Transportation Safety Newsletter, August 2022

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 08/01/2022 11:17 AM PDT

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August 2022

Speeding Catches Up With You

Speed limit is not a suggestion. Limit / n/ the greatest number allowed. and... it's the law.

Despite the death and destruction that come with speeding, nearly all of us do it, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Far too many drivers consider the speed limit a suggestion or, even worse, a minimum. We must change that mindset.

Even if you are running late, speed limits apply to you, too. Maintain a safe speed and keep yourself safe.

Watch for Farm Machinery

CAUTION: person driving farm equipment outlined by yellow outline of Oregon.

For many Oregon farmers, summer is the busiest time of year. Sometimes farms have land spread over a wide region and farmers must drive large, slow-moving equipment or trucks on rural roads or highways to reach a field. Driving a large piece of equipment on a highway is legal and often a necessary part of harvest. The Oregon Farm Bureau offers its Rural Road Safety brochure that has many helpful reminders on safely sharing the road with farmers.

Older Pedestrians’ Safety

Roadway viewpoint of a left turning driver at a traffic light with a permitted left turn.

Research by the Oregon State University College of Engineering and Portland State University suggests a trio of roadway treatments would enable people age 65 and older to travel on foot more safely. Recommendations include improving visibility and illumination, increasing the use of left-turn traffic signals, and shortening crossing distances.

$37 Million Available for Multiuse Paths

Two people riding bikes on a bike path during the fall with bright yellow leaves

Exciting news! On July 14, the Oregon Transportation Commission approved $4 million in state Transportation Operating Funds for the Community Paths Program. There is also $3 million in federal Safe Routes to School funding for community paths projects that address a transportation need of local students.

Acting Fast to Prevent a Tragedy

A vehicle teeters on the edge of an embankment next to a river.

Helping travelers is what ODOT maintenance crews do — and do well. Using their experience and skill, they are there when people need them most. Last month, a car carrying a woman and three children left OR-58 (Willamette Highway) and landed in trees, teetering on the edge of an embankment.

Bilingual Rapid Flash Beacon Crosswalk in Cornelius

Rectangular rapid flashing beacon against a blue sky

We took a major step toward making a safer community for everyone in Cornelius on July 15 by inaugurating a new rectangular rapid flashing beacon on the Tualatin Valley Highway that speaks both Spanish and English. More information about crosswalks and crossing beacons:

A Guide to Oregon Crosswalk Laws in English / Spanish

A Guide to Crossing Beacons brochure in English / Spanish