The too-short life of a child killed by a distracted driver is being honored with a superhero comic. The Travelers Companies commissioned "Zaadii: The Legend of Z-Hawk," and it was unveiled via New York Comic Con’s virtual event in early October. The 3-year-old Zaadii Tozhon Tso is presented as a grownup, one of the first Navajo superheroes. "Zaadii’s greatest joy in life was superheroes, so the company commissioned renowned comic book writers and artists Gail Simone, Jim Calafiore and Jeffrey Veregge, and worked closely with Zaadii’s family, to design a story honoring the young boy," … [Read more...]
Oregon’s new distracted driving law in force
October 1, 2017 by 2 Comments
A comprehensive rewrite of Oregon's distracted driving law is now in effect. Targeting various ambiguities in the old law, the new rules focus on the holding of "mobile electronic devices" such as smartphones. "That's the key," says House Bill 2597 author Rep. Andy Olson. “The law doesn’t say you can't use (cell phones and smartphones), you just can’t have them in your hand." The plan also upgrades first-time infractions from Class C to Class B ($260 first offense). Two-time violators are looking at a $435 penalty. Third or subsequent convictions within a decade bring a minimum … [Read more...]
Save a life hack, simplified
July 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Ontario has dispatched a round-mouthed announcer to promote the "save a life hack." The guy can't even pronounce "algorithm," but wonders: "What if the solution isn't more technology, it's less … " Catch the wry video to reveal this low-tech marvel of an idea to fight distracted driving. (It's part of the province's "put down the phone" campaign.) pic.twitter.com/Gr0I0mqzW1— Steven Del Duca (@StevenDelDuca) July 19, 2016 Steven Del Duca is the Transportation minister who last year oversaw Ontario's increase in distracted driving punishments. Canada recently saw a … [Read more...]
Pokemon game raises distraction fears
July 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Safety officials are trying to stop a wave of distracted driving caused by the "Pokémon Go" game before it starts. Warnings have been issued in numerous states about hazards presented by the "virtual" smartphone game, in which players hunt "wild Pokemon" characters in the real world. "Catching virtual creatures to get to the next level is not worth risking your life or the lives of others," officials in New York warned, noting that the craze has taken the safety community by surprise. "No Pokemoning from behind the wheel," the Washington State DOT urged in a Tweet days after the game … [Read more...]
Ad firm tries to bury distracted driving
May 12, 2016 by 1 Comment
A new low in advertising? Never say never, but that Toronto billboard encouraging motorists to drive distracted is in fact a public-safety message. "Text and drive," the stark billboard urges in all grim all-caps. Courtesy of "Wathan Funeral Home." Those seeking to do business with the funeral home will be disappointed. The mortuary doesn't exist. It does have a web site, however. Here's what it says: If you're here, you've probably seen our "Text and Drive" billboard. And if you have, you probably came to this website to tell us what horrible people we are for running an ad like … [Read more...]
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