Starting July 1^st, Georgia drivers will have to think twice before using cell phones while driving, thanks to two new bills signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue on Friday, June 4th.

The new law will affect drivers differently, depending on their age. It’s important that we all fully understand the two new bills and rid any possible confusion.

Who will this bill affect?

• This bill will impact all drivers in Georgia.
  • Teens: The new law bans all forms of cell-phone use while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers under the age of 18 will no longer be able to speak or text on the phone while driving.
  • Adults:  The new law bans texting on a cell-phone while operating a motor vehicle

 What is texting?

According to Ariel Hart’s A Guide to Navigate Texting, Cell Phone Bans, texting includes viewing, typing or sending messages on your cell-phone.

 What’s at risk?

Besides risking the safety of those around you, violating the law will get you a $150 fine and a point recorded onto your license.

 Are there any exceptions to the law?

• The law allows the use of cell phones for all drivers in the following situations: reporting crimes, accidents and emergencies that endanger other’s health or safety.
• Cell-phone use can occur while the car is lawfully parked. However,  the term “parked,” as defined by the Georgia State Patrol, does not include sitting at a red light or waiting to make a turn
• The use of CB radios and navigational devices are also an exception to the law.
• The law also only applies to ‘public’ roads, which means the law does not apply to privately owned roads or parking lots.

While the law may anger many Georgia teens and adults, but ultimately, it can also reduce the large number of injuries and fatalities caused by distracted driving.

According to Mobiledia.com, 80% of accidents and 65% of near-crashes involve driver distraction within three seconds of the event. It was also reported by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that wireless devices are the number one source of driver inattention. In other words, using a cell-phone, while operating a motor vehicle, increases the risk of car accidents.

Again, while the passing of this law may be a bit of an annoyance, its sole purpose is to ultimately protect your life while behind the wheel.

 To learn more about the Texting/Cell Phone Use ban, visit Safe America’s Exit 2 Text It

adults · driving · safety · teens · texting · ticket

Since May 16, 2010, millions have watched this video of the Oklahoma City hail storm.  The video provides a great, if extreme, example of hail storm’s destructiveness.

Thankfully, not all hail is as potentially lethal as the kind seen in this video.  Still, it got Safe America thinking about the safety steps you can take if you were caught in a hail storm.  While doing research on this issue, we found the following information from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The information is great advice, and it may teach you how to react if you are ever caught in a hail storm.

What to do if you are caught in a hail storm while in an automobile:

• Most importantly, stop driving. If you see a safe place close-by (like inside a garage, under a highway overpass or under a service station awning), drive to it as soon as you can. Make sure you pull completely off the highway.
• Do NOT leave the vehicle until it stops hailing. Your car might get dented, but unlike you, the car won’t get a concussion.
• Stay away from car windows. Cover your eyes with something, like a piece of clothing. If possible, get onto the floor faced down or lay down on the seat with your back to the windows.
• Put very small children under you and cover their eyes.

What to do if you are caught in a hail storm while in a building:

• Stay inside until the hail stops.
• Stay away from windows, especially those being struck by hail.
• Account for all family members, building occupants, pets, etc.
• Do not go outside for any reason. Large hail can cause serious or even fatal injuries.
• To avoid the danger of electrocution from lightning, avoid using phones and electrical appliances during a severe storm

What to do if you are caught in a hail storm while outdoors:

• Seek shelter immediately. If you can’t find something to protect your entire body, find something to protect your head.
• Stay out of culverts and lowland areas that may suddenly fill with water.
• Seeking shelter under trees should be a last resort. It is common during severe storms for trees to lose branches. Also, large isolated trees attract lightning.

Facts about Hail

• The hail season varies around the United States. Generally, it runs March through October, with the majority of hail storms occurring May through August.
• Hail is primarily an afternoon or evening phenomenon. Most severe hailstorms occur between 1:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M.
• Hailstorms rarely last more than 15 minutes. The median duration is 6 minutes.
• The most common size for damaging hail is 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The most common size for hail in Colorado is 1/4 inches.
• The largest documented hailstone fell in Kansas. It was 5 1/2” in diameter and weighed nearly 2 pounds!

preparedness · safety · weather

With the Midwest’s wild weather in the news recently, the staff at the Safe America Foundation thought it might be a good idea to blog about the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family during a Severe Thunderstorm.

What makes a Thunderstorm “severe” anyway?

The Weather Channel has a pretty good overview here. Generally speaking though, a thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces:

• lightning
• heavy rain
• has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour or hail at least 1 inch in diameter

What is the difference between a “Severe Thunderstorm Watch” and a “Severe Thunderstorm Warning?”

Severe Thunderstorm Watch — Severe thunderstorms are in or near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

Okay, so a “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” has been issued. Now what?

Below are some recommendations from the Red Cross that we at Safe America think are useful.

• Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates.
• Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
• If thunderstorms are likely to occur, postpone outdoor activities.  Many people who are struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
• If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in highwinds.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning.  If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
• Avoid lectrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
• Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.
• Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. However, avoid low-lying areas prone to flash flooding in heavy rain. Stay in the vehicle, and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

preparedness · safety · weather

A big thank you to Channel 2 WSB-TV’s Mark Winne for lending us his voice for this Safe Teen Georgia Driving Academy video Public Service Announcement.

If you are a parent of a teen 14 or older in the Metro-Atlanta/Macon area, join us at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Saturday, May 8, 2010.  You and your teen will get to experience a fun-filled day that teaches the basics of safe driving through interactive “Pit Stop” classrooms and demonstrations taught by the Safe America Foundation training staff as well as law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency medical personnel and judges.

Our goal is to give every teen in the metro Atlanta area additional education about safe driving in order to keep the roads safer for everyone. Join us in achieving our goal by attending our event from 8:30am to 2:30pm at Atlanta Motor Speedway!

For more information or to register go to driver.safeamerica.org/ams

No tags

Safe America President Len Pagano participated recently in a CDC program to prepare business, non-profit and governmental leaders for the possibility of a terrorist strike in a city like Atlanta.

The one-day program focused on how the public and private sectors would react to any emergency – not only in dealing with the immediate casualties on-the-scene but the entire population impacted by the psychological effect of a first-of-its kind domestic terrorist event.

“We know that suicide bombers are being trained – but what’s even more frightening is evidence that some of them are home-grown Americans… from places like Alabama,” noted CDC Foundation President Charles Stokes. “We need to recognize the threat and be ready to handle it.”

The conference comes in the wake of discussions that suggest a growing amount of chatter in the intelligence community about possible domestic terrorist strikes. Safe America – which has been a leader in individual resiliency with its ‘Drill Down for Safety’ program – is looking at ways to increase readiness with a first-ever national texting drill this September 2010. Discussions have begun with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile about involving millions of Americans and families in what to do in an emergency.

A focus on texting comes amid growing reports that in Haiti, people were able to stay in touch via texting even when voice communications was ‘shut down.’ SafeAmerica will meet with volunteer leaders in Chicago in late February to discuss how to organize a national media campaign around texting… while also conducting a 9/11 day of drills – both personal, community and corporate.

“9/11 Drill Down for Safety” has been supported by corporate grants from the Motorola and UPS Foundations, along with additional support from CNA, Roche/Genentech, Travelers Insurance and State Farm.

No tags

`

Dear Friends,

I’’m writing you a personal note to ask your help.

This November, Safe America is celebrating its 15th anniversary. It’’s a special time, as we have provided this year our country – and our home state – with our strongest programming ever… like helping 100 million Americans learn how to be prepared for handling any emergency… through a new national preparedness/educational campaign… and having trained over 5,00 teenagers in how to drive safely.

Join us at Safe America on Thursday, November 19 for a night of thanks… and a chance for you to ‘give’ us
a little help!

That night, from 6:30 – 9:30, we’ll have a pre-Thanksgiving reception… to review our plans for 2010.
Like all other non-profits, we’re facing an economic downturn that’s impacted our giving. You can help us over this hump by donating TODAY and help raise funds for teen driving scholarships and safety programming.

o $50 raffle ticket towards a brand new 2009 Sym Fiddle II 50cc motor scooter.
o $100 per couple foundation supporter, 3 raffle tickets towards a brand new 2009 Sym Fiddle II 50cc motor scooter.
o $250, half Driver Education scholarship.
o $500, train a teen driver this Christmas season in one of 6 classes we’’ll hold.
o $2,500, corporate sponsor enables 5 teens to get driver education.
o Other_____________________ If one of the above does not reflect the level that you would like to contribute, any donation is appreciated.

I’’m writing 15 friends, with a goal of raising $5,700 collectively by November 19… so these programs won’’t have to be stopped for 6-8 weeks. Whatever you can do, please consider doing it this week.

In fact, visit http://support.safeamerica.org/ now… where you can make your choice… and make your tax deductible contribution by credit card.
All proceeds benefit the Safe America Foundation and will help make our community safer through public safety education.

For more information contact  Joe, Matt or Marcia at 770-973-7233. It’’s simple. SAFE. And you could be saving a life.

Thanks in advance your consideration.

Len Pagano
President & CEO
Safe America Foundation
2480 Sandy Plains Rd.
Marietta, GA 30066

No tags

The Safe America Foundation offers a state approved D.U.I. Class, officially known as Risk Reduction Program. This course is for those who have been charged with any alcohol and drug related offenses. The Safe America Foundation is registered through the state of Georgia and will provide the information required for this course. Upon completion of the course attendees will receive a certificate that satisfies their court order.

The First action you have to take before entering this course is an Assessment.

The Assessment is a screening tool, which assesses your involvement with alcohol and drugs. All persons enrolling in the Safe America DUI course must take an Assessment, prior to the first day of the DUI Class. The Assessment is not pass or fail, it is strictly informational for the class instructor. Your participation in the class is not dependent on how you answer the Assessment questions. You may take the Assessment during Safe America’s office hours, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and plan on one hour for the assessment test. After the Assessment you may enroll in any scheduled DUI class. The DUI class consists of 20 hours of instruction taught over 2 full days from 9-5 p.m. and two consecutive evenings from 6-9 p.m.

Risk Reduction Fees

Assessment fee: $82

Class: $205

How to Register:

Come into The Safe America Foundation, located at 2480 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta anytime Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. To reserve your seat in a DUI Class you must pay for and take the Assessment test and pay for the DUI Class

Schedule:

For more information please contact us by phone at 770-973-7233 or please visit our website www.duicobb.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

No tags

On September 1, 2009, the Safe America Foundation held a great event to help kick off the 9/11 Drill Down for Safety program at USA Today headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Associated Press issued a story that day regarding Drill Down and the goals of the project. This article had wide distribution throughout the United States, including newspapers, television & radio stations, and blogs. The article was even seen as far away as Brisbane, Australia.

The article was great and helped spread the message and goals of the 9/11 Drill Down for Safety, especially focusing in on one important part of an overall disaster plan: the use of text messaging and social networking (i.e., Facebook, Twitter).  Safe America is encouraging these elements be part of a broader preparedness plan. As part of the Drill Down program, Safe America offers toolkits for families and businesses to help them develop preparedness kits at the home and workplace. Different types of drills, including ones for the family, business, and special needs community help provide the necessary information to prepare for emergency situations.

Safe America is also giving families the option of a drill involving the evacutation of a home. This plan includes important details as to where your family would meet if there was an emergency at home. Another drill option is to conduct a “shelter in place” to find the location your family would meet in case of an emergency such as a tornado or hurricane. Businesses can also participate in drills ranging from what they would do in case of a natural disaster, energy disruption, or medical emergency. Safe America also provides drill options for those with disabilities, including how to evacuate or shelter those that need assistance.

These different drill options help cover a wide variety of scenarios to help build a more prepared and ready America. This September 11, help us Drill Down for Safety.

For more information please visit our website at www.safeamericaprepared.org

No tags

The Safe America Foundation offers defensive driving course for both court ordered and insurance reduction purposes. Classes are currently offered at our Sandy Plains location in Marietta. For more information, please visit our website for additional details and registration information.

Fees:

$75.00 for Court Ordered

$25.00 for Insurance Reduction

Date:                                                     Time(s):

Aug. 11 & 13, 2009                              6:00-9:00 p.m. each night

Sept. 23 & 24, 2009                             6:00-9:00 p.m. each night

Oct. 13 & 14, 2009                               6:00-9:00 p.m. each night

Nov. 10 & 12, 2009                              6:00-9:00 p.m. each night

Dec. 15 & 17, 2009                               6:00-9:00 p.m. each night

No tags

The following is a schedule of Safe America’s driver education classes offered this fall. Fees vary by location and for more information, including registration information, please visit our driver’s education website.
(more…)

No tags