AAMVA Blog

Driving is Risky Business

2010-03-12T21:06:00Z

by Neil Schuster. president and CEO, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators

How we handle risk is complicated, to say the least. And people do not all view and respond to risk in the same way. Malcolm Gladwell, who wrote The Tipping Point, wrote that we assume that identifying and eliminating a risk will improve safety. Possibly, but not always, partly because we have a “seemingly fundamental tendency to compensate for lower risks in one area by taking greater risks in another.”

An experiment with a fleet of taxis in Munich bears this out. Part of a fleet was equipped with antilock brakes (ABS), the remainder was left alone. Three years of observation showed that drivers with ABS became poorer drivers – they drove faster, they made sharper turns, they tailgated more often and they merged poorly. As a group, these drivers were in more near-collisions. ABS didn’t lead to safer taxi drivers, it led to inferior driving and a willingness to take more chances because they had ABS to back them up.

Similarly, Gladwell writes, more pedestrians are killed at marked crosswalks than at unmarked crossings. He concludes that pedestrians compensate for the safe environment of a marked crossing by being less vigilant about traffic (though I wonder if part of the reason is that more pedestrians use marked crosswalks). The same is true of childproof medicine bottle lids – the safer lids led to adults being more careless about leaving bottles within the reach of children, and more children died as a result.

Gladwell gives us another interesting example, this about how increased risk led to increased safety. In the late 1960’s, Sweden changed from driving on the left-hand side of the road to driving on the right. Logically, that brings with it the potential for more serious accidents. Instead, people compensated for this increased risk by driving more carefully. During the first year under right-hand-side drive, Sweden saw its road deaths drop 17 percent. Unfortunately, the rate slowly rose to previous levels, possibly as drivers became more familiar – and less cautious – with driving on the right.

So what does it mean for motor vehicle agencies in North America? AAMVA members must test new drivers on their ability to park a car, make turns and drive in traffic. Driver's license applicants also need to prove they understand traffic laws and the rules of the road to ensure safe driving. But how well do we know a new driver’s preference to adopt more risky behavior in less risky situations? Or a driver’s perception when he or she is in a higher-risk situation and should become a more careful driver?

As we acquire more safe driving technologies, will we take more risks when behind the wheel and become poorer drivers? If that is so, safety advocates, legislators and the public will look to motor vehicle administrators to solve the problem.

NPR Interviewer Scores Points in GR8 PL8 Debate

2010-02-25T20:25:00Z

by Jason D. King, ABC

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed on the KoJo Nnamdi Show on WAMU 88.5. But no KoJo. However, his substitute interviewer, the Washington Post's Marc Fisher , was there. Sure, I wanted to meet KoJo. But Marc Fisher didn't disappoint. And in the "media matters" category of Behind the Wheel, we celebrate the good and not so good in journalism. Today we celebrate the good.

We discussed the controversial chooselife specialty license approved last July in Virginia and now available in 23 states. The impetus for this interview was the recent application for a "pro choice" specialty plate in Virgina. The "choose life" plate has been a huge revenue generator for the causes supported by the Choose Life organization. And now, an opposing organization, is hoping to capitalize on peoples' "passion for plates" and generate revenue for their cause too. Sounds fair enough, right?

The conundrum with these plates is that as "poetic" and "expressive" as they are, they put state government, and sometimes, state DMVs, in the position of deciding what is and isn't an appropriate message for the roads. Luckily for Virginia DMV this decision falls to the legislature.

But let's get back to the interviewer.

Fisher treated me, and the other guests; Melanie Stokes, manager, Communications, Virginia DMV and Stefan Lonce, author, LCNS2ROM:Vanity License PL8S and the GR8 Stories They Tell to a very (excuse the pun) fair and balanced interview. He asked relevant questions, listened and treated us with respect.

It was an informative discussion and we even got to talk about the AAMVA/LCNS2ROM 2007 survey of vanity license plates.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King, ABC
Director, Communications & Public Relations
American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA)
jking@aamva.org

The 75 Scariest Commutes

2010-01-25T16:07:00Z

By Neil Schuster, president and CEO, AAMVA

The Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek god Helios, is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, we’re more apt to look in wonder at a colossus of roads – the large, powerful highways and streets that vex us most when we’re behind the wheel of our cars.

The Daily Beast used GPS data to determine the 75 worst commutes in the U.S. (The top five are the Hollywood Freeway in Los Angeles, Lunalilo Freeway in Honolulu, the Capital Beltway in Washington, DC, I-35 in Austin, and the James Lick Freeway in San Francisco.) Most people equate “worst” with “most-congested,” and on the surface (sorry for that pun), almost all of the 75 seem to suffer from too much demand for too little road capacity. However, one component of the problem you may not see in the headlines about the list is the role of safety in putting those commutes on the list. Delve into the information and it is easy to see that it is about safety as much, or more, as it is about road capacity.

A traffic reporter notes, “If there’s a car crash it can take people forever to get home,” in discussing I-95 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, one of the top 75. A trooper in Nevada said, “Some people aren't paying attention and have to take evasive action to slow down or make a quick lane change so they don't rear-end somebody," in describing the problem on a Las Vegas highway on the list. A police sergeant in Detroit notes that I-94, another commute on the list, is “flat and straight and people like to fall asleep out there." And these weren’t the only safety-related comments. The safety theme weaves itself prominently through the full list.

The list should be more appropriately named the scariest 75 commutes in the U.S.

Now a personal note. I thought about driving on DC’s Beltway (unfortunately one of the top five), particularly in terms of congestion and safety. Maybe it’s because I’m a part of the AAMVA community, but my thoughts and concerns turn more to safety than congestion when I’m on that road. I can usually see about 20 or 30 cars in my field of vision, and while I used to think about how many of them could slow me down (and which lane might prove to be the fastest), now I think about who is behind each of those wheels.

My guess is at least a few are very likely driving impaired (drunk, drugged, suffering unrealized effects of a new prescription medicine or just plain tired). Some are unlicensed (never trained and tested, possibly suspended or maybe revoked). I’m sure a few are uninsured. And I’ll bet some of the vehicles I see don’t belong on the road (Katrina-damaged and unwittingly sold as a used vehicle advertised in excellent condition).

If the 75 worst commutes were a matter of congestion alone, the solution would be straightforward – find the money to build new roads and add lanes to existing roads. But the problem isn’t that easy. There is a huge safety component at play. The solution to that is likely to be more complex. Yes, it will require some money, but it also requires research, education and awareness, enhanced enforcement, and driver testing and training. The partners and interests needed to achieve this is likely to be broader than if the solution were only about building roads. One thing is certain – the AAMVA community will be a vital part of the solution.

Entering a New Decade

2010-01-04T20:53:00Z

By Neil Schuster, AAMVA President and CEO

The media hasn’t yet figured out what to call the closing decade. It may be the oughts, the naughts, or the zeroes, but whatever name applies, it was a time of great challenge and change to many, including the AAMVA community.

We began the decade with a potential crisis – Y2K – that turned out, for the most part, to be needless worry. And less than two years later, we faced a very real crisis – a terrorist attack on U.S. soil that took several thousand lives, including 72 law enforcement officers.

That attack changed our lives in many ways, and made ID security a top priority for our community. By mid-decade, we were helping to develop and then implement federal rules to strengthen DL/ID security. That effort continues, as legislators and policy-makers consider what will work best to meet our nation’s security needs.

The last part of the decade saw a rapid and serious economic downturn that affected us all, with a recovery that most economists predict will be slower than usual. State and local governments have suffered sharp declines in revenue, and AAMVA members now face the challenges of serving the public with perhaps fewer dollars and less staff than ever before.

The economic situation appears to be a defining moment as we begin the new decade. Also, about a week before New Year’s, we learned of a nearly-successful attempted terrorist attack in the U.S. which may well cause legislators and policymakers to look at DL/ID security with renewed interest and scrutiny.

On the safety front, the dangers associated with distracted driving and texting while driving gained great attention recently and will be on the minds of lawmakers and policymakers when they tackle highway legislation in the new decade.

The motor vehicle and law enforcement community will be called to many tables in the “teens” (if that is what the new decade will be called). It will likely be a time of great challenge for all of us, but also an opportunity for us to help overcome those challenges.

Mother Theresa said “Life is a challenge; meet it.” I have no doubt the AAMVA community will do just that.

Nevada DMV Defines Itself and Sets the Record Straight

2009-12-16T17:46:00Z

By Amanda Mesones

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, Nevada Governor Gibbons signed emergency driver’s license regulations allowing the DMV to meet the Department of Homeland Security’s Dec. 31 REAL ID Act compliance deadline.

As the Governor requested, specific language prohibiting the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips or other technology used to track individuals was included in the regulations, as well as a definition of how the DMV will store and restrict access to personal identification data. (Read the press release.)

“We included the language recommended by the Governor in the regulations,” DMV Director Edgar J. Roberts said, “to reassure our customers. Rumors on the blogosphere about RFID chips and national databases of driver information have been widely circulated despite being false.”

But despite these transparent efforts on the part of the Nevada DMV, it seems the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is at it again with their campaign of misinformation. The ACLU addressed a Dec. 7 letter to the Governor that was wrought with inaccuracies, misinformation and misunderstanding of Nevada’s current and future DL/ID issuance process.

Roberts responded to the ACLU letter with a letter of his own (on behalf of the Nevada DMV) to the Governor:

“The ACLU is providing a disservice to the citizens of Nevada by repeating misinformation about changes to the Nevada driver’s license and identification (DL/ID) card issuance process both in the cited letter and during the last legislative process,” said Roberts. “The ACLU is promoting fear, rather than facts about the state meeting minimum standards of issuing a DL/ID.”

In his letter, Roberts goes on to include responses to each of the false pieces of information contained in ACLU’s letter. (Read the letter.)

“…the Department would be doing the citizens of Nevada a disservice by not correcting the misinformation and misunderstandings that are the basis of the ACLU’s opinion on the REAL ID Act.”

Sometimes it is best to let sleeping dogs lie. But this dog bites. And rather than be defined by the dog’s teeth marks, the Nevada DMV opted to define itself, and its policies, rather than allowing opposition voices to define it. Well said, Roberts! Kudos to you and your Department for the taking the extra step to set the record straight!

Conversation: A Key Factor in Roadway Safety

2009-12-01T21:00:00Z

by Amanda Mesones

Next week (Dec. 6-12, 2009) is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. AAMVA, along with the American Public Transportation Association, Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, Easter Seals Project ACTION, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, National Center on Senior Transportation, and The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., is endorsing this important event sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

The issue of older driver safety hits a cord with me, because I’ve seen first-hand how the accompaniments of aging can affect one’s ability to drive safely.

My family moved to Vermont after my father retired from the military so that we could be close to my grandmother (my grandfather had passed away not too much earlier). As my three brothers and I got older, we’d spend weekends at Grandma’s every now and then to help out with chores around the house. We would be rewarded with a home-cooked meal, a few dollars in our pockets and a trip to the beach at Lake Champlain for a cool dip after a hard day’s work.

But as we grew older, so did Grandma. It was clear Grandma’s reflexes were not as good as they used to be. She would no longer trek up the steep stairs to our rooms to put fresh linens on our beds, she would drop things in the kitchen and most prominent−the drives to the Lake became frightening.

After hearing the horror stories of riding in the car with Grandma at the wheel, my parents began the difficult task of determining exactly how to keep us kids, grandma and the rest of the driving public safe on the road. It took years of convincing and gentle discussions from my parents to finally get grandma to transition to alternate transportation options. (Read: Keeping Loved Ones Safe on the Road, by Elinor Ginzler, AARP; Getting Around: Alternatives for Seniors Who No Longer Drive, a report by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety; Family Conversations with Older Drivers, developed by The Hartford.)

This was in the ‘80s when there really weren’t a lot of resources to help my parents approach this very emotional subject. Today education, evaluation, modifications and training are available from many sources, including occupational therapy. And of course education is core because with so few transportation options available today, our best option is to educate folks on how to continue driving for as long as safely possible. (AARP’s CarFit Program is designed to help older drivers find their best fit in their vehicle.)

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week aims to promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation to ensuring older adults remain active in the community—shopping, working or volunteering—with the confidence that transportation will not be the barrier to strand them at home.

The day finally came when Grandma got used to “ordering her chariot” when she needed to get to a hair appointment, doctor appointment, grocery store, etc. The depression she experienced when she lost those keys eventually was replaced by a renewed sense of self, though if you knew her as we did, her independence was never fully realized again.

So, if you have a loved one who may be experiencing changes in physical, mental and sensory abilities that can challenge his or her ability to drive safely, know that now there are a variety of options for safe mobility for people of all ages—and it begins with conversation now!

Throughout the week, AOTA will bring attention to different aspects of older driver safety. Learn more about Older Driver Safety Awareness Week and older driver safety issues online at www.aota.org/OlderDriverWeek

AAMVA also provides information and resources that may be helpful in addressing the issue online at www.aamva.org/KnowledgeCenter/Driver/At-Risk/AgingandtheMedicallyAt-RiskDriver.htm

Amanda Mesones
Electronic Communications Specialist
AAMVA
amesones@aamva.org

Two kids nab an A plus

2008-07-21T17:10:00Z

If you can earn some positive media (get the press to accurately pick up your news) in an age of shrinking newsrooms, particularly when you are a state motor vehicle agency, you get an "A plus."

And, if you are a media outlet and you find it within your news judgment to grant "space" to the "good deeds" and "progress" of a state motor vehicle agency, then the teacher gives you an "A plus" as well.

So, who are the two kids that recently nabbed an "A plus" in my opinion?

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Mary Beth Schneider, reporter, Indianapolis Star. Read it all here!

Nice work; both of you.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King,
VP, Public Relations and Info. Serv.
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

Vanity and specialty plates take national stage

2008-07-08T18:29:00Z

Last Saturday the New York Times published an op-ed, written by Stefan Lonce that illustrates the challenges motor vehicle administrators face in managing both vanity and specialty license plate programs.

Lonce successfully distinguishes between the two types of plates. And he even recommends a solution to the vanity plate conundrum: a national database of offensive terms and alpha numeric combinations. He suggests this would serve as a national clearinghouse for motor vehicle agency employees to vet potentially offensive terms and perhaps prevent state agencies from being sued for denying a potential plate's message.

The verdict is still out on whether or not his suggestion could be implemented, or even funded. But, while it may have its own set of problems, it's actually the ONLY potential solution on the table. (Personally getting rid of both vanity and specialty plates altogether just isn't tenable.) You can rest assured he'll bring this topic to the AAMVA Motor Vehicle Traffic Law Institute in a few weeks.

What do you think about a national database of offensive terms?

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Info. Services
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

The green flag is about to drop

2008-05-30T16:11:00Z

By Jason D. King

Ok, so maybe I should explain some of the "racing" motif I have inserted into the blogs about the soon-to-hit-the- road "I Believe" religious specialty plate in South Carolina.

It's simple. South Carolina is located in the heart of NASCAR country and is home to the "Darlington International Raceway." Nuff said.

Now, it is my understanding Gov. Sanford has, or will soon have, the bill on his desk to either approve or veto the "I Believe" plate.

Surprise! The issue is percolating up and out to the mainstream press.

I see the green flag. And I hear the American Jewish Congress is urging the Gov. for the caution flag.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations and Info. Services
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

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Poised for Parade Lap and the Lawsuit Engines are Revving

2008-05-14T20:12:00Z

On May 7, 2008, I predicted the ACLU would sue the State of South Carolina over the proposed "I BELIEVE" plate currently buoyed in the S.C. House of Representatives.

Well, I'm almost right. The ACLU is already weighing in on the matter. Of course, I have not seen the lawsuit...yet.

Again, stay tuned! And I welcome your thoughts on the plate.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, PR & Info. Serv
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

Nation's first religious specialty plate poised for parade lap

2008-05-07T16:47:00Z

License plate controversy erupted a week ago over the proposed, and now DOA, "I BELIEVE" specialty license plate in Fla. And now, the South Carolina legislature is poised to direct the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to issue the nation's first specialty license plate decorated with the image of a cross.

Who could have ever imagined a little old piece of metal could prove to have so much mettle?

Now, I'm sure most have an opinion of whether or not this is a good thing or a bad thing. Personally, I would just like to know what organization stands to benefit financially from the revenues of the plate sales. Perhaps no organization will benefit save for the Palmetto state itself. Ok. State budgets can always use additional revenue streams, right?

Here's what I predict. The ACLU will most likely sue the State of South Carolina. And the state will wind up spending time and resources (taxpayer dollars) defending their decision (should the plate pass).

Stay tuned. The horse is at the barn door and he's almost out!

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel

Jason D. King
PR & Info. Serv
AAMVA

A Year to Remember

2008-04-22T19:53:00Z

Guest Blogger: Alan Cockman

Six years ago, while I was Chair of AAMVA, I was in New York City with other members of the Executive Committee to attend a meeting. I forget its purpose but I vividly remember why we chose the location. It was to show in a small way our support for the City, which just a few months earlier had endured the tragic events of September 11, 2001. On our first evening in town we went to the site of the World Trade Center towers, not as tourists, but to pay our respects to the victims. My recollection is we didn’t say much, but rather each of us was left to our own thoughts. It was a moving experience.

September 11 was the defining moment of my year as AAMVA’s Chair. It impacted all of our actions and activities, and also in several respects changed the focus and operation of the Association. Two weeks earlier I had presented “What’s Next?” as the theme for the year to highlight the strategic planning activities that would be accomplished by the time my year concluded at the AIC in Saskatoon. After September 11 the phrase “What’s Next?” took on a quite different meaning for many people and it was decided to expand it to “What’s Next –Identifying our Future”. This provided some clarification and, for the first time, emphasized the importance of identification security as a paramount issue.

Within a few days after September 11, we knew the issue of access to driver licenses and the associated issue of confirming identity were rapidly assuming a higher profile in government, the press and the general public. We also knew unless AAMVA reacted quickly we risked the distinct possibility that the Association would loose any ability to take a leadership role in a subject where we should be recognized as a significant source of expertise.

In October at a meeting in Ottawa, we developed the strategy for addressing the issues and by January 2002 we had identified and outlined the components needed to meet the requirements of a more secure driver license. We quickly followed this work by getting into the communication mode with an announcement at the National Press Club; visits to the Capital to brief senators and congressmen; and, a special membership meeting. As we developed our solution over the next few months, we held further meetings to obtain advice and input from industry and each of the four AAMVA Regions. By the time of the AIC in August, and with the approval of the membership, we were able to create a series of working groups tasked with developing various components of our solution, which eventually became the DL/ID Framework.

In retrospect, I always thought one of the successes learned from all the work carried out by numerous AAMVA members and staff, and our colleagues from industry was that we took the ‘high road’ and concentrated on developing a solution, rather than reacting to the negative environment created by some press and government representatives. In doing so, AAMVA became recognized as the place to go for information and comment relating to driver licensing and identification issues. Our profile and recognition increased significantly.

My involvement with AAMVA, and it was certainly true during my year as Chair, continually reminded me of the importance of teamwork, that a consensus approach can be the better way to reach a decision, and that you can usually gain more by giving a little.

Of course I gained a lot more from another attribute that AAMVA is famous for. Namely, that it is a great place to meet colleagues and that many of those colleagues become good friends. I am proud to be able to boast I have friends across the United States and Canada. We often refer to ourselves as being part of the AAMVA ‘family’. So I am looking forward to being a part of some of the family gatherings this year as we celebrate our Association’s seventy-fifth anniversary.

Congratulations, AAMVA –and all the best for the future!

Alan Cockman
(retired) Administrator, Saskatchewan Government Insurance

and

Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2001-2002)

Alan Cockman is presently involved in management consulting projects in the U.S. and Canada.

A Fair Shake

2008-03-10T16:13:00Z

From time to time I use this forum to celebrate the hard work of journalists, as well as to "set the record" straight where reporting has gone awry and ventured into sensationalism. The way I figure it, as PR folks, we spend enough time complaining when a reporter gets the story wrong we should spend just as much time applauding when they get it right!

With that said, I am happy for this to be an occasion where I celebrate a journalist with integrity. This time, it's Morris Jones, Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief, Sinclair Broadcasting, and host of "American Crossroads."

A few weeks ago, Morris called me and asked if someone from AAMVA could talk on camera about issues related to at-risk drivers, repeat DUI offenders and licenses for illegal aliens. I let him know that while AAMVA is engaged in those issues, there was only a certain depth we could go to in a discussion.

Having this upfront discussion is so vital in building successful relationships with the media. Because, as a public relations practitioner, my job is to not only put my company's story into words, but also to help the reporter write his or her story.

And I wanted AAMVA to be a part of the story. But I didn't want the reporter to have expectations and intentions we could not meet or deliver. That makes me, and AAMVA, look bad and gives the reporter unnecessary holes in his story to fill.

Morris listened patiently to what AAMVA could speak authoritatively about, and assured me his intent was not to place us in an uncomfortable situation or debate, but to report the facts as the experts (in this case, AAMVA) sees them.

You've heard that before right? Famous last words.

So, Morris and I ran through a mock interview of sorts on the phone. And collaboratively we agreed that there was truly a fit for AAMVA and its message.

The interview went well. Morris kept his promise. And the boss man, Neil Schuster, did a great job representing AAMVA, its membership and the issues.

Now the interview is "in the can" and on the air. Heck, it's probably on youtube. But to make it easier on you, here's the link to the piece that aired last weekend entitled, "Who's Behind the Wheel."

No reference to the title of this blog intended.

Let me know what you think!

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Info. Services.
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

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Sounds like everyone "gets" NMVTIS

2008-02-15T15:03:00Z

For the second time in a year, the New York Times' Chris Jensen has dug into motor vehicle fraud crimes and exclaimed, "Eurkea, NMVTIS."

Jensen has done his homework on this piece just as he did his previous articles.

During the course of his research for this story, he spoke with me numerous times. I can't even begin to tell you the number of emails we exchanged. And all of his communication with me, and other affected parties, was, for nothing more, but the pursuit of the truth.

In my opinion, he covered all the angles here and brought much-needed attention to a consumer protection system that motorists deserve. I am thrilled he continues looking to AAMVA for technical expertise in this arena.

As Jensen rightly pointed out, it was George H.W. Bush who signed the Anti-cat Theft Act into law. So let's hope the remaining states receive the support they need to fully-implement NMVTIS before someone gets the wise idea to introduce unnecessary legislation to create another motor vehicle title database like NMVTIS.

That would be tragic, when millions have already been spent to bring 60 percent of the U.S. vehicle population into the system.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations and Info. Serv.
jking@aamva.org

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Finding Success in AAMVA

2008-02-11T19:39:00Z

As AAMVA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, it is good time to reflect on why AAMVA continues to be a successful organization.

For me, AAMVA's successes were achieved through a unique combination of willing volunteers and a staff that is willing and able to support the needs and efforts of its membership. In my judgment, AAMVA's greatest value is the opportunity it provides for members to interact with each other. And, without a doubt, I believe its greatest asset is the cadre of volunteers, that come from the jurisdictional DMVs and law enforcement agencies.

During my years as a DMV administrator in North Dakota, AAMVA, and its membership, were a great source of information and support for me. Through the network of friends and contacts that my participation in AAMVA provided, I was never more than a phone call away from sharing a concern with, or seeking an answer from, a colleague I had met at some AAMVA meeting or function. The concept of "no need to reinvent the wheel" aptly describes AAMVA's greatest value.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of AAMVA. They provide the knowledge, skills, interest and information that make AAMVA so valuable to its membership. I would strongly urge all chief administrators to be actively involved in AAMVA, and provide volunteer opportunities for their staff members as well. I had the opportunity to serve as an AAMVA volunteer for more than 25 years in a number of capacities, and found it to be some of the most professionally rewarding opportunities I ever had.

Now, as an AAMVA employee for the past two years, I have gained a renewed appreciation for the value the AAMVA leadership and staff bring to the organization. They have a genuine desire to help DMVs and law enforcement agencies find common solutions to identified problems, promote highway safety, strive for uniformity, enhance customer service, protect the motoring public and promote a positive image of all the jurisdictional employees who work each day to deliver the best service possible.

I hope you will take some time this year to reflect on the value that AAMVA has brought to you, your organization and your staff. Please remember that AAMVA is your organization and you have a vital role to play in its continued success.

Keith Kiser
(retired) Director, Motor Vehicle Division
Vice President Vehicle Services
AAMVA
kkiser@aamva.org

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2003-2004)

Got NMVTIS?

2008-01-28T19:01:00Z

It was just one month ago when I last blogged about full 100 percent state implementation of the nation's only online, real-time vehicle fraud reduction machine: NMVTIS. And if you missed the blog, you should definitely listen to my two part podcast with DOJ's Jim Burch to hear where things are headed.

Now, just this month, Reader's Digest freelancer Mandy Matson gets out the magnifying glass in her latest feature story and examines vehicle safety issues with airbag deployment, theft and the connection to NMVTIS.

It's a long one and a must read.

I applaud Mandy for digging so deeply into this critical highway safety issue and fleshing out the solution to the problem: NMVTIS.

You know, this system is really starting to sound like, excuse the 2007 terminology, a "no-brainer." Let's hope others share those sentiments.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Info. Serv
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

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Nine Anniversary Wishes for AAMVA

2008-01-18T15:00:00Z

Write a “blog,” make it “pithy” and it can be as long or short as you want. Those were the instructions from Jason King when he asked me to “guest blog” as a past chair of the board to commemorate AAMVA’s 75th anniversary.

Well, I know a little bit about blogs. They encourage you to speak your mind, right? Pithy? Well, that sounded a little “terse,” “curt” and to the point. That would be a challenge for me. But, as long or short as I want, that I could deal with. So, here goes.

Happy Anniversary AAMVA. That should just about do it…a blog that is pithy and just long enough.

Ok, I just can’t help myself. I will add a little more. After all, I am “semi-retired” and have lots of time on my hands. That’s why it’s now more than three weeks since Jason asked and this is due in less than a week. The funny thing about time is that there still is never enough, even for those of us who are semi-retired.

A context in time is where I will begin here.

My first “association” with AAMVA was in the early 1990’s--a time before I was an administrator and a time when I only worked with the Penn. DMV from the outside looking it. I was director of customer relations for PennDOT and the AAMVA Region 1 Conference was in Pittsburgh, PA. A colleague of mine and I were asked to speak and to lead a session on “How to Become More Customer Focused.” So, we did the due diligence. We developed our presentation, converted it to overheads (no power point yet), made handouts, practiced our delivery and we were off across the PA Turnpike for the three hour trek from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh.

Customer service; an important topic and we were expecting about 50-75 people in our session. Not quite a “keynote,” but enough to prepare a little. Well, I bet you are thinking that the room was packed and we really drew a crowd. Not so much. Five people showed up for our presentation and I think three of them were PA people who felt they had to be there.

To say that my first impression of AAMVA was a little weak would be an understatement. To this day, I still don’t know where everyone was. I like to believe there was a more compelling session or maybe the Pittsburgh Pirates were playing at home (and they may have had a good year) or maybe there was a championship golf course near by (like Oakmont where the US Open was held that year). Or maybe I just wasn't that interesting. Now, that must have been the answer.

That day in Pittsburgh, I had no idea that I would some day lead a DMV, work at one for 12 years, be involved in many areas of AAMVA in the region and internationally or chair the board for AAMVA. But, as I learned more, and became engaged in AAMVA, I saw a very different association in subsequent years.

I saw an organization change and face many challenges. I saw a committed staff and volunteer base evolve. I saw an industry that innovates, engages and has lots to offer. And I witnessed many changes in the environment and customers who rely on the products and services of a DMV. It is a lesson that first impressions are not always right. And, it also is a lesson about roles and perspective…as roles change, perspective changes.

My role and perspective have changed over the years and especially this past year. Putting things in perspective, here are my anniversary “wishes” as AAMVA celebrates 75 years….

1. Grab the Opportunity. AAMVA provides great opportunity for individual growth, jurisdictional involvement, networking and learning on the jurisdictional and industry sides. Volunteer to be involved, volunteer to mentor others, show them the ropes, make friends, and develop friendships. I always got a lot more back then I was able to give and learned a lot from many people. Dick Flynn was my first mentor at AAMVA. He encouraged me to get involved, and he was right.

2. Utilize Industry’s Expertise. The industry and the people who make up the industry have a lot to offer and those offerings are much more than their financial contributions to defray costs for conferences. The skill, knowledge, expertise and experience of many in the private sector can be beneficial for the entire community. A strong industry/member partnership can make this happen.

3. Look at it from all sides. AAMVA’s Board needs to continue to be multi-disciplined, encompassing all aspects of motor vehicles, driver licensing and law enforcement. Getting volunteers involved at the regional level can make this happen. So many of the issues cross organizational lines and many different perspectives can lead to an even better association.

4. Stay financially viable. While it’s not all about the money, AAMVA needs to continue to be financially viable. It has come a long way from the dark days, but it continues to face challenges as costs rise and needs multiply. CDLIS revenues are a huge part of AAMVA’s budget. It is important for AAMVA and its jurisdictional leadership to ensure a funding stream that meets the needs of its members…but not on the backs of its members or associate members.

5. Embrace Security as the third “S.” Security, the third “S” (joining safety and service), is most likely here to stay as this community braces for the final REAL ID regulations and looks to ensure secure products and transactions on the vehicle side as well. A broad view of motor vehicle/driver licensing’s roles in security is critical for the future. The organization and its members have come a long way here as continuous improvements have been made to products and processes in all jurisdictions. The improvement continuum most likely will not stop as dedicated people on the public and private side press on. The security focus has helped transform AAMVA into a nationally recognized association making its 75th Birthday a proud one for sure.

6. Be a Strong Technical Leader. Over the past 75 years, AAMVA too has taken a strong role in establishing common technical standards and providing expertise and technical services to the jurisdictions, especially with the AAMVAnet network. A lot of what an association does is to foster communications between members. AAMVA has a unique facility to enable data exchange between jurisdictions in addition to the face to face idea sharing. This facility should be protected and nourished. My anniversary wish would be for this role to continue to develop and for AAMVA, with the industry, to become “technical standard setters.” While jurisdictions have lots of expertise, AAMVA can continue to provide value in this area.

7. Scan the environment…frequently. What are the trends, what are the issues, what are the enhancers and detractors? What may have worked a few years ago, may not work today. AAMVA can’t be everything to everybody.

8. Celebrate the Staff. The staff of AAMVA is a group of hard working, talented and dedicated people. Some out in front and many behind the scenes. You really see this first hand when you serve as Chair of the Board and spend so much time with so many of them. They should be recognized at every opportunity.

9. Commemorate as a Community. Some of my best friends and many of my best times were and still are a part of some aspect of AAMVA. It is indeed a great community, a family – a caring family. One that has been very good to me in good times and not so good times.

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary AAMVA! Thanks to all who made it a great association over the past 75 years! I am grateful that I was able to be a part of the history and I am looking forward to being a part of its future as well.

Betty Serian
(retired) Deputy Director, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Safety Administration

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2002-2003)

Betty Serian is now the Principal and CEO of Betty Serian and Associates

Couldn't do business with DMV on Monday?

2008-01-09T15:06:00Z

Then it was probably AAMVA's fault.

Mea culpa.

You see most, if not all, state motor vehicle agencies, use AAMVA's private and secure network (AAMVAnet) to process customer transactions.

To put this into perspective for you, AAMVAnet processes approximately 3 million DMV transactions per day, and, since being placed into service in 2006, has had no outages! I'm no tech expert, but I am not sure that any newtwork service provider can boast that record. And AAMVAnet processes 99 percent of transactions in 0.1 second. That's faster than you can say DMV.

Typical motor vehicle agency transactions across this secure and private network can include the verification of a driver's Social Security number with the Social Security Administration, the verification of a person's commercial driving history, the verification of a vehicle's title history as well as querying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) National Driver Register (NDR).

And if you live in Arizona, this technical difficulty was a major cause for concern because it was the last date you could register to vote! But the good news in Ariz., as told to me by the folks who work at the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, is that ServiceArizona (AZ's online system which uses AAMVAnet) was running again at full strength by early evening.

Now, here's what happened.

On Monday, January 7, 2008, AAMVAnet technical support experienced system problems that impacted the flow of information across the AAMVAnet network and AAMVA staff began communicating and working with its members and vendors to correct the issue.

AAMVA staff worked non-stop with its vendors and its member agencies (state Departments of Motor Vehicles) to identify the cause of the slow down and pledged to continue exploring all possible solutions until this matter was resolved.

This issue was resolved by 9 p.m. ET., Monday January 7, 2008.

Further testing and analysis will continue throughout the week. AAMVA will work to produce a preliminary root cause analysis as rapidly as possible to help prevent future occurrences.

AAMVA will take all necessary measures to ensure the network continues performing at the high service level on which motor vehicle agencies, and the customers they serve, have come to depend.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused motor vehicle agencies in helping consumers transact their DMV business. And we appreciate your patience.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Information Services
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

Speaking frankly about NMVTIS, vehicle fraud and consumer protection

2007-12-20T16:47:00Z

If you've been reading this blog, you know AAMVA has been requesting assistance to help fund 100 percent state participation in the federally-mandated National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).

You also know we've been waiting on the rules for this Act since 1992.

Well, I'm encouraged to say that based on my podcast last week with Jim Burch, U.S. DOJ (the agency with oversight for NMVTIS) things are looking up.

It also sounds like consumers have something to look forward to!

Have a listen to this dicsussion and have a safe and happy holiday.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, PR & Info. Serv
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

Bubble Gum and Band Aids

2007-12-05T19:19:00Z

I came into the motor vehicle administration in 1988 kicking and screaming. I came from a "cushy" tax auditor management position which was positively supported in every way.

Upon moving over to motor vehicles, I was lost. But along came the cavalry: AAMVA.

I quickly earned that the volunteers, and staff, in AAMVA knew and understood the problems I was facing and were willing to lend their support.

Soon after attending AAMVA conferences, meetings and workshops, I began taking back to Tennessee ideas and programs from other jurisdictions. I call these "ideas and programs" "the bubble gum and band aids" that keep us going without major funding.

I recall, on a number of occasions, taking my copy of AAMVA's Don't Reinvent the Wheel to the Tennessee General Assembly. And when I was called upon to testify, I could quickly retrieve pertinent information to relay to lawmakers about other jurisdictions. Needless to say, AAMVA sure made me look good.

Years later, it became my privilege to give back a little to this association as I began working my way through regional and international volunteer leadership positions including a term as AAMVA's Chair of the Board.

Eventually I had the opportunity to bring the AAMVA membership to Tennessee for the Annual International Conference (AIC) in 2001. It was my year, and I chose to focus on bringing highway safety to the forefront of the association. I believe highway safety is the reason we do everythingwe do from registering vehicles for quick and accurate information, to enforcing traffic laws, to licensing drivers to be safer drivers, to working with vendors to provide better systems and better products for the motor vehicle community.

And I will never forget, just 10 days after our 2001 AIC concluded, our world turned upside down on September 11.

Naturally, we turned our attention into the direction of national security and began exploring how we could better verify the identity of our DMV customers.

Today, DMV administrators continue to struggle with that endeavor, and once again, we are recognizing the very core of our business: highway safety.

I am thankful that our association founders recognized the need to bring all jurisdictions together to celebrate successes and the sharing of ideas for improving motor vehicle operations. That need still exists today and will continue for years to come.

I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the AAMVA history.

Sincerely,

Martha Irwin

(Retired) Director, Title/Registration Division
Tennessee Department of Safety

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2000-2001)