Transportation Safety Newsletter, March 2019

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 03/06/2019 07:42 AM PST

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March 2019

Designate a Sober Driver this St. Patrick’s Day

Designated O'Driver. Don't judge him. He could save your life this Saint Patrick's Day.

For decades, Americans across the country have come together to celebrate their Irish heritage (Irish or not) over a pint of green beer and community festivities. Sadly, all this merry-making can lead to dangerous driving conditions as party-goers head home. Drunk driving accounts for nearly one-third of vehicle-related fatalities. Even one drink can be one too many. If you plan to go out and enjoy the evening with alcohol this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, make sure you refrain from driving.

Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem. If drivers are impaired by any substance—alcohol or drugs—they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. The bottom line is this: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple.

St. Patrick’s Day should be a fun holiday, but we expect everyone to take responsibility for their actions. Whether you’re driving yourself or your friends, make sure you stay sober or plan for a sober ride home. Remember: It’s not just about you. There are other people on the roads who want to get where they are going safely.

Driver Ed Wants You!

Join us and become an ODOT-approved driver ed instructor. It's a great way to earn extra income on the side or after retirement. Training is free, and best of all you'll be helping to save young lives.

Oregon State Police Roseburg Office snowy scene

Winter Driving

Here is some good advice from our friends at Oregon State Police. Roadways all over the state are still covered with snow, ice, black ice. Use extreme caution.

“Spring Forward” and Plan Ahead

On March 10, Oregonians will spring forward by setting clocks ahead one hour. Safety advocates want to remind travelers that any change to sleeping patterns can result in drowsy driving – and that can be deadly just like driving impaired.

Unlike drunk driving, driving drowsy is not a behavior people readily recognize as wrong. Around one-third of American drivers have admitted falling asleep at the wheel, and more than half (60 percent) said they have driven while drowsy, according to a National Sleep Foundation poll. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for tips on avoiding drowsy driving, how to recognize it, and what to do… before it’s too late.

Vehicle Recalls

NHTSA manages vehicle safety recalls, sets vehicle safety standards, and requires automakers to recall vehicles that have safety defects or do not meet those standards. If your car has a recall, get it fixed - it could save a life. Also, check your car for recalls at least twice a year, and sign up to receive alerts about new recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.