Monica Zech

10/08/2024

Traffic Check with Monica Zech - Safe Driving Awareness Presentation for Sycuan Casino's Safety Committee - Thursday, October 3, 2024

I had the honor of being the guest speaker at Sycuan's monthly safety committee meeting. I enjoy addressing all audiences, particularly corporate ones, given that "traffic collisions" are the leading cause of work-related fatalities. It's gratifying to contribute to the enhancement of safe driving practices, especially for those who operate company vehicles.

The audience was very engaged and posed some excellent questions following my presentation. The compliments I received were truly touching. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who attended.

For companies, military bases, civic groups, or schools interested in a dynamic presentation, please don't hesitate to contact me here on Facebook, by email at monica@monicazech.com, or by visiting my website at www.monicazech.com.

09/14/2024

Join us for a Fun Family Safety Event tomorrow, Saturday, September 14, from 9 am to 1 pm.

I'll be hosting a safe driving information booth - "Stay Alert-Stay Alive!" - with a wide range of free safety materials related to transportation. Topics include pedestrian safety, including Halloween safety tips, bicycle safety, car seat safety, managing road rage, the risks of impaired driving (DUI), the financial impact of a DUI, and information about my safe driving lectures.

Hope to see you there!
Monica Zech

Safe Driving Educator

09/10/2024

Traffic Safety Check - Reducing Collision Risk Through Awareness

Traffic collisions are still on the rise, with distracted driving, impairment from substances like alcohol and other drugs leading to many of our crashes, especially head on collisions. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, running red lights, and stop signs, also contribute significantly.

I offer presentations to enhance safe driving skills, tailored for companies, military bases, educational institutions (colleges & high schools), community groups, and parenting classes.
Drawing from my extensive background as an air traffic reporter, public information officer for police and fire emergency services, traffic safety researcher, and personal experiences with traffic collisions. I am dedicated to promoting transportation safety.

To schedule a life-saving presentation, please email me directly at monica@monicazech.com.

Stay safe,
Monica Zech

09/03/2024

Praise be, Officer Zachary Martinez, seriously injured in the horrific crash that sadly killed his fellow Officer Austin Machitar on August 26, has been released from the hospital. He’ll be able to continue his long recovery at home. Thank you Lord! 🙏🏻💙

09/01/2024

Traffic Check from Monica Zech - Labor Day Stats

An article from the Argus Observer with more important safety data regarding Labor Day.

Argus Observer: Labor Day weekend marks the end of what has become known as the 100 deadliest days - the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

According to the National Road Safety Foundation, car crashes are the leading cause of death for American teens, who are 20% more likely to be involved in a fatal crash during the 100 deadliest days.

Distracted driving accounts for 60% of teen crashes and in 2022 a blood alcohol level of .01 d/dL or higher was found in 30% of fatal crashes involving drivers 15-20 years old.

As a parent “are you a good safety role model, especially behind the wheel?” According to the National Road Safety Foundation, parents play a vital role and are encouraged to be involved in their teen’s driving habits. The organization’s safety tips for parents include modeling good behaviors when driving.

According to the CDC, “seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%.”

Note: Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, such as ma*****na. If alcoholic beverages are planned arrange for a SOBER designated driver. People don’t realize that alcohol “IS A DRUG”…a depressant.

All of us can take steps to minimize distractions, drive defensively, and explain the gravity of safety to younger

By Antonio J. Sunseri, reporter

“Please make safety a top priority in everything you do.”

Monica Zech
Safe Driving Educator

08/30/2024

Traffic Check with Monica Zech - Labor Day Message & Miracle

The California Highway Patrol, along with other law enforcement agencies, is initiating a statewide enforcement to ensure public safety on the roads during the Labor Day weekend. A statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) will commence at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, August 30, and will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 2.

Throughout the holiday weekend, all available CHP officers and other agencies will be on duty to promote safe driving and provide assistance to motorists.

They remind us to make wise decisions: drive sober, remain attentive, and contribute to the safety of our roads for everyone's benefit. The choices you make while driving can save lives, including your own.

During the previous Labor Day MEP, 38 individuals lost their lives in crashes across the state. Notably, nearly half of those who died in crashes under CHP jurisdiction were not wearing seat belts.

🚓To ensure your safety and that of others, please designate a sober driver or opt for public transportation. If you encounter an impaired driver, contact 9-1-1 immediately. Be ready to inform the dispatcher of the vehicle's details, such as the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your prompt action could save lives!

🙏My Labor Day Miracle: It was Friday, August 29th, 2003 - the Friday before Labor Day Weekend. I had finished work and picked up ten pizzas for a CHP DUI Checkpoint in El Cajon that evening. This was a gesture of gratitude for the CHP Officers, in memory of my father who was killed by a DUI driver in 1992. I appreciate DUI checkpoints throughout the county for their effectiveness in catching DUI offenders and those driving without or on a suspended license.

I was nearing the CHP Main Street Office to deliver the pizzas, approaching an intersection at 3rd, which used to have a STOP sign. Despite having the right of way, I remained cautious of potential STOP sign violators. As anticipated, a driver ignored the STOP sign, by "two" car lengths, oblivious to the oncoming traffic - "me." I braked hard, skidding into her back door, and sustained serious injuries from the collision, resulting transport to a local hospital. A month later, at a follow-up doctor's appointment, I mentioned having some slight dizziness, so he ordered an MRI.

😇The Miracle: During subsequent visits with two surgeons, I learned of the spine damage sustained in the collision. Both surgeons were astonished I could walk into their offices, as the MRI revealed severe neck and spine damage, with my spine pressing against my spinal cord. They noted patients with similar MRI results who were wheelchair-bound, paralyzed from the neck down. Urgent surgery was advised. I underwent the neck surgery a few days before Christmas, and I am thankful to GOD every day for its success and my continued ability to walk.

Please have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!

Monica Zech
Safe Driving Educator

08/28/2024

💙I extend my deepest prayers and sympathies to the family of Officer Austin Machitar, who is now in God's embrace, watching over us. His beautiful smile below is a testament to his love for his work to protect and serve our community. My prayers also go out to Officer Zachary Martinez, who is currently in critical condition at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

My thoughts and prayers are also with San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, his officers, and the entire law enforcement community during this difficult time. The horrific crash scene shown in the news reminds us of the dangerous nature of law enforcement duties. They will remain in my constant thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏻🙏🏻💙💙

08/11/2022

Remembering Olivia...

05/29/2022

12/30/2021

New Year’s Eve is usually a wonderful evening of being with friends and family and hoping for the best in the year ahead.

But for some, this fun-filled night will end in disaster and tragedy.

-That disaster may take the form of a DUI ticket - or worse. Whether you are a drunk driver, a passenger, or a sober driver of another car, you can be a victim of the poor judgment associated with drinking and driving. Unfortunately, law enforcement has also seen a rise in ma*****na impairment and other drugs.

*Expect extra law enforcement & DUI Checkpoints.

HERE ARE SEVERAL LIFE-SAVING NEW YEAR’S EVE SAFETY TIPS:

-"Stay in!" Whether at home or at a friend’s house for a New Year’s Eve party, make plans to stay put. If you’re not home, get permission from the host to bring a sleeping bag and pillow and crash on the floor.

-If you are hosting and alcohol is being served, make accommodations for your guests to spend the night.

-Arrange for a sober friend or use a driving service. Schedule Uber, Lyft, or call a taxi service to get you home safely.

-Don’t drink. The easiest way to prevent a DUI or drunk driving incident is not to consume alcohol! If you are under 21, it is against the law to drink alcohol, so don’t jeopardize your future with a few useless beers. A DUI on your DMV record could mean losing your current job or future job!

-Money? The average DUI ticket can range from $5-thousand up to $15-thousand - or more! But - LIVES ARE PRICELESS!

-Try to avoid being on the road between the hours of 8 pm–2 am. Auto collisions due to alcohol consumption are the highest during that time, especially head-on collisions! Impaired drivers also tend to run red lights and STOP signs. DRIVE WITH CAUTION!

-Watch out for intoxicated pedestrians or bicyclists.

-Please take the keys away from a friend if you feel they are too intoxicated to drive. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO SAVE LIVES!

-Consider having a Non-Alcoholic Party - or offer two types of drinks at your party. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages - such as Mock-cocktails.

-Remember, coffee does NOT sober people up - only time does that.

-Please serve more FOOD than alcohol at your party!

-Be sensitive to anyone that may have an alcohol or substance abuse problem. Ensure those under 21 and children do not have access to alcohol.

-NOT SURE HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? If going out and drinking is a regular occurrence for you, we hope you take responsible precautions to avoid getting behind the wheel.

-Also, remember that driving while sleepy/tired is dangerous. You can be just as dangerous as a DUI driver. PLEASE don’t risk it.

-The Covid Pandemic is still a BIG problem, especially with all the variants. So make sure your guests have been vaccinated & boosted!

-Keep your pets inside in a safe room with music or a TV playing. Keep them away from fireworks and other loud noises.

I pray you have a safe, healthy, and Happy NEW YEAR!

.com

12/24/2021

Wow, this would be fun to see in person! 👍🤗

08/18/2021

Booking virtual and in-person Safe Driving talks now...