Transportation Safety Newsletter, November 2021

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November 2021

Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

This Thanksgiving, we're all going out but safety is first.

Every Thanksgiving, people hit the road to gather with friends and family and celebrate what they are thankful for. After a year where many haven’t been able to gather, this Thanksgiving especially will be meaningful for most and will lead many more to travel to see their loved ones. As everyone hits the road, remember to wear your seat belt.

In the U.S., one in 10 people are still not buckling up when they get in their vehicle, and over half of those killed in crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend were not buckled up. This Thanksgiving, and every day, buckle up. Every Trip. Every Time.

Drowsy driver in a vehicle

Drowsy Driving

This year, National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is November 7-13. Nearly 30 percent of drivers have admitted to falling asleep at the wheel, according to a National Sleep Foundation poll, and more than half said they have driven while drowsy. Maybe it's happened to you. You end up at your destination and don't even remember much of the drive. You jerk awake when you hear the rumble strips and realize the vehicle was drifting toward the shoulder.

Every year, drowsy drivers are responsible for thousands of crashes. So if you are yawning, veering out of your lane, or having trouble focusing, don’t try to power through. Pull over and rest or take a quick walk. Drive alert and stay safe.

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Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day - Walk + Roll

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is the perfect opportunity to teach children about the civil rights movement and make connections to today’s collective efforts for change. This day gives children the opportunity to celebrate Ruby’s courage by walking to school. ODOT’s Safe Routes to School team encourages schools across Oregon to host events on Wednesday, November 17 or another day in November to celebrate Ruby!

Here in Oregon, the ODOT Safe Routes to School Program will have free incentives, including a bookmark and sticker, to help promote this special event. Check our website for more details and resources to keep walking and rolling safely along!

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Safety first sign

National Injury Prevention Day

National Injury Prevention Day is on November 18. Every day, 20 children die from preventable injuries, resulting in more deaths than all other diseases combined. In fact, unintentional injury is the leading cause of death for people through 44 years of age.

In the U.S. during a 10-minute timeframe, preventable (unintentional) incidents will cause three people to die and 919 people to suffer an injury severe enough to require a doctor or medical professional. Motor vehicle crashes are the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. – following unintentional poisoning and falls. According to the National Safety Council, your lifetime odds of dying from a motor vehicle crash are 1 in 107. Here are some ways you can reduce your risk:

  • Slow down and follow posted speed limits.
  • Drive, walk, bike, or roll sober - alcohol and drugs impair your abilities and judgment.
  • Know and follow traffic laws.
  • Wear your seat belt.
  • Focus on the task at hand: avoid distractions while walking, rolling, biking, or driving.
  • Scan your surroundings for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
  • Wear your helmet.
  • Plan ahead to avoid unplanned delays due to weather and road conditions.

Sign: Do not pass snow plows on the right

Be Ready for Winter Driving

If you must travel in difficult weather conditions, be sure to have chains or traction tires for your vehicle and use them when it’s necessary. Be ready, severe winter weather can hit without much notice, so be prepared to comply with Oregon chain and traction tire laws and associated posted signs.

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Roadway pavement in need of repair

$5.1 Million Going to Small Cities

Small cities around the state are receiving $5.1 million in funding after approval of latest round of recommendations in the 2022 Small City Allotment program. Approved projects include things like replacing 18 non-compliant curb ramps along with pavement preservation in Durham; adding curb, gutters, sidewalks, bike lanes and curb ramps on selected roads in Scio; and rebuilding roads to match existing curb lines while paving the full width of road, including shoulders, in Maupin.

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Safe Routes to School logo

Safe Routes to School Coordinator

Lane County is recruiting for a Safe Routes to School Coordinator for non-urban schools position. Applications are due on Nov. 10. The coordinator will work with local schools to implement the 6 E’s of Safe Routes to School (Encouragement, Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Evaluation, and Equity) to help students use active transportation modes safely.

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Backing vehicle in a parking lot

Backing Up Safely

Backing collisions account for about 25% of all collisions. But, considering that 99% of the time drivers are behind the wheel, they are moving forward, more awareness is needed on backing up. Every backing situation is different and the use of safe backing vehicle tips can help prevent crashes. The webinar “Backing Up Safely – What Every Driver Should Know” on Nov. 17 at 8 a.m. will help mitigate these avoidable incidents and engage employees/drivers with up-front, easy-to-use tools.

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"data" in magnifying glass

2019 Crash Data Published

It’s official! Our ODOT Crash Analysis and Reporting team has finalized and published the stats on 2019 crashes. Quick Facts, Oregon Traffic Crash Summary Book, and 10-year summary reports by year, city, county, hour and day of week, etc. are also available.

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Resources

Tripcheck logo

Contact us at ODOT Safety Division

Order free safety brochures, posters, and more

Oregon crash data

National traffic safety information

Transportation safety newsletter archives

 

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