Transportation Safety Newsletter, December 2019

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December 2019

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

Feeling nervous about driving. Let's talk about it.

December 2-6 has been declared “Older Driver Safety Awareness Week” with a goal to promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation and ensure older adults remain active in the community—shopping, working, or volunteering—with the confidence that transportation will not be the barrier to strand them at home.

Each day of the week, the American Occupational Therapy Association will bring attention to a different aspect of older driver safety.

As we get older, our health and abilities change. Over time, this may affect our ability to drive safely. Here’s where to turn for starters: Tips for aging and driving: Learn how to spot changes and talk about options.

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There is no brake pedal on the passenger side.

Sign Up for Driver Ed

One more reason to sign your teen up for ODOT-approved driver ed: An approved driver instructor has the proper equipment and resources to give your teen the training and experience they need to become a safe driver. Stress less. Save more. And let the pros handle it.

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Stay safe. Don't drive distracted.

Crash, Not Accident

Our friends at Michigan DOT created this new video. It’s true – aside from a few crashes that involve medical emergencies or wildlife, the vast majority of crashes are caused by human behavior. Human error causes 94 percent of all motor vehicle crashes, due to mistakes like speeding, fatigue, drunk and distracted driving, or following too close. It’s a crash, not an accident. Traffic crashes are most often preventable. Let’s stop using the word “accident” today.

Watch Video

In December 2017, there were 885 drunk driving related fatalities.

Drive Sober This Holiday Season

Drinking and driving is never a good idea, but especially during the holiday season when your loved ones are waiting for you to come home safely. In December 2017, there were 885 drunk driving related fatalities. Even one cocktail can impair your driving ability. Arrange for a sober ride this holiday season.


Video NBC News. Car seat alert: A winter coat could endanger your child.

Car Seat Safety: Winter Jackets

As a general rule, bulky clothing like fluffy winter coats should not be worn underneath the harness of a car sat, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The padding leaves extra space under the harness that could cause a child to slip out through the straps and be thrown from the seat. As an alternative, consider thin layers and placing a coat or blanket over the car seat straps after the child is safety buckled up. More winter safety tips.

Watch Video


Traffic Humps yellow roadway sign

Pedestrian Safety & Traffic Speed

A new NCHRP report documents strategies and countermeasures to address pedestrian safety via traffic speed management in urban environments. Measures that are effective at reducing speed, such as speed humps and mini traffic circles, are sometimes used in low-speed areas such as school zones. But they are often not recommended or allowed (via local policy) on the higher-speed streets typically associated with the highest injury severity for pedestrians. This synthesis project has identified some noteworthy and promising practices.

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Resources

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Oregon crash data

National traffic safety information

Oregon Impact newsletter

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Plan your trip: road conditions and travel information 24/7: www.TripCheck.com or dial 511.