September 2004 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter

This month's newsletter focuses on distracted driving.

It only takes a second for a crash to happen. Distractions occur when drivers concentrate on something other than operating their vehicles - such as engaging in cell phone conversations.

• NHTSA estimates that 25% of all crashes involve some form of driver distraction.
• Drivers who use cell phones in their vehicles have a higher risk of collision than drivers who either do not use cell phones or have lower usage while driving.
• A recent NHTSA survey found that nearly 75 percent of drivers reported using their phone while driving, and an estimated 60 percent of cell phone use takes place behind the wheel.

Driving safely can be challenging enough even when full attention is given to the road and its potential hazards. Driving while operating a cell phone, adjusting the radio, or eating and drinking can be distracting and potentially dangerous.

ARC Network News Update:

This month we have launched the beta version of the Online Equation Suite. This is a feature that will be available in the members only section. However, we would like to get everyone's feedback on this new tool. We are removing the password protection for the Online Equation Suite, making it available to everyone for 30 days. We are launching it with just a dozen or so equations so it can be reviewed and tested. Once fully tested we will be adding as many equations as possible. Please email us with any feedback - good and bad.
Please click here to review the online equation suite.

In other news, we should be finished with the migration of the ARC Network web site by the end of next month. We have added a style sheet to all pages of the ARC Network to provide a consistent look on all pages of the ARC Network.

Another area the ARC Network has been working on (actually we are always working on this) is SEO (Search Engine Optimization). As you know it is very important to be listed in at least the top 10 results of all major search engines to be noticed. This is not an easy task. Many companies pay hundreds of dollars each month trying to get this "top billing". Due to the size, content, popularity, linking and web page optimization, the ARC Network is the best positioned web site on the Internet for accident reconstruction.

Over the years, we have enjoyed top billing for the key word "Accident Reconstruction", however, we have expanded our search engine relevance. This is great news for ARC Network Members and Advertisers. If someone is searching for an accident reconstruction expert or product, we are the number one result! The ARC Network is now the top search result for anyone searching by the key words:

• Accident Reconstruction Expert (#1 out of 71,000+)
• Accident Reconstruction Products (#1 out of 98,000+)
• Accident Reconstruction Research (#1 out of 128,00)
• Accident Reconstruction News (#1 out of 122,000)
• Accident Reconstruction Education (#1 out of 128,000)
• Accident Reconstruction Events (#1 out of 107,000)
• Accident Reconstruction Discussion (#1 out of 86,000+)
• Accident Reconstruction Organizations (#1 out of 70,000)

The above results are actual numbers while performing searches in www.google.com, which is regarded as the number one used search engine site on the Internet.

Each month the ARC Network continues to grow with new memberships and contacts. We now have over 400 members and going strong. We would like to thank everyone for their support.

The ARC Network would like to thank everyone for continuing to make the ARC Network the number one web site for accident reconstruction and traffic investigation.

If you missed this years ARC-CSI Crash Conference,
you may order the CD set at our newest web address
(specifically for crash conferences and training)
http://www.crashconferences.com/conferences/arccsi/cdrom.html

Also, vote for the topics you would like to see addressed
at the ARC-CSI 2005 Conference.

• Cell Phone – Vicarious Liability Issues
  Can You Hear Me Now?
• Drowsy Driving and Automobile Crashes
• National Survey of Distracted and Drowsy Driving - Attitudes and Behaviors: 2002
• National Survey of Speeding and Unsafe Driving - Attitudes and Behaviors: 2002
• State Distracted Driving Laws Chart
• Examination of the Distraction Effects of Wireless Phone Interfaces Using the National Advanced Driving Simulator - Preliminary Report on a Freeway Pilot Study
• Driver Eye Glance Behavior During Car Following
• Northwestern University Class Schedule

• ARC Network New Members
• October 2004 Training Events
  (Currently 15 events scheduled)
• In The News
• Membership Information

Please direct any questions regarding this issue of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter to
the ARC Network

© 2004 ARC Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
Any comments, questions or suggestions should be e-mailed to the ARC Network.

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