press:

http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/drivers_still_in_the_dark_as_car_park_signs_fail_1_1589131

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Israeli Technology has Chief Role in Battling World Threats

Link to article in The Jerusalem Post:

http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=193376

12) Warning Systems Often Don’t Help Tsunami Victims

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2010-10-29-tsunami-warning_N.htm

TRANSIT

13) Calgary Transit App in the Works

Link to article in the Calgary Herald:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Calgary+transit+works/3750714/story.html
14) Ever the Slick Salesman, Los Angeles Mayor Turned to Twitter to Combat Opponents of Subway to Sea

Link to blog in LA Weekly:

http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2010/10/subway_to_sea_antonio_villarai.php

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Satnav Traffic Information Could be Hit by UK Digital Radio Switchover

Link to article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8096638/Satnavs-could-be-hit-by-digital-radio-switchover.html

VEHICLES

16) GM Sees No End to the Road with New Mobility Solutions

Link to article in Gulf News:

http://gulfnews.com/business/automotives/gm-sees-no-end-to-the-road-with-new-mobility-solutions-1.704102

17) GM: Without Software, Chevy Volt is Stuck in Neutral

Link to column on CNET:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20021346-54.html?tag=topStories1

News Releases

1) ACS Expands Its Parking Services with Acquisition of Spur Information Solutions

2) ITS America Launches New Web Site for 2011 ITS World Congress in Orlando, Florida

Upcoming Events

Martima (Maritime and Coastal Economies) – December 8-11 – Paris

http://www.salonmaritima.com/site/GB,I3763.htm

Today in Transportation History

1870 **140^th anniversary** The predecessor of the National Weather Service began gathering weather observations from 24 sites around the US.

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/pa/history/index.php

TCN Donations

Checks or money orders may be mailed to:

Bernie Wagenblast

1 Aberdeen CT

Cranford, NJ USA 07016-2911

You may also donate online via PayPal at:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10069680

======================================================================

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net