Transportation Safety Newsletter, June 2020

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 06/01/2020 03:41 PM PDT

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June 2020

Look Twice for Motorcyclists

Text: Avoid a tragic turn. Look twice for motorcycles. Image: Car driver with left signal on and motorcycle approaching.

If you are in a car, you are surrounded by reinforced steel, airbags, and safety belts – cars are built to provide a layer of physical safety for drivers and passengers. Now think of someone on a motorcycle – they’re on the road with only their helmet, protective clothing, and handling skills to protect them. So they’re also depending on the attention of drivers to keep them safe. It can be difficult to determine an approaching rider’s speed due to their small vehicle size and motorcyclists are likely going faster than they appear.

When the sun is shining and there are more motorcyclists out on the roads, keep an eye out. Looking carefully and actively for motorcycle riders while on the road can be the key to saving a life.

Two bicyclists on a wooded path at Wildwood Recreation Site in Welches

More Bicyclists Hit the Road During Coronavirus Pandemic

While everyone is spending a lot more time at home, people are looking for ways to safely access outdoor space and fresh air and to maintain mental health during a stressful time. Many people are finding that walking or biking in their neighborhood is a great way to get outside and exercise while maintaining a safe distance.

Remember to stay alert, be predictable, follow traffic signals, wear light-colored or reflective clothing, and be especially careful at intersections. And always wear your helmet when biking – it can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%!

Sign on highway: Safety Corridor Next 10 Miles, Fines Double

Two New Safety Corridors on Oregon State Highways

ODOT announced two new safety corridor designations in early May – one in Polk County on OR 22W between Buell and Dallas and one in Josephine County on US 199 between Selma and Cave Junction. Both sections of roadway have seen a significant increase in serious injury and fatality crashes.

Safety corridors are designed to raise public awareness and improve safety by implementing the “4-Es” of transportation safety: education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency medical services. Traffic fines are double and motorists should expect to see an increase in law enforcement patrols.

Oregonian Nightlife: Look out for each other. Be safe, be seen.

New Oregonian Nightlife Postcard

We’ve updated our “Oregonian Crossing” postcard that provides information about Oregon crosswalk laws. The postcard now has a nighttime graphic that shows some options to stay visible in low light conditions. To place orders from the ODOT Storeroom, use stock number 330569. And remember to look out for each other!

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Safe Routes to School Newsletter

Safe Routes Partnership Pacific Northwest recently shared their latest newsletter. Featured is the Oregon Walk+Roll art poster contest. Calling all Oregon K-8 kids: show us how you Walk+Roll in your community and celebrate being safe and active! Art poster contests entries are due by June 15.

Four mail teens standing next to lockers at school

'100 Deadliest Days' for Teen Drivers

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there tends to be an increase in crashes involving teen drivers across the U.S., according to AAA. Now is good time for parents to talk to their teens about safe driving. A teen driver contract can be a good way to establish ground rules and highlight the importance of safe speeds, increasing following distance, avoiding cell phone use while driving, and wearing a safety belt.

Congrats, ODOT TIM and Safety!

Four public service announcements, produced with our consultant Gard Communications, received awards at this year's WorldFest, one of the oldest and largest film and video competitions. Three ODOT Safety Division entries were recognized and one Maintenance and Operations entry was recognized.

Platinum Award for TSD–ODOT’s “No Accident” :30 TV PSA | Watch on Vimeo »
Gold Award for TSD–ODOT’s “Star of the Show” :30 TV PSA | Watch on Vimeo »
Gold Award for ODOT TIM’s “Move It” :30 TV PSA | Watch on Vimeo »
Silver Award for TSD–ODOT’s “Park Your Phone” :45 Theater PSA | Watch on Vimeo »

Congratulations to the Safety Division team and the TIM team!