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Distraction-free drivers are the real heroes and we want to see all young drivers become a Zero Hero – by always buckling up and putting phones away. This activity strives for Zero risks!
Downloads:
Electronic observations are here! Use your mobile phone or tablet (with internet access). You must have your school code to access. Please contact your regional rep for your code, or email Stacey Tisdale. Click here to access the online form>
UDS paper observation forms (use with young adult drivers only).
- As soon as you sign up, you’ll be sent the observation forms to start
- After your pre-observations are complete, start your activities and messaging
- Complete at least three weeks of activities and messaging – the more the better
- Do another observation
- Return your pre- and post-observations to us before the deadline to receive UDS All-Star credit.
- Once all observations are returned by the deadline, your team will receive a gift card for a pizza party!
Step 1 – Zero Hero (pre-observations)
- Choose a day to conduct your pre-observations.
- Read the TIPS in this document.
- Schedule about 30-40 minutes to get all your field observations done in one day and at one time.
- If your school has multiple entrances/exits, recruit some additional team members or students who can make observations at those locations during the same time frame.
- If using multiple teams, give each team their own complete set (four pages) of Observation Forms.
- On the Observation Form, teams will be documenting:
- the young adult driver’s gender, and
- if the driver is visibly using an electronic device (music player, cell phone, GPS, remote, etc.).
- If using paper, mail or email them to TTI.
Step 2 – Encourage Hero Behavior
After your pre-observation is complete begin your activities/messaging immediately for a full three weeks.
- Know your state’s laws>
- Get the facts on distractions>
- Download resources>
- Get activity resources>
- Show some videos>
- Display the observation results and give them a goal to achieve.
- Hang up posters to hang up around the school about the dangers of distracted driving.
- Make yard signs to post around the school parking lot and driveways.
- Place flyers on cars and place signs or hold up posters around the spot you did the observations.
- Hold a pledge to ask drivers to not drive distracted.
- Set up a table during lunch to talk to students.
- Attend a community event (sports event, after-school activity, etc.) and give out information.
- Make sure your messages target distracted driving and you do consistent activities and messaging. Get creative.
- The more activities, the better. Make sure everyone KNOWS that it’s safest to always drive and walk distraction free.
Step 3 – Zero Hero (post-observations)
- Immediately after your three weeks of activities and messaging, conduct your post-observations.
- Read the TIPS in this document.
- Schedule about 30-40 minutes to get all your field observations done in one day and at one time.
- If your school has multiple entrances/exits, recruit some additional team members or students who can make observations at those locations during the same time frame.
- If using multiple teams, give each team their own complete set (four pages) of Observation Forms.
- On the Observation Form, teams will be documenting:
- the young adult driver’s gender, and
- if the driver is visibly using an electronic device (music player, cell phone, GPS, remote, etc.).
- If using paper, mail or email them to TTI.
Step 4 – Pizza Party like a Hero:
- Make sure you’ve returned all your field observations (pre- and post-) to TTI. Completing the activity will earn your team All-Stars credit and a $50 gift card. Both observations must be completed correctly and returned to receive credit and the gift card.
- You’ll receive a findings report from TTI to let you know how your team did.
- Once you’ve completed the entire Zero Hero activity by returning both pre- and post-observations, we’ll reward your team with a gift card.
Zero Hero Tips!
Be Safe:
- Before you start, make sure the appropriate campus departments know what you will be doing.
- Wear bright clothes.
- Stand well off the road or driveway.
- Position yourself at a stop sign or where traffic is traveling slowly, like at an entrance or exit point.
- Position yourself a little higher than vehicles by standing on a curb. This allows you to see down into the vehicle.
- Use a partner for safety and to help you with observations. One person can observe and one person marks the observation form.
- Don’t become a distraction. Stay on the curb; don’t approach vehicles; don’t get involved in interaction with drivers and passengers or engage in any behavior that would draw attention to you and away from the driving task. Think of your own safety and how you position yourself in relation to the traffic. Think of traffic safety and how your actions might affect it.
Get an accurate count:
- Don’t guess. If you can’t see well enough change your location, get vehicles to slow down or get an additional person to help.
- Observations are generally more accurate when made on stopped vehicles. The opportunity for a good view of each driver is better at Stop Signs or intersections with a traffic signal. Take a careful look at the driver.
- If you miss counting a car, it’s okay. It’s better to be accurate than count more cars.
- It’s important to use the same number of vehicles for both pre- and post-counts.
- Use the same location and conduct the pre- and post-count at the same time of day. Use the same team, if possible, for consistency.
- Organize your observation team and coordinate where everyone will be standing, how many cars you will be observing and the time frame the counts will be taken.
- Make sure everyone understands what to do and what to observe. It may be helpful to observe a few cars together, to make sure everyone has a clear understanding of what they are looking for and what information and codes will be recorded on the Observation Form.
Do you need some help or have questions? Contact your Regional Representative>
Disclaimer: Texas A&M Transportation Institute nor U in the Driver Seat is responsible for accidents, injuries, deaths, or damages to property as a result of actions by conducting counts or observations. Please make every effort to remain away from moving traffic and always take proper safety precautions.