HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-31-22 Public Comment - M. Smith - Road SafetyFrom:Michael G. Smith
To:Agenda
Cc:Michael G. Smith
Subject:Road Safety
Date:Monday, October 31, 2022 2:09:36 PM
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Dear Mayor Andrus, Deputy Mayor Cunningham, Commissioners, and City ManagerMihelich,
An avid commuter bicyclist, I have advocated for improved road safety before you during
recent meetings. Thank you again for the opportunity to comment.
I will note improved road safety benefits all - motorists, passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians andother users of the roads.
Last week I briefly addressed the nationwide increase in motor vehicle and cyclist fatalities. I
noted that motor vehicles are larger and heavier. Physics dictates that the momentum (i.e.mass times velocity) transfer from such vehicles travelling at the same rate of speed is thus
increased. In other words, the object that is hit recoils further and faster, thus potentiallyleading to greater injuries and more deaths. As a friend said to me, "the bullets are getting
bigger".
I also briefly addressed the prevalence of distracted drivers on the roads.Distracted driving includes cell phone use, eating, listening to the radio etc, or talking/listening
to a passenger(s), and other reasons. According to the NHTSA, there are on average 3000deaths and 324,000 injuries per year. One has to wonder about the emotional, lost productivity
and economic costs to our society.
Montana's statistics, and lack of statewide penalties for distracted driving, are enlightening.Please take a look: https://www.trustedchoice.com/distracted-driving/montana-laws/.
The numbers have been increasing. It seems to me the use of cell phones/handheld devices is
the primary reason. Though my vehicle is Bluetooth equipped, I do not use it. It is assumedBluetooth is the "safe" way to talk. It is not.
Car insurance premiums have increased 16% since 2011. We are all paying the cost of cell
phones, cell phones, cell phones. How often does one have to say this?
It is clear enforcement of Bozeman's cell phone usage laws and minimal penalties areineffective. Both need to be increased, with financial penalties (for bicyclists too!) increased to
those comparable to drunk driving. Clearly, talking, texting, or looking at one's phones is asdangerous as drunk driving.
Thank you. Be well,
Michael G. Smith, Ph.D.
1704 Hunters WayBozeman, 59718