Latest news with #LaborDayWeekend
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Extra Patrols Deployed as Part of 100 Safe Days of Summer Campaign
King County agencies urge residents to help prevent dangerous driving and keep roads safe SEATTLE, June 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To keep roads safe this summer, the King County Target Zero Coalition is deploying High Visibility Enforcement patrols from June 6 through Labor Day Weekend. This campaign is part of Washington's "100 Safe Days of Summer" program, which is working to keep roadways safe during what is typically the most dangerous time of the year. These patrols are focusing on recent data that suggests deaths related to speeding are on the rise. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), Washington's roads had 253 fatal crashes between June and September, making summer the deadliest four-month period of the year. Across the state, 31% of fatal crashes involved a driver speeding, and fatal crashes involving speeding drivers have increased 52% since 2019. "This is an opportunity to remind everyone there are simple things they can do to keep our roads safe – and driving the speed limit is at the top of that list," said Sara Hallstead, Target Zero Manager, South King County. "We urge everyone to avoid following the flow of traffic and instead focus on driving the posted speed limit, which exists to decrease the risk and severity of crashes." In preparation for the dangerous driving period, the King County Target Zero Coalition is also encouraging motorists to avoid impaired driving. Traffic safety officials have seen progress on the state's roads (recent data shows that 78% of people in Washington don't drive after drinking) but substance use still remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes in King County. Local authorities are urging everyone to take proactive steps to prevent impaired driving before it happens. "Every one of us has a role to play. Planning ahead can save lives and protect our communities," said Hallstead. "If you're going out, make a plan for a safe ride home. You can designate a sober driver ahead of time, use ride share services, take public transportation, or stay the night at your destination." Roadway safety is a top priority for the King County Target Zero Coalition, and officials encourage motorists to call 911 and report someone who is driving erratically. This includes speeding, braking suddenly or inappropriately, swerving in and out of their lane, or making wide turns. Extra patrols are partially funded by WTSC with the coordination of the King County Target Zero Coalition, which brings together representatives from law enforcement, public health, transportation, health and human services, and community organizations to engage in traffic safety campaigns throughout King County. Target Zero Managers across the state are conducting similar campaigns. For more information, please visit About the King County Target Zero Coalition: The King County Target Zero Coalition was formed by Public Health – Seattle & King County in 1998 through limited funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and flexible state public health funding. It is currently supported through state-funded grants. Target Zero is a statewide program administered through the WTSC with the goal of reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities, among those walking, rolling, driving, and traveling on Washington roadways, to zero by 2030. For additional information, you can follow our social media pages on Facebook or Instagram. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Christiaan Boer, cboer@ 206-557-4309
Business Wire
19 hours ago
- Business Wire
Extra Patrols Deployed as Part of 100 Safe Days of Summer Campaign
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To keep roads safe this summer, the King County Target Zero Coalition is deploying High Visibility Enforcement patrols from June 6 through Labor Day Weekend. This campaign is part of Washington's '100 Safe Days of Summer' program, which is working to keep roadways safe during what is typically the most dangerous time of the year. These patrols are focusing on recent data that suggests deaths related to speeding are on the rise. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), Washington's roads had 253 fatal crashes between June and September, making summer the deadliest four-month period of the year. Across the state, 31% of fatal crashes involved a driver speeding, and fatal crashes involving speeding drivers have increased 52% since 2019. 'This is an opportunity to remind everyone there are simple things they can do to keep our roads safe – and driving the speed limit is at the top of that list,' said Sara Hallstead, Target Zero Manager, South King County. 'We urge everyone to avoid following the flow of traffic and instead focus on driving the posted speed limit, which exists to decrease the risk and severity of crashes.' In preparation for the dangerous driving period, the King County Target Zero Coalition is also encouraging motorists to avoid impaired driving. Traffic safety officials have seen progress on the state's roads (recent data shows that 78% of people in Washington don't drive after drinking) but substance use still remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes in King County. Local authorities are urging everyone to take proactive steps to prevent impaired driving before it happens. 'Every one of us has a role to play. Planning ahead can save lives and protect our communities,' said Hallstead. 'If you're going out, make a plan for a safe ride home. You can designate a sober driver ahead of time, use ride share services, take public transportation, or stay the night at your destination.' Roadway safety is a top priority for the King County Target Zero Coalition, and officials encourage motorists to call 911 and report someone who is driving erratically. This includes speeding, braking suddenly or inappropriately, swerving in and out of their lane, or making wide turns. Extra patrols are partially funded by WTSC with the coordination of the King County Target Zero Coalition, which brings together representatives from law enforcement, public health, transportation, health and human services, and community organizations to engage in traffic safety campaigns throughout King County. Target Zero Managers across the state are conducting similar campaigns. For more information, please visit The King County Target Zero Coalition was formed by Public Health – Seattle & King County in 1998 through limited funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and flexible state public health funding. It is currently supported through state-funded grants. Target Zero is a statewide program administered through the WTSC with the goal of reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities, among those walking, rolling, driving, and traveling on Washington roadways, to zero by 2030. For additional information, you can follow our social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
USAA Advocates for Safe Driving Habits During 100 Deadliest Days of Summer for Teens
SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 2025-- From road trips to backyard barbeques, Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer. The holiday weekend also marks the official start of the '100 Deadliest Days of Summer,' the period where there is a sharp increase in traffic fatalities, especially involving teen drivers. According to the CDC, teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision during this period, which runs until Labor Day Weekend, compared to other times of the year [1]. This rise in traffic fatalities is the result of a myriad of factors, including distracted driving, increased traffic on the roads, more inexperienced drivers on the road, risky behavior behind the wheel, and the overall stress of vacation travel. These factors are heightened with teen drivers, most of whom are hitting the road for the first time since school started. Whether it's piling too many friends in the car for a summer joy ride or texting about weekend plans, these new drivers are susceptible to bad driving habits, which can lead to fatal results. According to the National Road Safety Foundation, distracted driving accounts for 60% of teen crashes — additionally, the likelihood of engaging in distracted driving triples when peers are in the car[1]. 'As a parent of teen drivers, I understand firsthand the concerns families have when their kids get behind the wheel,' said Randy Termeer, USAA P&C President. 'This is why USAA remains committed to providing tools like SafePilot that encourage safer driving habits. Our members count on USAA, not just for protection after an accident, but to hopefully help prevent one – that's the real value of membership and how we serve the military community and their families.' Data compiled from USAA's SafePilot telematics app – which provides a driving score determined by many factors including harsh braking, phone distractions and hours driven – show the following states have the highest distraction rate for teen drivers: Conversely, the following states have the lowest distraction rate for teen drivers, demonstrating a commitment to safe driving practices: USAA is here to remind its members, their children and drivers across the country to take caution on the road this summer. Mitigating distractions in the car can help reduce the fatalities seen during the '100 Deadliest Days of Summer,' in the hopes that one day that term will no longer be applicable. USAA has created the 'Safe Driving Simulator,' a five-minute experience that tests drivers' abilities to effectively navigate courses while being monitored for the most common driving mistakes, including harsh braking, speeding and more. As participants embark on the experience, distractions like loud music and phone calls pop up, providing an engaging, yet educational way to identify bad driving habits in a virtual setting and not on the road. These behaviors mirror those measured in SafePilot, which, according to a survey conducted by the company in 2024, has effectively reduced poor driving habits in teens through real time feedback and increased awareness. This summer, USAA will be bringing the 'Safe Driving Simulator' to events at NASS/JRB Fort Worth in Texas and Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia, with more planned in the future. For more information on teen safe driving practices from USAA, visit About USAA Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and retirement solutions and serves more than 14 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 38,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or X (@usaa), or visit 1 The National Road Safety Foundation. (n.d.). 100 Safest Days of Summer. The National Road Safety Foundation. View source version on CONTACT: USAA [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER CONSUMER WOMEN VETERANS DEFENSE TEENS PARENTING MEN AUTOMOTIVE INSURANCE FAMILY CONSUMER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MILITARY OTHER EDUCATION OTHER AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORTATION GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE EDUCATION TRAVEL SOURCE: USAA Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/21/2025 08:33 AM/DISC: 05/21/2025 08:33 AM
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
USAA Advocates for Safe Driving Habits During 100 Deadliest Days of Summer for Teens
SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From road trips to backyard barbeques, Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer. The holiday weekend also marks the official start of the '100 Deadliest Days of Summer,' the period where there is a sharp increase in traffic fatalities, especially involving teen drivers. According to the CDC, teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision during this period, which runs until Labor Day Weekend, compared to other times of the year [1]. This rise in traffic fatalities is the result of a myriad of factors, including distracted driving, increased traffic on the roads, more inexperienced drivers on the road, risky behavior behind the wheel, and the overall stress of vacation travel. These factors are heightened with teen drivers, most of whom are hitting the road for the first time since school started. Whether it's piling too many friends in the car for a summer joy ride or texting about weekend plans, these new drivers are susceptible to bad driving habits, which can lead to fatal results. According to the National Road Safety Foundation, distracted driving accounts for 60% of teen crashes — additionally, the likelihood of engaging in distracted driving triples when peers are in the car[1]. 'As a parent of teen drivers, I understand firsthand the concerns families have when their kids get behind the wheel,' said Randy Termeer, USAA P&C President. 'This is why USAA remains committed to providing tools like SafePilot that encourage safer driving habits. Our members count on USAA, not just for protection after an accident, but to hopefully help prevent one – that's the real value of membership and how we serve the military community and their families.' Data compiled from USAA's SafePilot telematics app – which provides a driving score determined by many factors including harsh braking, phone distractions and hours driven – show the following states have the highest distraction rate for teen drivers: Conversely, the following states have the lowest distraction rate for teen drivers, demonstrating a commitment to safe driving practices: USAA is here to remind its members, their children and drivers across the country to take caution on the road this summer. Mitigating distractions in the car can help reduce the fatalities seen during the '100 Deadliest Days of Summer,' in the hopes that one day that term will no longer be applicable. USAA has created the 'Safe Driving Simulator,' a five-minute experience that tests drivers' abilities to effectively navigate courses while being monitored for the most common driving mistakes, including harsh braking, speeding and more. As participants embark on the experience, distractions like loud music and phone calls pop up, providing an engaging, yet educational way to identify bad driving habits in a virtual setting and not on the road. These behaviors mirror those measured in SafePilot, which, according to a survey conducted by the company in 2024, has effectively reduced poor driving habits in teens through real time feedback and increased awareness. This summer, USAA will be bringing the 'Safe Driving Simulator' to events at NASS/JRB Fort Worth in Texas and Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia, with more planned in the future. For more information on teen safe driving practices from USAA, visit About USAA Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and retirement solutions and serves more than 14 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 38,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or X (@usaa), or visit 1 The National Road Safety Foundation. (n.d.). 100 Safest Days of Summer. The National Road Safety Foundation.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
City of Bettendorf seeks Park Ambassador volunteers
The City of Bettendorf's Parks & Recreation Department is accepting applications for its award-winning Park Ambassadors Volunteer Program. 'The Park Ambassadors are a group of volunteers who are passionate about our city's parks andcommit to helping keep them safe and clean,' said Meredith Fabrizius, recreation coordinator. 'They volunteer their time to monitor parks in the evenings, which is an added resource to the Parks & Recreation Department and the Bettendorf Police Department.' Community Impact The Park Ambassadors Volunteer Program was founded more than 20 years ago. There have been 100+ park ambassadors who have given a total of 10,000+ hours of their time. In 2023, the Park Ambassadors won the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association's 'Best Volunteer Group' Award These 'Good Will Ambassadors' give directions, provide information on park activities, watch forvandalism, offer help to park patrons, encourage patrons to abide by established park rules, and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Bettendorf Police Department and Parks Maintenance Division. A new format for the 2025 season will allow for a more streamlined process with less work required of the ambassadors. Ambassadors are sent out in pairs. Ambassadors can choose shiftsthat work conveniently with their schedules from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day Weekend. The Parks & Recreation Department gives each volunteer a hat and a shirt so they can be easily identified, as well as a city vehicle to patrol the parks. Qualifications To qualify, you must be over the age of 18 and have a valid driver's license. High-school students ages 16+ who are looking to earn service hours are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. All volunteers must pass a criminal background check. You are not required to livein Bettendorf. Applications can be filled out here or picked up at the Bettendorf Community Center, 2204 Grant St., Bettendorf. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
