Region Transportation Safety Newsletter, July 2018

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 06/28/2018 06:13 PM PDT

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July 2018

Fourth of July Holiday

Don't celebrate our nation's freedom in handcuffs

Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate the birth and freedoms of this country. Before you head out for your celebrations, make sure you plan for a sober way home. Law enforcement in Oregon is taking part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign during the Fourth of July holiday to put an end to drunk and drugged driving and to protect the lives of residents in their communities.

When you drive impaired, you risk your life and safety, and the lives and safety of those riding with you and around you. Not only that, a DUII arrest could cost you up to $10,000, not to mention the loss of your driver license. You could face jail time, higher insurance rates, and hefty expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing, repairs, and lost time at work.

This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100-percent sober and don’t be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people. Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Our Family Is Working for You

Working on Oregon roads can be a dangerous job. Orange is your clue to slow down, pay extra attention, and avoid distractions like cell phones – they don’t mix well with traffic changes, uneven pavement, and huge machinery. Whether you’re headed off to the beach, the mountains, or even the office, remember to look for orange and respect the zone. We are working to make the roads better for all Oregonians. Help make sure everyone gets home safely!

Watch Video

Drowsy Driving

A new report explores the prevalence of driver drowsiness immediately prior to crashes. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that drowsiness was identified in 10 percent of crashes that resulted in significant property damage, airbag deployment, or injury. According to the National Safety Council, you are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued. We encourage drivers to remember the role that rest plays in safe driving and make sure you are getting the sleep you need each night before getting behind the wheel.

Keeping Teen Drivers Safe

Car crashes are the number one killer of teens in the U.S. As their parents, we want to keep them safe. If we understand the risks teens face on the road, we can help them beat the odds. A national study shows teens who take formal driver training in Oregon have much lower crash rates. Yet only about a third of eligible Oregonians actually sign up for driving classes, saying they don't have the time, money or easy access to them. Oregon teens who took an approved ODOT driver education course have fewer crashes, traffic convictions and suspensions. Find an ODOT-approved driver education course. And learn more about keeping your teen driver safe.

Secure Your Load

Today we're joining organizations across the country in raising awareness about the importance of securing your load. Why? A 20 lb. object at 55 mph has a force of 1,000 lbs. at impact. Beyond the huge safety risk, unsecured loads are responsible for up to 40% of roadside litter. Keep road users safe and Oregon's landscape beautiful by securing the load. Whether you’re bringing home some lumber for a home remodeling project or hauling a load of hay, there are simple steps to prevent a spill.