August 4 heralded the launching of the new NCUTLO's expanded and redesigned web page, which features the move to the URL www.ncutlo.org . The registering of NCUTLO's own domain name, which is the standard format for non profit organizations, will make it easier for those searching the Internet to find the National Committee. It also provides simpler, more direct access to our future work sites. Take a moment now and bookmark the new site...as of September 1st, the old URL (www.webplus.net/ncutlo) will no longer function.

Far more important than the redesigned graphics and sleek look of the new page is the completion of the public and member-only discussion forums. It is with these tools, now available to every member, regardless of geographic location, that the new National Committee will develop model laws and additions to the Uniform Vehicle Code that have been reviewed and commented upon by potentially every member of the National Committee. But it is up to you. To be a part of the new NCUTLO, you need to access and use this technology...for all our efforts to succeed, we must get you involved! And it has never been easier, more efficient or more immediate. The discussion forums allow you as a National Committee member immediate access to all our UVC revisions, model laws, future Task Forces, and other projects of the National Committee. But, most important - that access is INTERACTIVE. What that means is that you, the National Committee member can read, critique, post suggested changes, and ask questions of the drafters immediately by posting a message..and then keep abreast of all the discussions on that particular topic by "subscribing" (free of charge) to that discussion "thread". You will get nationwide input from all NCUTLO members...and it will be delivered to your email doorstep by the Discussion Forums!

Don't delay...if you have not activated your web page account with NCUTLO, you are missing out on a terrific opportunity...and losing out on this low-cost method of making your voice heard!! Contact Leila Osina now if you do not have a password, if your password no longer works, or if you have any questions about using the new discussion forums (See "How to Use the Forums", Page 2).

Five model laws discussed and drafted by AAMVA 's Model Law Committee in 1995 have been revised and formatted to fit into the upcoming revision of the Uniform Vehicle Code by traffic safety consultants retained by the National Committee. The five model laws addreess: CDL disqualification, electronic records, financial responsibility reciprocity, salvage vehicle titling, and disclosure of personal information contained in motor vehicle records.

The text of the revisions is now posted on the NCUTLO web page and has a separate section in the members-only discussion forum. To comment, click on the "Model Legislation" page section to read, then navigate to the Members only discussion forum to suggest edits or improvements. The membership of the National Committee will be voting on the inclusion of these five model laws into the Uniform Vehicle Code at its meeting on October 24.

The quick (and easy) way to submit your ideas and suggestions

Relax...it's easy!!! Even if you have never accessed a discussion forum before, you can make your voice be heard...and your organization's position be publicized across the nation...just by posting a comment (or two!) at the Members Only discussion forum now available to all NCUTLO members at the new web site. Not only is it quick, easy and accessible by any Internet browser, it is the only travel-free (and travel-COST- free) way of assuring that your state, agency, organization or individual comment, question, suggestion for editing or new model idea will be acted upon.

All you have to do is go to the public discussion site, choose the discussion "thread" or topic that you wish to comment on, and post a message...that's it! All messages are automatically delivered to the National Committee staff ...and if you wish, will be delivered to your email address as they are posted. What better way to access your National Committee membership without having to go through the hassle and expense of out-of-state travel?

Currently, the topics posted on the discussion forum site are: UVC - Revisions to Chapter 11; Standard Safety Belt Model; Child Restraint Use Model; Graduated Licensing Model; and 1998 NCUTLO Projects. Here are 6 steps to accessing the Discussion forum:

That's all there is to it...it's quick, it's easy and - best of all - the National Committee members can produce meaningful models, revisions and products...but only if YOU get involved. So join us today!! Now listed for your comment are the planned revisions to the UVC, the AAMVA Model laws, and the areas listed above. GET WIRED TODAY!!!!!

This year's NCUTLO Annual Meeting to be held October 24, 1997 in Ballston, Virginia, will feature a presentation and demonstration of the new web page and its planned use in the accomplishments of the National Committee into the 21st century. With the mechanisms now in place for each member to quickly and easily respond to the products as created by task forces, it is now imperative that all NCUTLO members understand and access this simple but effective means of exercising their National Committee membership.

Executive Vice President Leila Osina will present the new web page's capabilities, and demonstrate how a model may be written, edited, reviewed and voted upon solely by electronic communication among National Committee members. She will also demonstrate the data bases being developed, and request ideas and input on further advances needed to make the system simple and easy to access .

Since each state and/or organization can have as many as eight separate accounts to access the page, it is easy to see that the compilation of fairly extensive data from many diverse areas of traffic safety and transportation can be amassed, managed and utilized in a remarkably efficient and low cost manner, if all members become knowledgeable about its use.

In a letter dated July 14, 1997, the National Committee is praised for its efforts in closing out with an "Acceptable Action" rating a recommendation concerning development and promotion of graduated licensing that had been open since 1976. The NTSB, while concerned with the 20-year gap in the response of the National Committee nevertheless noted that "...the rejuvenated NCUTLO has taken aggressive action..." in the development and distribution of the model. Other NTSB correspondence promised agency involvement in developing child restraint guidelines for older children and involvement by NTSB staffers in the Vehicle Sanctions Task Force forming now.

Two of NCUTLO's traffic safety coalition partners and members are holding critical meetings in September of 1997. NAGHSR, the association for Governor's Highway Safety Representatives, will hold their annual meeting from September 14-17, 1997 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The theme will be "Breaking Boundaries & Facing Challenges in Highway Safety" and will include discussions and workshops on air bag safety, drowsy driving and older children's safety needs. Further information can be obtained by calling 202/789-0942. Also convening in September, from 7-10 will be the AAMVA 64th Annual International Conference, scheduled to be held at the Excelsior Hotel, Little Rock, AR.

In late July, the U.S. DOT released its strategic plan for the DOT of the 21st century. NCUTLO was asked to comment upon its contents; the safety area was reviewed and found to be consistent with the plans of the National Committee in the 21st century. Various steps in the safety strategic goal are particularly important from the NCUTLO point of view: emphasis on child safety, incorporation of human factors considerations, and maximum use of education to promote safe behavior
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