Those Present:

8:35 – The meeting was called to order by John Izzo.

Attending members introduced themselves and the minutes were approved unanimously without comment.

Lt. Hightower, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, gave a presentation on Boating Safety and B.U.I. He explained the reasons why boating under the influence (BUI) is prevalent in this area and listed some remedies that may help to reduce incidence. Some statistics he provided regarding boating in Florida are as follows:

• In 1998, there were 809,160 boats registered in Florida (third highest state in the nation)
• Florida ranked #1 in boating accidents with 1282 reports (California was 2^nd with 770)
• Florida also ranked #1 in boating related fatalities with 58 deaths in 1999 (Texas is 2^nd with 45)
• In 1999, 55% of the recreational accidents that resulted in fatalities involved alcohol.
• Boating accidents typically occur during the summer months – April, May, June and July

Lt. Hightower fielded questions regarding BUI checkpoints, penalties for violators, and jurisdiction. He responded by acknowledging that there are few officers to cover a large geographical area. Due to this, fewer educational awareness programs are undertaken. A recent BUI Sobriety check resulted in only one BUI violation and no other major problems.

Tony Nosse reported that there were no updates to the Problems and Solutions list for this month.

John Izzo called everyone’s attention to the Crash Statistics sheet that was distributed. It includes annual crash statistics for 1998 and 1999. He also noted that the fatality number for 1999 is incorrect (off by 1).

During new business, John Izzo showed the group a plaque and letter of appreciation that was sent to the committee by Linda Crider for their support of Blue Lake Elementary and the Safe Ways to School Program.

The committee also discussed the Walk Your Children to School Day Event that will take place in October. Barry Wall suggested that different schools are targeted for this year’s event and the group agreed. Miscellaneous discussion occurred and a subcommittee was appointed to begin developing this event. The members are:

                 
Barry Wall reviewed the CTST Advisory handout and reminded the group that he is collecting information for the quarterly activity report. This includes events, statistics, etc. Mr. Wall discussed most of the points on the advisory sheets and also discussed the pending motorcycle helmet law. It is believed that the Governor is expected to allow it to take effect without his signature.

A correction was made by Joe Cohen to page 3 of the Advisory. Under the Volusia County Events, Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Point, the location has been changed to the New Hope Baptist Church on Lake Helen-Osteen Road.

John Cheney asked about the "trinket bill" that governs FDOT expenditures on promotional items. Mr. Wall and Ken Harley indicated that the measure was approved, but that the details are not currently known. The FDOT representatives also explained that the Public Information and Education (PI & E) Grant would be available next year, however the Buckle-Up Funding will not be available.

Miscellaneous discussion ensued and Tony Nosse spoke up to inform the group of a traffic study that may indicate the need for a traffic signal on the ramps near Deltona/Dirksen/DeBary Road. Several crashes have been noted in this location.

9:40 – 15 minute break

After the break, the group began its round table discussions.

Malcolm Smith discussed an upcoming meeting he will be attending in San Diego regarding the development of standards for the Uniform Traffic Control Devices Manual. He will provide a summary of his trip during the next West Volusia CTST meeting.

Rick Prine discussed the FunFest in Daytona Beach. Two committee members and a volunteer supported a booth that demonstrated the effects of alcohol on a person’s coordination using the Fatal Vision goggles purchased by FDOT. The event was enjoyable and the activities using the goggles were popular among the participants.

Garry Lester discussed his efforts to identify locations with a high frequency of crashes. It seems that many of the areas noted have already been identified as having a problem and are currently listed on the Problems & Solutions list. Any others will be passed along to the team.

Tony Nosse reminded the group that the US 17/92 ramp to I-4 east bound will be closed between the hours of 12 noon and 8:00 PM for an ongoing study on traffic safety in this area.

Bea Leatherman asked if anyone had more detailed information regarding future changes to the color of traffic cones used by crossing guards. It is thought that these may be changing to yellow and she stated her interest in having some input on the matter.

Jon Cheney is working on expanding information currently contained on the web site for the activities of the CTST. He would like to include the team goals, upcoming meeting dates, and the problems and solutions spreadsheet, among other items.

10:10 – Meeting Adjourned