Region Transportation Safety Newsletter, October 2016

Transportation Safety

Working together to create a safe transportation system

Drive Safely Work Week Focuses on Driving for Work

Driver behavior contributes to 94 out of every 100 traffic crashes in the U.S. according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Research tells us that an important first step toward changing a risky behavior is to begin to think actively about the need to change the behavior.

The theme for 2016 is “Drowsy, Distracted or Focused—Your Decisions Drive Your Safety.” We are calling on drivers to take a hard look at what they do behind the wheel (or before getting behind the wheel) that could be increasing their risk of a crash, starting with the importance of being well-rested. Then, buckle up and put away the distractions. And finally, focus on the complex task at hand. Safe driving, all!

Drowsy, distracted, or focused... your decisions drive your safety.

Be Alert, Ready to Slow Down for Wildlife

October is the busiest month for vehicle-wildlife collisions in Oregon. With deer and elk on the move due to breeding season and migration to winter ranges, more wildlife are crossing roads all over the state. ODOT urges motorists to be on alert and be ready to slow down. Signs placed in particularly popular areas for wildlife crossing are one tool to help drivers avoid collisions.

Being especially watchful around sunrise and sunset can help reduce vehicle-wildlife incidents. When you see an animal near or on the roadway, reduce your speed and try to stay in your lane. Many serious crashes are the result of drivers swerving to avoid wildlife or other obstacles and they crash into another vehicle or lose control of their own vehicle. And always wear your safety belt, as even the slightest collision could result in serious injuries.

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 16-22

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American teens — ahead of all other types of injury, disease, or violence. In 2014 alone, there were 2,679 teen (15-19 years old) drivers in cars, trucks, and SUVs involved in fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 123,000 teen drivers were injured.

Parents need to take the time to talk with their kids about the many dangers of driving. Those dangers include alcohol, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, and extra passengers. These dangers are covered in the “5 to Drive” rules of the road.

5 to Drive: Five ways to a safer teen

Halloween Impaired Driving Prevention

Halloween is meant to be scary, but not when it comes to driving. When it comes to drunk or drugged driving, Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. Plan a safe way home now, before the festivities! Find a designated driver or someone to call for a ride — a family member or taxi company, for example — or make plans to ride public transit. You can dress up like Jack the Ripper for Halloween, but don’t be a real killer. Whatever you do, don’t drive impaired.

Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Designate a sober driver.

October 2016

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Brought to you by Oregon Department of Transportation.

Features

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts

Bicyclists

Children

Distracted Driving 

Motorcycles new

Speeding

Young Drivers new

FHWA Public Roads Magazine

Sep/Oct 2016

Jul/Aug 2016 

May/Jun 2016 

Oregon Impact Newsletter 

Sep 2016

Aug 2016

Jul 2016

Traffic Safety Program Managers

Region 1 (Portland)

Kristie Gladhill

Region 2 (Salem)

Nicole Charlson

Region 3 (Roseburg)

Rosalee Senger

Region 4 (Bend)

Chris Cheng

Region 5 (La Grande)

Billie-Jo Deal

 

Oregon Safety

ODOT Transportation Safety Division

ODOT Crash Data

Transportation Safety Action Plan

TripCheck

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