Oklahoma Legislator: Driving while texting kills

State Rep. Danny Morgan held a news conference at the Oklahoma State Capitol today regarding legislation to restrict the use of texting on cell phones while driving in school and construction zones. Morgan was flanked by representatives of AT&T, Oklahoma Safe Kids Coalition, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Oklahoma AAA among others.

Do you think lawmakers in Oklahoma should ban texting while driving in school and construction zones? Similar legislation has been passed in 30 states. "Let's get on the train," Morgan said. "Texting while driving kills..."

Rep. Danny Morgan hosts news conference on texting, driving

Morgan Plans to Unveil Legislation to Restrict Texting While Driving at Wednesday Press Conference


Contact: State Rep. Danny Morgan
Capitol: (405) 557-7368

OKLAHOMA CITY  – State Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague, will hold a press conference at 2 p.m., January 19 in the Governor’s Conference Room, at which time he will unveil legislation to restrict the use of cell phones while driving.

Just last week in Sapulpa drivers on public roads fell again victim to the legal practice of texting while driving, as a 23 year old male let his car cross the northbound lanes and strike head-on a pickup driven by a 27 year old female. The patrolman on the scene estimated they were both driving about 55 miles per hour at the time of the collision.

The male driver informed police he was texting his girlfriend at the time of the accident.

“Texting while driving is not a practice committed only by young drivers, it’s becoming a common occurrence by drivers of all ages, and needs to be nipped in the bud”, stated Rep. Morgan.

The press conference will be attended by numerous organizations and individuals who support increased road safety. They include AAA Oklahoma, Farmers Insurance, Oklahoma Safety Council, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, AT&T, and SAFE KIDS Oklahoma State.

Rep. Morgan welcomes all who support efforts to increase safety on our public roads to attend the press conference.

Tracking 911 hangups

Image via Wikipedia

The Monday edition of The Oklahoman featured a front-page story about technology that helps track disconnected 911 calls. Check it out.

Here is an excerpt:

Hanging up on 911 operators is a crime in Oklahoma, and so is interfering with someone else's efforts to make an emergency call. It's a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and a year in jail.

 

Oklahoma 6-year-old calls 911 for unconscious mom

GET READY TO CRY, PEOPLE!! This little girl did an amazing job!!!

(Oklahoma City) December 22, 2010 Oklahoma County Sheriff Joh Whetsel recognized Alicia Bushay (7), Angel Bushay (6), and Ashlyn Bushay (4) for calling 911 to get medical attention for their mother who was unconcious. The incident happened December 13, 2010 in Choctaw, Oklahoma when Marcia Ann Washington (30) passed out at the house, she suffers from a medical condition that caused her to become unresponsive.

Acting on what their mother taught them 6 year old Angel picked up the phone and called 911:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/8422597017ffabcd/

Due to her phone call OCSO dispatcher were able to get help started to the residence. 7 year old Alicia soon took over the call and kept her sister calm while speaking with 911, "I did what my mother taught me to do", said Alicia. The girls' mother only remembered waking up to find a deputy and medical personnel inside her home. "I am so thankful for my girls", said Marcia Ann Washington, "I have been blacking out recently so I thought it was a good plan to teach them to call 911 and their grandmother just in case something bad were to happen."

Sheriff Whetsel presented the sisters with certificates and special Christmas presents for their heroic actions, "They were calm and did exactly what was necessary to get their mother help", said Whetsel "we are very proud of what they did."

FCC seeks to revolutionize 9-1-1 services

Rapid Sharing of Videos, Photos and Data to Improve Emergency Response

Washington, D.C. -- The Federal Communications Commission today took an important step to revolutionize America’s 9-1-1 services for consumers and first responders by adopting a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking public comment on how Next Generation 911 (NG911) can enable the public to obtain emergency assistance by means of advanced communications technologies beyond traditional voice-centric devices.

The FCC has undertaken this proceeding in response to a recommendation in the National Broadband Plan seeking to harness the life-saving potential of text messaging, email, video and photos from mobile and landline broadband services. Despite the fact that there are more than 270 million wireless consumers nationwide and that approximately 70 percent of all 9-1-1 calls are made from mobile hand-held devices, today’s 9-1-1 systems support voice-centric communications only and are not designed to transfer and receive text messaging, videos or photos. In some emergency situations -- especially in circumstances where a call could further jeopardize someone’s life and safety -- texting may be the only way to reach out for help. In addition, many Americans, particularly those with disabilities, rely on text messaging as their primary means of communication.

The sharing of timely and relevant videos and photos would provide first responders with on-the-ground information to help assess and address emergencies in real-time. For example, these technologies could help report crimes as they are happening thus giving law enforcement officials an increased advantage when responding.

The NOI asked a comprehensive set of questions that address a number of issues related to the deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services, including, but not limited to:

o The technical feasibility and limitations of text messaging video streaming and photos;


o Consumer privacy issues, particularly related to the sharing of personal electronic medical data;


o Development of technical and policy standards;


o Consumer education and awareness; and


o Inter-governmental coordination and coordination within the public safety community.

Action by the Commission, December 21, 2010, by NOI (FCC 10-200). Chairman Genachowski, and Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker. Separate statements issued by Chairman Genachowski, and Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker. PS Docket No. 10-255.

For additional information about the NOI, please contact Patrick Donovan, Policy and Licensing Division, FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, at 202-418-2413 or via email: Patrick.Donovan[at]fcc[dot]gov.

What's it like being a 9-1-1 Dispatcher?

Matt Stilwell, Director Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management with the City of Edmond sat down with 911 ACOG recently to talk about the job of a 9-1-1 dispatcher. If you are interested in this career field, we think you'll find this interview helpful. Matt discusses salary, training and what a calling it is to work in this unsung area of public safety communications and emergency management.

Thanks, Matt!

Highway safety gives cities overtime grants for holiday safety

The Oklahoman reports that the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office has provided overtime grants to metro area police departments to "promote safety on the roads during the holidays." The City of Yukon was featured in the story.

Last year, nine people died in crashes on Oklahoma roads between 6 p.m. December 24 and midnight December 27. Five died from 6 p.m. December 31 through midnight January 3.

Screenshot courtesy Yukon Police Department

Tipsy Tow starts at 6 p.m. today

AAA Oklahoma will help protect drivers on the road for the holidays thanks to Tipsy Tow, a program that provides a free, confidential ride home and tow to anyone who may have had too much to drink and feels unsafe behind the wheel.


Tipsy Tow runs from 6 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 17, through midnight Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011 in metropolitan Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton, Ardmore, Enid, Muskogee and Shawnee.

The service is free to AAA members and non-members alike

“There are many alternatives to driving after drinking,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “Using designated drivers is a terrific idea. But if there’s no one to drive you home and you’re in a place where you can’t stay the night, call Tipsy Tow. AAA will make sure you and your car both get home safely.”

To request Tipsy Tow, call (800) AAA-HELP and say, “I need Tipsy Tow.” AAA will give you, your car, and up to one additional passenger a free ride home, no questions asked, within a 15-mile radius from the point of pickup.

Image Credit: Tow Mater from the hit movie Cars.

779k Oklahomans will drive 50 miles or more over the holidays

AAA projects 92.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holidays, an increase of 3.1 percent from the 89.5 million who traveled a year ago. The Christmas/New Year's holiday travel period is defined as covering eleven days, from Thursday, December 23, 2010 to Sunday, January 2, 2011.

Three percent more Oklahomans are expected to travel over the holidays this year as well. "It's great to see so many taking to the roads, rails and skies this holiday season, especially since this is the fifth consecutive holiday period this year in which AAA has predicted a year-to-year increase in the number of travelers," said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. "After a challenging year in 2009, a modestly improved economic environment and pent-up demand resulted in more Americans traveling in 2010, and the year-end holidays are no exception."

Nine out of ten travelers will drive to their holiday destinations. Nationwide, approximately 85.7 million people (93 percent of all holiday travelers) will drive to their Christmas/New Year's holiday destinations. That represents a 3.2 percent increase from the 83 million who drove last year. About 779,000 Oklahoma will be driving 50 miles or more from home over the holidays, a three percent boost over year ago figures.

Motor vehicle travel is predicted to make up about 90 percent of all holiday travel done by Oklahomans.
Number of air travelers expected to increase by nearly three percent. Nearly 2.75 million leisure air travelers
across the country (three percent of all holiday travelers) will take to the skies during the year-end holidays, marking a 2.8 percent increase from last year's 2.67 million air travelers. Approximately 4.6 percent of Oklahomans who will be traveling will be getting there by air this year. The 41,200 Oklahoma air travelers represent a three percent increase from one year ago.

Happy holidays and traveling mercies, Oklahoma!

Photo Credit: Tomfs on Flickr/Subject to Creative Commons License; January 29, 2010; Snowstorm in Bricktown, home to 911 ACOG.

Tulsa World: 911 dispatchers are unsung heroes

The Tulsa World published an article on Sunday about dispatchers in the 911 Operations Area on East Oklahoma Street, Tulsa Fire Department, Tulsa. The article calls emergency dispatchers as unsung heroes. It's a great article. Check it out!

iZUP helps Thanksgiving travelers with state-by-state guide to texting, handheld bans

Photo from Oakley Originals; Posted to Flickr with Creative Commons License

An Oklahoma farm on Thanksgiving Day, Adair County, Oklahoma

I know this map looks incredibly similar to the one in the previous post, but it's completely different. This map is a Driving Guide to Thanksgiving Travel across the United States. It includes details on handheld and texting bans state-by-state.  (Click link to see it enlarged.)

It's from the folks at Illume Software, a pioneer in mobile safety solutions and developer of the iZUP app to prevent cell phone-related distractions.

iZUP is an intelligent, accurate GPS-enabled mobile app that is easy to download and even to use. It automatically launches when it detects that a cell phone is in a vehicle traveling over five miles per hour. The app sends incoming calls to voicemail and holds text and email messages until the vehicle stops and a driver can respond to them safely. iZUP also prevents outgoing calls, texts and emails while driving, yet always allows emergency calls to 9-1-1 and authorized numbers, such as a parent’s cell phone. Additional features include a tamper alert, 9-1-1 emergency map and password-protected passenger override. iZUP is available on a variety of Blackberry, Android and Windows Mobile handsets.

Did you know that 30 states currently enforce texting and driving bans? Ten ban handheld cell phone use altogether. Like it or not, the nation is mobilizing against distracted driving. Many people find that breaking the cell phone usage habit behind the wheel is really tough. Apps like iZUP can help. Check it out!

The folks at 911 ACOG wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Should Oklahoma have mandatory certification for dispatchers?

Public Safety Communications, a publication of APCO International, has published an article about mandatory 9-1-1 dispatcher certification. Oklahoma doesn't currently have mandatory certification along with 19 other states (see list below).

Do you think we should? Let us know what you think in the comments section or on our Facebook page.

Here is what Sherry Decker, 9-1-1 communications supervisor for the North Central Texas Council of Governments had to say on the subject: "For the safety of our citizens and our responding units, they expect a professional to be behind that radio and behind that phone. Citizens expect a trained voice that can put their world back together. They don’t care if the dispatcher has been there for one day or 20 years. They just want the dispatcher to know how to handle their call."

The following have no mandated minimum training standards, but may have voluntary standards:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas
4. California (POST requirements)
5. Colorado
6. Hawaii
7. Idaho (voluntary standards)
8. Illinois
9. Kansas
10. Louisiana
11. Minnesota
12. Nebraska
13. Nevada
14. Ohio (voluntary standards)
15. Oklahoma
16. Rhode Island
17. Utah (POST requirements)
18. Washington (voluntary standards)
19. Washington, D.C.—unknown; no response to requests for information
20. Wisconsin

Map Graphic courtesy APCO and iStock; States with no 9-1-1 training requirements are indicated in yellow.

Alabama 9-1-1 Dispatcher victim of murder-suicide

According to Decatur police, a dispatcher with the Morgan County, Alabama central dispatch center was shot to death by her husband in a domestic homicide and suicide yesterday.

The lead in the Decatur paper read:

A woman who helped thousands of people by taking domestic violence calls as a 911 dispatcher was a victim of domestic violence herself early Friday morning, according to authorities.

In a message distributed by 911Cares, Operations Manager Kelly Armor, Morgan County EMCD, the center's employees are in need of prayers and messages of support.

As you can imagine our center is in a state of shock. Beth had been a dispatcher with us for 2 years. She had just recently been selected as employee of the quarter for her handling of a 911 call from an elderly resident who had a suspect during a burglary. Our employees are in need of prayers and messages of support. 

Cards may be sent to:
Morgan County EMCD
4216 Highway 31 S
Decatur, Al 35603
(256)552-0911

OKC Barons host inaugural first reponders night

Thanks for recognizing our first responders, Barons!

If you couldn't reach 9-1-1 in an emergency, would you turn to Facebook or Twitter?

The American Red Cross recently released results of a survey that shows many web users would turn to social media to seek help for themselves or others during emergencies—and they expect first responders to be listening.

The online survey asked 1,058 adults about their use of social media sites in emergency situations. It found that if they needed help and couldn’t reach 9-1-1, one in five would try to contact responders through a digital means such as e-mail, websites or social media. If web users knew of someone else who needed help, 44 percent would ask other people in their social network to contact authorities, 35 percent would post a request for help directly on a response agency’s Facebook page and 28 percent would send a direct Twitter message to responders.

Social Media in Disasters and EmergenciesWeb users also have clear expectations about how first responders should be answering their requests. The survey showed that 69 percent said that emergency responders should be monitoring social media sites in order to quickly send help—and nearly half believe a response agency is probably already responding to any urgent request they might see.

And the survey respondents expected quick response to an online appeal for help—74 percent expected help to come less than an hour after their tweet or Facebook post.

“The first and best choice for anyone in an emergency situation is to call 9-1-1,” said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross president and CEO. “But when phone lines are down or the 9-1-1 system is overwhelmed, we know that people will be persistent in their quest for help and use social media for that purpose.”

The Red Cross commissioned the survey in advance of an Emergency Social Data Summit set for Thursday, August 12, in Washington, D.C. The meeting, convened by the Red Cross, will bring together thought leaders and experts in the government, social media, emergency response and the non-profit sectors to discuss better ways to handle information that flows through the web during disasters.

“The social web is creating a fundamental shift in disaster response—one that will ask emergency managers, government agencies and aid organizations to mix time-honored expertise with real-time input from the public,” McGovern said. “We need to work together to better respond to that shift.”

The Red Cross survey also found that among web users, social media sites are the fourth most popular source for emergency information, just behind television news, radio and online news sites. More web users say they get their emergency information from social media than from a NOAA weather radio, government website or emergency text message system. One in five social media users also report posting eyewitness accounts of emergency events to their accounts.

Online Survey of 1,058 respondents representative of the U.S. population aged 18 and older. Survey conducted on July 22-23, 2010 by Infogroup ORC.

Photo Credit: A-wrangler via Istockphoto.com (All Rights Reserved)