Monday, April 28
Mountain America Exposition Center
9575 State St, Sandy, UT 84070
Complete the evaluation form after each session. Each completed evaluation enters you into a drawing—more evaluations mean more chances to win!
Continuing Credit Information
Credit information is noted on each approved session. CHES credits are pending approval and will be updated once confirmed.
Driver education teachers are required to sign in. Please visit the registration desk for assistance.
Law enforcement officers seeking POST credit for attending the Zero Fatalities Safety Summit should submit the agenda to their agency’s training coordinator, who will determine eligibility and manage the submission process. Be prepared to provide proof of attendance if required.
CME hours for the Zero Fatalities Safety Summit have been approved by the Utah Bureau of EMS.
7:30 AM–5:00 PM Foyer: Registration
7:30–8:30 AM General Hall 3: Breakfast
Join us for an assortment of chef-selected pastries, coffee and decaf coffee choices, assorted hot teas, and iced water.
8:30–9:50 AM General Hall 3: General Session #1
Presentation of the Colors and National Anthem
Utah Highway Patrol and Jordan High School Madrigals
Welcome
Moderators, Katie Lindley, UDOT & Jason Mettmann, Utah DPS
Opening Remarks
Carlos Braceras
UDOT Executive Director
Carlos Braceras is the executive director of the Utah Department of Transportation. He has been with UDOT since 1986. His goal is to create the safest transportation system in the world to provide choices for all users to get where they want, when they want, in the way they want. He has helped build an organization that is trusted by its partners and the public. He is the AASHTO Agency Administration Managing Committee chair, member of the board of directors and past president of AASHTO, and member of the board of directors and past president of
WASHTO. Carlos moved to Utah in 1980 with four friends after graduating from college to ski
for one year. It’s been one great ski season.
Kaizen Marsing
Kaizen Marsing lost his best friend, Eli Mitchell, to a drunk driver—a tragedy that changed his life forever. To honor Eli’s memory, he shares a powerful message that reflects on loss, love, and the lasting impact of one choice. Kaizen’s message reinforces why we strive for Zero Fatalities—because no one should have to endure this kind of loss.
Lisa Minjares-Kyle
Associate Research Scientist/Program Manager, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
This presentation aims to emphasize lessons learned, offer recommendations, and provide resources for agencies seeking to engage youth within their state on traffic safety matters. Drawing upon almost two decades of program experience from the renowned Teens in the Driver Seat® initiative, these insights are designed to enhance traffic safety outreach efforts targeting youth aged 11-25.
10:00–10:50 AM Breakout Session 1
Kristi Metzger
Director, NJ-SHO Center for Integrated Data
To move the needle on traffic safety, we must identify the communities that would benefit most from targeted countermeasures. This session explores innovative, data-driven approaches to equity-focused safety planning, featuring New Jersey’s Safety and Health Outcomes (NJ-SHO) dashboard. Learn how this free tool provides insights on crashes, demographics, and community risk factors—helping states prioritize effective solutions and monitor strategic highway safety plan (SHSP) metrics.
Mike Millet
Detective, West Valley City Police
This session examines pedestrian crash trends in West Valley City and explores a multidisciplinary approach to improving safety through education, enforcement, and community engagement. Learn how collaboration can reduce crashes and protect vulnerable road users.
Audra Urie
Driver Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
This session explores the evolving landscape of driver education, focusing on emerging technologies, innovative training methods, and the integration of safety features to better prepare drivers for the challenges of tomorrow’s roads.
Robert Evans
Utah CISM Chair/School Resource Officer, Ogden P.D., Utah Critical Incident Stress Management Team
This session focuses on Utah’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program, providing crucial mental health support for first responders. Learn about the resources available to help manage the emotional and psychological impact of high-stress incidents, ensuring responders receive the care they need
Sam Winkler
Public Engagement Manager, David Evans and Associates
Natalie Lovell
Senior Account Manager, Safe Routes, Penna Powers
When school zones and work zones intersect, the risks can be significant. This session will cover key strategies for managing these areas, including effective messaging, heavy machinery management, signage, and public engagement. Learn important considerations for work near schools, Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requirements, and best practices for public outreach. The session will also spotlight Safe Routes Utah, which provides free resources to help communities create safer walking and biking paths for students, including the Think Safety Assembly, an engaging program that teaches students how to stay safe around construction zones.
Audra Urie
Driver Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Allison Terry
Master Teacher, Utah State Board of Education
Jonnie Knoble
Driver Ed Instructor, Brighton High School
The USBE Canvas course for driver education is undergoing significant changes in its dissemination and support process. Each Local Education Agency (LEA) intending to adopt the 2025-2026 version of the USBE-supported Canvas course is required to send a designated representative to one of these scheduled sessions. Attendance is mandatory for these sessions to understand the implications of the changes and to ensure access to the 2025-2026 course. Only LEAs with a representative in attendance will be granted access to the updated course and approval to use it as an online option for your students.
11:00–11:50 AM Breakout Session 2
Pam Shadel Fischer
Senior Director of External Engagement, Governors Highway Safety Association
A GHSA study of young driver fatality data reveals the U.S. is making progress in improving safety for this risky age group—but there’s more to do. This session highlights key findings from the 2002-2021 analysis and discusses strategies to further reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Topics include addressing disparities in driver education access, improving parental involvement, leveraging vehicle technology, and addressing gaps in GDL laws.
Ax Axmaker
Chief Knowledge Officer, Be Crash Free
This session covers major topics in motorcycle safety, including entry-level and follow-on rider training, helmet laws, the “unendorsed rider” issue, the role of anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and public awareness campaigns. We’ll examine the effectiveness of these initiatives and the challenges in enhancing rider safety on the roads.
Peter Taillac
Medical Director, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, Utah Dept of Public Safety
A discussion of the current evidence supporting pre-hospital whole blood transfusions by EMS and our new Utah protocol: saving lives and saving blood at the same time.
Brooke Pohlman
Occupational Therapist – Certified Driver Rehab Specialist, University Health
Katherine Hemphill
Vulnerable Roadway Users Program Manager, Highway Safety Office
Jeremy Bergener
CDL & Driver Improvement Manager, Utah Driver License Division
This session covers key aspects of evaluating older drivers, including both clinical and on-road assessments of driving skills and abilities. The Yellow Dot program, presented by the University of Utah, will be explored as a crucial initiative for improving emergency response by providing first responders with quick access to critical health information. Additionally, the session will discuss the minimum skills required for safe driving in Utah, how to identify when those skills may no longer be present, and the Division of Motor Vehicles’ evaluation process for determining when it may be time for a driver to relinquish their driving privileges for safety reasons.
Audra Urie
Driver Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
This session explores the evolving landscape of driver education, focusing on emerging technologies, innovative training methods, and the integration of safety features to better prepare drivers for the challenges of tomorrow’s roads.
Amanda Darrow
Executive Director, IncludEd United
This session will explore how bringing together different perspectives and creating fair, inclusive environments can lead to innovation and better solutions for everyone. By valuing the unique contributions of individuals, organizations can build stronger teams, address challenges more effectively, and create a sense of belonging that motivates employees to do their best work to improve traffic safety in Utah.
12:00–1:20 PM General Hall 3: Awards Luncheon
Join us for a celebratory awards ceremony luncheon, honoring outstanding contributions from people and programs across the state. Lunch includes a flavorful selection of Southwest Caesar salad, vegetarian enchiladas suiza, marinated guajillo beef, and chicken tinga fajitas, served with traditional sides like Frontera rice, refried beans, tortillas, iced water and iced tea. Finish with a sweet treat of tres leches cake and mini churros. Gluten free items will be labeled.
1:30–2:20 PM Breakout Session 3
Johnathon P. Ehsani
Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
This session explores how we can update driver testing and assessment methods to reflect the demands of the 21st century. Learn about incorporating technology, real-world simulations, and enhanced evaluation techniques to ensure safer, more competent drivers.
Audra Urie
Driver Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Allison Terry
Master Teacher, Utah State Board of Education
Jonnie Knoble
Driver Ed Instructor, Brighton High School
The USBE Canvas course for driver education is undergoing significant changes in its dissemination and support process. Each Local Education Agency (LEA) intending to adopt the 2025-2026 version of the USBE-supported Canvas course is required to send a designated representative to one of these scheduled sessions. Attendance is mandatory for these sessions to understand the implications of the changes and to ensure access to the 2025-2026 course. Only LEAs with a representative in attendance will be granted access to the updated course and approval to use it as an online option for your students.
Yukiko Yoneoka
Data Analyst, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, Department of Public Safety
As e-scooters and other micromobility devices grow in popularity, so do related injuries. This session presents national and local data on micromobility crashes, highlighting key demographics, common injury patterns, and the challenges of regulating this evolving mode of transportation.
Rachel Rosenberg
Lead Car Passenger Safety Technician & Instructor, Intermountain Health McKay-Dee Hospital
Michelle Jamison
Community Health Program Manager, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital
Strap in for an eye-opening session designed just for Child Passenger Safety Technicians, equipping you with the confidence and skills to handle even the most challenging car seat scenarios in the field. From the battle of installing the latest revolving car seats to understanding lock-offs vs. seat belt tensioners, we’ll dive into real-world situations, pro tips, and clever harnessing hacks to ensure every passenger rides safely. We’ll also uncover the hidden dangers of counterfeit car seats, helping you spot red flags and keep families protected. Come ready to learn at a fun, informative session to sharpen your skills—you won’t want to miss it!
Taylor Keys and Members of Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC)
Outreach Coordinator, Utah Statewide Information & Analysis Center
Learn about the emerging threats to Utah because of transnational and domestic drug trafficking organizations, criminal gangs, human trafficking/human smuggling organizations, and organized criminal fraud groups. This session will discuss how Utah’s roadways affect it.
2:30–3:20 PM Breakout Session 4
Brett Robinson
President, Highway Safety Services, LLC
The presentation will examine the content we are teaching in driver education and training, and why we need to prioritize/emphasize specific content that focuses on the critical lifesaving skills needed to reduce teen driver crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The session will include discussions on what content can be covered outside of the classroom and what content should have a greater emphasis during classroom and behind-the-wheel lessons, such as cognitive skills development.
Lawrence Hopper
Sergeant, UHP
Mike Irvine
Retired UHP Sergeant
Bonnie Hargreaves
Health Educator, Utah County Health Department
Join us for an essential session on the latest updates in the world of car seats. This presentation will delve into the most recent revisions to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213, the evolving role of tricky tethers, and best practices for ensuring proper installation. We’ll also discuss recent recalls and how CPS technicians can help caregivers understand them. Key highlights will include updates on load legs, their growing importance in car seat design, and other important safety innovations. This session will provide you with the critical information needed to stay informed and ensure the safest car seat experience for children.
Charles Hill
Director of Preconstruction, Utah Department of Transportation
Vaughn Nelson
Statewide Design Engineer, Utah Department of Transportation
Cody Marchant
Traffic Operations Engineer, Utah Department of Transportation
The utilization of practical and situational design elements provides facilities that allow users to be modal-independent. Safety and mode should not be decision points for users; instead, facilities should create a safe environment for all modes while aligning with user needs. Discover what has been done, what is being done, and what is coming to help designers and users reach the Zero goal.
Lee Perry
Incident Management Specialist, Parsons / Utah TIM Coalition
Roadways are one of the most dangerous workplaces for emergency responders. This Traffic Incident Management training will highlight strategies for safe, quick clearance of existing crashes and incidents, reducing the time emergency responders are “at risk” for secondary crashes while performing duties to clear the roadways. Eligible for POST in-service training hours.
Pam Shadel Fischer
Senior Director of External Engagement, Governors Highway Safety Association
Does your blood run cold when you hear the words strategic planning? Do you run for cover when your boss asks for volunteers to lead a strategic planning effort? Take heart, there is an effective and engaging way to facilitate strategic planning that fosters participant authorship and ownership. Join a seasoned traffic safety professional who has successfully facilitated dozens of strategic planning sessions, including two for the Utah Highway Safety Office. You’ll learn what strategic planning is, why it’s critical, and how to produce a plan that doesn’t end up on a shelf. You’ll try out several exercises and take-home tools that will have you saying “yes” to this essential process.
3:30–4:30 PM General Hall 3: General Session #2
Johnathon P. Ehsani
Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Safety is a shared responsibility, but how do individual actions contribute to vision zero? This session explores the critical role of the individual in reducing risks and reinforcing a culture of safety. Implications for driver education, law enforcement, and other safety stakeholders will be explored.
Complete the evaluation form after each session. Each completed evaluation enters you into a drawing—more evaluations mean more chances to win!
Share Your Conference Experience
Tuesday, April 29
Mountain America Exposition Center
9575 State St, Sandy, UT 84070
Complete the evaluation form after each session. Each completed evaluation enters you into a drawing—more evaluations mean more chances to win!
Continuing Credit Information
Credit information is noted on each approved session. CHES credits are pending approval and will be updated once confirmed.
Driver education teachers are required to sign in. Please visit the registration desk for assistance.
Law enforcement officers seeking POST credit for attending the Zero Fatalities Safety Summit should submit the agenda to their agency’s training coordinator, who will determine eligibility and manage the submission process. Be prepared to provide proof of attendance if required.
CME hours for the Zero Fatalities Safety Summit have been approved by the Utah Bureau of EMS.
7:30 AM–2:30 PM Foyer: Registration
7:30–9:00 AM General Hall 3: Breakfast
Join us for an assortment of chef-selected pastries, coffee and decaf coffee choices, assorted hot teas, and iced water.
8:00–9:50 AM Workshop for Driver Education Teachers Only
Audra Urie
Driver Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
This session explores the evolving landscape of driver education, focusing on emerging technologies, innovative training methods, and the integration of safety features to better prepare drivers for the challenges of tomorrow’s roads.
9:00–9:50 AM General Hall 3: General Session #3
Brandon Callor
Morgue Operations Manager, Office of the Medical Examiner
This session will address how autopsy findings—especially from traffic fatalities—inform public health efforts, how professionals in high-trauma fields can cope with the emotional toll of their work, and strategies for staying resilient and finding meaning in difficult yet vital careers.
10:00–10:50 AM Breakout Session 5
Brett Robinson
President, Highway Safety Services, LLC
The presentation will focus on what’s next in the evolution of driver education and training, highlighting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) 2024 Driver Education and Training Promising Practices: A Systemic Literature Review. This literature review examined three key questions related to driver education and training: 1) the benefits of hybrid/blended learning, 2) deliberate practice, and 3) the use of technology-based learning. The session will also address other key elements, such as the importance of teaching students the safe and effective use of vehicle safety features. The presentation will conclude with a brief overview of the Association of National Stakeholders in Traffic Safety Education’s (ANSTSE’s) recent, current, and future initiatives to assist in enhancing driver education and training programs.
Shaunna Burbidge
Director of Research, Avenue Consultants
This session presents an evaluation of bicycle and pedestrian crashes within 1/4 and 1/2 mile of K-12 schools in Utah. Hotspot locations have been identified for each UDOT region, as well as statewide, highlighting key areas and corridors for safety improvements. Attendees will learn which areas have the highest rate of student-aged non-motorized crashes and discover infrastructure solutions to reduce conflicts between students and vehicles near schools.
Chenxi Liu
Assistant Professor, University of Utah
Get an overview of research on enhancing transportation safety through the integration of machine intelligence and AI technologies. The presentation will focus on three key areas: integrating weather information into traffic perception and control systems to improve situational awareness under adverse conditions; enhancing the safety of vulnerable road users (VRUs) through advanced machine intelligence and human pose estimation for better behavior analysis and targeted interventions; and improving truck parking efficiency and safety with AI-driven analytics for real-time availability and occupancy prediction. The session will conclude with insights into the future of AI in transportation, highlighting emerging trends and practical applications for policymakers, traffic safety professionals, and infrastructure planners.
Laura D. Chace
President & CEO, ITS America
Investing in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and technology enables a proactive approach to traffic safety. This session explores how real-time data, smart infrastructure, and advanced technologies can prevent incidents, improve response times, and enhance overall roadway safety.
11:00–11:50 AM Breakout Session 6
Audra Urie
Driver Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Brett Robinson
President, Highway Safety Services, LLC
Driver education and training has continued to evolve as roadway design and vehicles have evolved. New learning methods and tools are needed to appropriately keep up with engineering design of vehicles and roadways, technological advancements, and social learning styles. With support from NHTSA, TIRF (Traffic Injury Research Foundation) and HSS (Highway Safety Software) prepared a systemic review of literature to explore information gaps on best practices for teaching. The review of the literature focused on three categories: the value of blended learning, the use of deliberate practice, and the application of technological approaches to driver education. It is increasingly clear that educational methods must adapt to generational shifts, and this session will explore those changes.
Jon Larsen
Transportation Director, Salt Lake City
Adam Lough
Traffic Studies & Design Engineer, UDOT
Andrea Olson
Planning Director, UDOT
A lot goes into making our cities, towns, and neighborhoods safe to move around. Come listen to state and local engineers and planners speak on policies and processes that were put in place to make our transportation system safer.
Karie Haws
RN, Utah Valley Hospital
This session covers essential medical training for law enforcement officers, equipping them with the skills to manage medical emergencies on the scene. Learn key techniques for providing immediate care and stabilizing individuals until professional medical help arrives.
Ax Axmaker
Chief Knowledge Officer, Be Crash Free
This session covers major topics in motorcycle safety, including entry-level and follow-on rider training, helmet laws, the “unendorsed rider” issue, the role of anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and public awareness campaigns. We’ll examine the effectiveness of these initiatives and the challenges in enhancing rider safety on the roads.
11:50–12:50 PM General Hall 3: Networking Lunch
Join us for lunch as we connect with each other. Enjoy live music from a band featuring education board members, and take the opportunity to connect with exhibitors from our sponsors and partners. Enjoy a delicious selection, including classic Caesar salad, heirloom tomatoes with mozzarella, orzo pasta salad, chicken Parmigiana, creamy mascarpone polenta, grilled Italian vegetables, iced water, and iced tea. End on a sweet note with tiramisu and limoncello panna cotta. Gluten free options will be labeled.
1:00–1:50 PM Breakout Session 7
Jeremy Hansen
Lieutenant, Tooele City Police Department
Joe Carnell
Director, Mountain West Ambulance
On November 3rd, 2023, a runaway semi truck incident in Tooele City tested local response teams. This session features a joint presentation by Tooele City Police, Tooele City Fire, and Mountain West Ambulance, highlighting the lessons learned from the incident, challenges faced, and the importance of coordinated response efforts to ensure safety and improve future preparedness.
Brett McIff
State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Coordinator, Utah Department of Health & Human Services
Jared Bowling
Active Transportation Planning Manager, UDOT
Learn how local walk audits can identify safety concerns and improve pedestrian infrastructure. This session explores why walk audits matter, how they work, and how they can help create safer, more walkable communities.
Mark Taylor
Traffic Signal Operations Engineer, UDOT
Blaine Leonard
Transportation Technology Engineer
Innovation is transforming Utah’s roads. This session will explore the latest advancements, from smart traffic signals to connected vehicle technology, all designed to reduce crashes and protect pedestrians. Learn how traffic signals operate, how they detect vehicles, and how performance is measured—plus the newest safety enhancements making Utah’s roads safer and more efficient.
Lisa Minjares-Kyle
Associate Research Scientist/Program Manager, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
This session aims to highlight the connection between health prevention frameworks and traffic safety. The presentation will share on a past project that utilized health prevention frameworks in traffic safety programming, and discuss the connection to traffic safety culture, examples of youth traffic safety application, and share recommendations on ways to incorporate these approaches within individual programs.
2:00–2:50 PM Breakout Session 8
Michael Morgan
Chief of Police, Nephi City Police Department
Lex Bell
Chief of Police, Moab City Police Department
Brent Boswell
Director, Juab County Office of Economic Development, Juab County
Jacob Hinton
Lieutenant – Off-Highway Vehicle Program, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement
Jeremy Needles
Sergeant, St. George Police Department
Cities and counties across the state are seeing an increase in off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and golf carts being driven on paved public roads—often illegally. While some roads are designated for OHV use or meet street-legal requirements, many do not, creating enforcement challenges and safety concerns. This session will bring together speakers from communities to share how they are addressing this issue, including enforcement strategies, public education efforts, and policy solutions. Whether you’re dealing with increased OHV traffic in tourist-heavy areas or navigating golf cart use in residential neighborhoods, this session will provide valuable insights and practical approaches to keep roads safe.
Audra Urie
Driver Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Allison Terry
Master Teacher, Utah State Board of Education
Jonnie Knoble
Driver Ed Instructor, Brighton High School
The USBE Canvas course for driver education is undergoing significant changes in its dissemination and support process. Each Local Education Agency (LEA) intending to adopt the 2025-2026 version of the USBE-supported Canvas course is required to send a designated representative to one of these scheduled sessions. Attendance is mandatory for these sessions to understand the implications of the changes and to ensure access to the 2025-2026 course. Only LEAs with a representative in attendance will be granted access to the updated course and approval to use it as an online option for your students.
Kris Cope
UHP Sergeant, Utah Highway Patrol
Join us for an insightful session exploring the evolution of recommendations for rear-facing car seat use. Over the years, guidelines have significantly shifted, and understanding why is crucial for ensuring child safety. This session will dive into the history of these recommendations, offering a comprehensive review of the data and research. We’ll also provide a unique perspective from both car seat manufacturers and leading research. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay up to date with the latest best practices and data-driven insights!
Jeffery Wilson
NREMT-P, Utah FAN, Utah EMSC, Utah Gold Cross Ambulance, and Salt Lake Community College
This scenario and evidence-based presentation explores what Autism is, how to recognize it, and how to effectively assist individuals with Autism in police and medical settings. Key concerns, such as wandering behaviors, will be addressed, along with insights into search and rescue protocols for individuals with Autism.
3:00–4:10 PM General Hall 3: General Session #4
Sabrina Wilhite
Victim of Drunk Driving, Zero Fatalities
Chelsie Laycock
Mother & Advocate, Zero Fatalities
Seantae Jackson
Advocate, Speaker, & Executive Director, Zero Fatalities
One moment on the road can change everything. In this powerful panel, hear firsthand from those who have experienced the devastating impact of a crash. Sabrina Wilhite, a former Zero Fatalities team member, was hit by a drunk driver in 2024, forever altering her life. Chelsie Laycock shares the painful reality of her son’s role in a fatal crash and his decision to speak out from prison. Seantae Jackson, a survivor of a crash that critically injured her family and best friend, now advocates for crash victims through the Sandal Blue Foundation. Their stories serve as a sobering reminder of the lasting consequences of roadway decisions.
Colonel Michael Rapich
Utah DPS
Complete the evaluation form after each session. Each completed evaluation enters you into a drawing—more evaluations mean more chances to win!
Share Your Conference Experience
Mountain America Exposition Center
9575 State St, Sandy, UT 84070
Thank You to Our 2025 Zero Fatalities Safety Summit Sponsors!
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
RED LEVEL SPONSORS
BLACK LEVEL SPONSORS
SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS
WHITE LEVEL SPONSORS
- Scheels
- Texas Roadhouse: Layton
- Traeger Grills
- Utah Public Employees Association