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January 2021
It's the time of year to make resolutions, resolving to change bad habits or start a new healthy activity. Resolutions can be powerful if we are serious about them. Consider adopting one of these resolutions that can actually save lives and prevent tragedies if we put them into practice every day:
- If I have to drive, I resolve to not drive when I’ve been drinking.
- I resolve to stay sober if I’m the designated driver.
- I resolve to obey the speed limit.
- I resolve to not text or talk on my cell phone while driving.
- I resolve to wear my seat belt during every trip, every time.
- I resolve to drive alert – pay attention to the complex task of driving – and avoid driving while drowsy.
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 Headlights On
During the winter months when driving in the fog is more common, make sure your vehicle headlights are turned on for your safety and the safety of everyone on the roads. Drive with low beams and fog lights – high beams reflect off the fog and decrease visibility.
Make sure that headlights are properly aimed and clean so you get the benefit of the maximum field of vision. Minimize distractions and reduce your speed so you have time to react safely. Increase your following distance from other vehicles to ensure you have time to see and respond to any obstacles in the roadway. And be aware that pedestrians and bicyclists may be harder to see in the fog as well – be extra cautious at intersections, especially when turning.
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 Tire Chain Installation
Check out this new video about safely installing quick-fit winter tire chains and tips for driving with them on your tires. Practice installing your chains before your winter travel. And a quick reminder: chains work best when you remember to bring them along. So keep them in your vehicle!
Make sure to stay under 25 mph, avoid driving on bare pavement, don’t lock or spin your wheels, and ensure chains are tight on your tires. Visit TripCheck.com before you head out and know before you go. Travel winter smart!
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Hang Up and Drive
Advocates for distraction-free roads, Jacy Good and Steve Johnson, are bringing their important “Hang Up and Drive” message to Oregon. To schedule these event speakers at your school or organization this year at no cost and for more information, check out the event flyer. Watch and share the “It Can Wait” video.
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Unsafe Parking in Winter Recreation Areas
Some snow-seekers heading to winter recreation areas via state highways are finding designated parking areas filled and are creating safety issues by parking on roadsides. Walking across the highway to reach your destination creates a safety hazard. Your parked vehicle may also create a hazard for emergency vehicles and snow plows.
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TripCheck
Ever wonder what the blue dots on TripCheck.com signify? The circles indicate weather hazards and also list current chain restriction information. When the circles are half-blue and half white they indicate a weather warning. TripCheck is a one-stop shop for information on traveling in Oregon, with the latest conditions via road cameras, continuous winter travel updates, year-round highway construction details, and other valuable tips to get you to and from your favorite places in Oregon!
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Traffic Incident Management Responder Training
Traffic Incident Management (TIM) consists of a planned and coordinated multi-disciplinary process to detect, respond to, and clear traffic incidents so that traffic flow may be restored as safely and quickly as possible. TIM Responder Training brings together personnel across the responder spectrum – such as law enforcement, fire, transportation, emergency medical services, towing, public works, haz-mat disciplines – to build a stronger, more coordinated corps at the local and national level. ODOT is hosting a series of free online training on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month beginning in January 2021.
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Projects Will Support Safety near Schools
Students all across Oregon will soon have safer ways to get to and from school, with the approval of $28 million in Safe Routes to School investments.
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Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
The Oregon Transportation Commission approved an initial plan to invest more than $2.2 billion in different types of transportation projects through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (known as the STIP) for 2024 to 2027. The STIP funds construction projects and a variety of transportation programs, including roads and bridges, bicycle, pedestrian, and public transportation.
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Resources
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