Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes an agreement between Dane County and Metro Transit to work towards the effort of increasing public awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. If Dane County is to use Metro Transit fixed route services buses for implementation of the awareness effort, the County will reimburse Metro Transit for any fuel used and Metro staff overtime worked for the initiative. Metro transit estimates that Dane county may use the fixed transit service buses for three deployments at approximately 100 miles each, which would result in approximately $150 of diesel usage. Metro does not expect the need for overtime with this agreement.
Title
SUBSTITUTE Authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to enter into an agreement with Dane County for the limited provision of use of non-revenue buses services in a joint effort to increase public awareness of the dangers of texting while driving and enforcement of the texting while driving law from the time the agreement is executed through September 30, 2017.
Body
Dane County applied for a Wisconsin Department of Transportation Highway Safety Grant. If awarded, grant funds will be used for traffic enforcement actions that include stops for distracted or inattentive driving due to texting. Recent data provided by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office shows that the leading cause of hot spot crashes is distracted driving. Distracted driving or inattentive is driving is while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. Texting is one form of distracted driving. According to a AAA poll, 94% of teens acknowledged the dangers of texting while driving yet 78% of Wisconsin teens and young adult drivers say they have read a text while driving. As a condition of the grant award, the Grantees agreed to make partnerships with public and private groups to enforce public awareness of this campaign. As participation in this program promotes a safer operating envronment for our drivers, furthe...
Click here for full text