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This year, “falling back one
hour” could mean an extra hour of Halloween merriment, because adjusting our
clocks to end daylight savings time occurs on Sunday, Nov. 1 – or sometime
after midnight on Halloween. ODOT and safety advocates are reminding travelers
– drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike – that you should adjust for that
extra hour to ensure you don’t get sleepy when out on the roads in the days and
nights following the clock adjustment. That’s a risk that could be fatal.
Watch for signs of drowsiness, such
as problems focusing, blinking frequently and/or having heavy eyelids, trouble
remembering the last few miles, yawning repeatedly, or rolling down the windows
or turning up the radio to “keep you awake.”
If you are getting sleepy, find a
safe place to pull over right away, such as a rest area or a store parking lot.
Studies show a 15-20 minute nap is all it takes for most people to restore
alertness and enhance performance – reducing what could be the risks of fatal
mistakes. The National Sleep Foundation suggests drinking a caffeinated
beverage, then taking a quick nap, and you’ll get the benefits of both, because
it takes about 20 minutes for caffeine to have its impact on the body. Whatever
you do, it’s important to listen to your body and respond appropriately.
For more tips on how to “drive alert, arrive
alive,” visit http://www.drowsydriving.org/.
There are so many safety technologies already and soon to be in
use by the vehicles on our roads, it's no wonder that most of us are feeling a
bit "behind the curve." MyCarDoesWhat.org was developed through a
partnership between the National Safety Council and the University of Iowa to
help educate consumers about new automotive safety technologies and how they
work. Catch yourself up to speed today by visiting MyCarDoesWhat.org.
This year has flown by, and Thanksgiving is already right around
the corner. For many of us, this means traveling to spend the holiday with
friends and family, near and far. So I want to remind everyone that no matter
how far you’re driving this Thanksgiving—whether it’s down the road to a
friend’s house, across town to pick up a pumpkin pie, or hundreds of miles to
see a relative—you could be involved in a crash. And if you or anyone in your
vehicle is not wearing their safety belts, everyone is at a much greater risk
of being killed. This Thanksgiving, no more excuses. Wear your safety belt
every time, whether you’re the driver or a passenger, front seat or back. It’s
the best way to protect yourself from injury or death in a crash. My
Thanksgiving wish this year is that everyone will realize the life-saving
benefit of wearing a safety belt. In less time than it takes you to slice that
pie, pass the gravy, or call someone to say ‘Happy Thanksgiving,’ you can do
something powerful, smart, and effective:
Buckle Up
- Every Trip, Every Time. You’ll be thankful you did.
Oregon's beautiful scenery is a year-round source of enjoyment.
Driving in Oregon's winters, however, can be challenging. Follow the
recommendations in the Oregon Winter Driving Guide so you arrive safely
at your destination!
For up-to-date travel conditions, visit TripCheck.com, ODOT's travel
information website. With more than 1.6 million visitors per month,
TripCheck.com provides valuable road and weather information to enhance safety
around the state. Drive Safely. The Way to Go.
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