Transportation Safety Newsletter, October 2022

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October 2022

Look Out for Each Other

Behind the wheel of a car looking at a crosswalk with various people wearing reflective clothing

Whether it be in a parking lot, crosswalk, or on a road, everyone is a pedestrian. In the U.S., a traffic-related pedestrian death occurs every 84 minutes. In a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian is far more likely to be killed or injured. Protect yourself and your loved ones when walking, and learn how you can help us prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths.

Driving at the posted speed limit provides the driver time to “see, identify, and react” in time to brake for pedestrians – slow, especially at night. And as days become darker, motorists and pedestrians must be more alert.

Pedestrians can carry a flashlight and attach reflective materials to their clothing – these materials reflect light from headlights back to drivers, making it easier to see you.

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School Bus Passing

School bus

Statistically, school buses are the safest way to transport school children. Yet more injuries and fatalities occur outside of or near a school bus because a motorist has failed to obey the stop-arm warning or to follow local traffic laws.

School buses have flashing amber and red lights and they may be equipped with a stop arm that extends from the bus near the driver’s window.

Flashing amber lights warn traffic that the bus is about to stop on the road to load or unload children. Prepare to stop. When the red lights flash, stop before reaching the bus and remain stopped until the driver turns off the flashing red lights.

If you are on a divided highway with two roads separated by an unpaved median strip or barrier, you must stop only if you are on the same side of the road as the bus.

A painted median strip or turn lane does not create two separate roads. In this case, all lanes of traffic must stop.


Halloween Safety

Trick-or-treaters

Halloween is full of tales about haunted houses, spooky music, and frightening movies. Don’t turn the scares into real life dangers by getting behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Designate a sober driver before the party. Call a sober friend, rideshare, or taxi to get you home safely. Let’s keep all the trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween.


First Rains Require Caution

Driver behind the wheel on a highway during the rain

The first hours of rain following a dry spell can mean trouble on the road and travelers everywhere need to be aware of the hazards that can follow. Unexpectedly slick roads can be treacherous if it catches you by surprise, so follow these tips for driving in the rain to stay safe.

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Walk+Roll to School Day

Walk+Roll

​​We invite you to join us October 12 for International Walk+Roll to School Day! On this day, students around the globe celebrate safe routes by walking or rolling to school. All schools in Oregon are welcomed to participate and host an event. You can find details on the day, resources for planning an event, and incentives you can order as giveaways at our website.

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National Teen Driver Safety Week

Teen driver

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 16-22. This week, and every week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. These rules address the greatest dangers for teen drivers: alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and number of passengers. Even if you think they aren't listening, they are. Remember, set the rules before they hit the road.


White Cane Safety Day

Woman walking on sidewalk with cane and guide dog

White Cane Safety Day is October 15, recognizing the remarkable achievements and independence of the visually impaired. It’s also a good reminder for every day: always look out for pedestrians with white canes and be patient so they can get home safely.

In Oregon law, you must give the right of way to a pedestrian with limited vision or any pedestrian who is blind or deaf and blind carrying a white cane or using a guide dog. Stop if the person is about to cross or is crossing the road. Remain stopped until the person has crossed the entire road, even if you have a green light.


Costales Presented National Award

Troy Costales

For his “tireless work on behalf of the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, its members and partners,” ODOT former Safety Administrator Troy E. Costales has received the Kathryn J.R. Swanson Public Service Award. The recognition came during the GHSA annual meeting held in September.


Resources

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Contact us at ODOT Transportation Safety

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.