 One Text or Call Could Wreck It All
We all know that talking on our cell phones or texting while driving is risky, but that doesn’t stop most people from continuing to do it. ODOT has partnered with Oregon State Police and AAA during the month of April to reduce distracted driving. This national distracted driving effort focuses on ways to change the behavior of drivers through legislation, enforcement, public awareness and education – the same activities that have curbed drunk driving and increased safety belt use.
The month-long campaign will kick off with an event at the State Capitol on April 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The goal is simple – save lives by getting drivers to remember that “One Text or Call Could Wreck It All.”
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Sports Safety
Preventing concussions is an important part of sports safety. Did you
know that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%? And
in Oregon bicycle helmets are required by law for kids under 16 years old, not
only while bicycling, but also while skateboarding, riding a scooter, or
in-line skating.
Check out these tips for a perfectly fitted bicycle helmet (PDF) and more from the Sports Safety video series by Safe Kids and Johnson
& Johnson.
Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Did you know that kids who learn
about the dangers of underage drinking from their parents are up to 50 percent
less likely to experiment than kids who don’t? So, talk to your kids and help them
connect the dots about alcohol use – it’s worth it.
According to the National
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, most teenagers know you should not
drink and drive and about two-thirds of teens do not accept rides from drivers
who have been drinking. Is your teen one of them? Start the conversation today
and help save a life.
Every
Pays the Price for Texting & Driving
Distracted driving is an
issue everywhere – no matter where you live in Oregon, you will see people
texting or talking on their cell phone while driving. And according to the
Insurance Information Institute, crashes related to distracted driving are
making the cost of insurance premiums go up for everyone.
Since 2011, the
average insurance premium has jumped 16% to $926. There are factors outside of
your control that cause insurance rate increases, such as crashes that other
people are involved in. So, do us all a favor and silence and stow your phone out
of reach before you drive. More: NBC News article.
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