From drowsy to distracted drivers, from young to mature drivers,
Summit to provide current research and programming options

MADD national's Chief Executive Officer Chuck Hurley will outline the organization's ambitious new plan to eliminate drunk driving as he kicks off the 12^th annual Michigan Traffic Safety Summit March 13-15 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.

Hurley is one of many leading experts who will address more than 400 law enforcement officers, traffic engineers, health care professionals, driving instructors and others over the course of the three-day meeting.  Featured speakers are coming from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Henry Ford Hospital Sleep Center, National Sleep Foundation, National Traffic Law Center, Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, Federal Highway Administration and the University of Michigan Trauma Center.

"This year's event features a broad range of topics so that Michigan's traffic safety community will have the latest and most relevant information to address our most pressing issues," said Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning division director.  "There are exciting things happening, both nationally and in our state.  This is an opportunity to share research and results with a group working actively to reduce traffic deaths and injuries."

General sessions will feature findings from a recent study of 100 cars equipped with cameras and sensors to monitor driver behavior for a year.  The study captured crashes, near-crashes and other events, allowing researchers an unprecedented look at driver behavior and crash causation.

In addition, speakers will discuss the role of fatigue in driving, how technology may be affecting safety and the driver, and how crash scene information can assist with emergency room response.

The summit will feature 35 workshops, including sessions:  When Boomers on Bikes Go Bang; Reducing High-Risk Behavior by Teen Drivers; Ambulance Safety: Kids, Lights, and Sirens; Lane Departure and Rumble Strips; and Identifying Senior Drivers at Risk: Assessment and Accommodation.

A complete agenda is available at OHSP's web site:  www.michigan.gov/ohsp .

Summit expenses are being offset by registration and exhibitor fees as well as federal traffic safety funds.