Creativity and Collaboration

The summer 2011 project is about brainstorming and learning how to collaborate as a group. As designers, we are never at a loss for ideas. We began the design phase with a collection of phrases/slogans that relate to traffic safety that were inspired by our research. Over the last two days we developed 70 phrases. Through the process of elimination and discussion, we narrowed down the choices to four slogans. The weekend task is for each team member to generate at least three sketches for each slogan.

Caught Taking a Nap

This play on words and graphics is a wake-up call to anyone who has ever operated a vehicle while feeling drowsy! According to the National Sleep Foundation's 2011 Sleep in America® poll, 50% of 19-29 year olds surveyed said they drove while drowsy at least once in the past month. About one in ten, (12%) say they drive drowsy once or twice a week.

Iowa Data

• During 2000-2009, over 4,600 16-24 year olds were seriously injured in Iowa traffic crashes.
• Iowa currently averages over 500 traffic-related pedestrian injuries each year.
• Over 450 bicyclists are injured annually as a result of Iowa traffic crashes.
• Drivers age 16-24 typically represent over 30% of all Iowa drinking/impaired drivers in fatal and serious injury crashes. 
• Iowa data shows that since 2001, a total of 5,129 motor vehicle crashes involved the use of cellular telephones by one or more operators.

Iowa GTSB Young Driver Fact Sheet - Feb 2010 pdf

Iowa GTSB Pedestrian/Bicycle Fact Sheet - Feb 2010 pdf

Iowa GTSB Distracted Driving Fact Sheet - Jun 2010 pdf

Research Data

Distracted Driving
Using a cell phone while driving, whether it's hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08. (source: distraction.gov stats )

Drowsy Driving
Studies show that being awake for more than 20 hours results in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration of .08. (source: drowsydriving.org pdf)

Keep Moving

Today, college-aged students face enormous pressure to do well in school, find a job to make a living, keep up with social commitments, and countless other activities. As a result, traffic safety doesn't seem to be a top priority, despite how important it is. We are used to being on the go and finding ways to keep going that sometimes pushes us past our limits. We may ride when it's convenient, drive when we shouldn't, and  walk without focus.

The Drive

In Iowa we do a lot of driving. Cell phones, texting, and music are a few distractions that we face daily. With more people on the road than ever before, we as drivers must stay alert to what is going on around us. This is hard for many people as cars come equipped with dash distractions.

As college students we often feel overworked and stressed. This becomes an issue when we hit the road. To stay focused a goal could be to get at least 7 hours of rest a night to keep from driving drowsy.

Another issue college students face is knowing when they shouldn't be driving home after a night out with friends. With other transportation choices, such as a taxi, bus or designated driver, why would you risk driving drunk?

Do you remember...

Our generation has grown up with information at their fingertips. We are used to being plugged in and can't remember a time before the internet or cell phones. There is no need to memorize information, we can set up our technology to search and save it for us. This has made our generation very selective in the things we choose to remember.

We understand it is a challenge to grab the attention of our audience. We are bombarded with so many messages and told not to do so many things that most of it is tuned out. Our Drive-Ride and Walk Portfolio Exchange goal for summer 2011 is to take a different perspective that might stand out and be heard.