Transportation Safety Newsletter, December 2022

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December 2022

Holiday Travel

Driving drunk can put your winter plans on ice. Snowman, car, police car on roadway.

During the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods in 2020, there were more drunk driving-related fatalities than during any other holiday period that year.

On average, a DUII can set you back $10K in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.

Don’t waste your hard-earned cash – or risk getting home safely – on a bad decision. If you’ve been drinking, call a sober friend, ride share, or taxi to get you home safely. Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

YouTube video: Talk about it - aging drivers

In 2020 there were 55.7 million people - 17% of the total U.S. population - who were 65 and older. It is important to note, simply getting older does not mean a person’s driving days are over. It is important, however, to plan ahead and take steps to ensure the safety of older loved ones on the road. The goal during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 5-9), and every week of the year, is to raise awareness about older driver safety.

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Highway Worker Lucky to Be Alive 

Construction zone with barrels on highway at night with police lights

A highway construction worker from Gage-It Construction was hit by a semi on Nov. 6 while setting up a work zone on I-5 in Medford. Remember: if you see flashing lights – police, fire, tow trucks, or ODOT workers – you are required by law to either get over into the next lane or slow down. Driving conditions can change quickly on the highway so stay focused, alert, and avoid cell phone use to help keep everyone safe.

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Stand Out Together

YouTube video Stand Out Together

A new public service announcement was created to remind people driving in Oregon that despite rainy or snowy weather during the winter months, people may be walking or rolling so make sure to look out for them. This is also a reminder to people walking and rolling to stand out with bright colors or reflective gear to increase your visibility to other road users.

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New Bike Crossing Signal in Corvallis

YouTube video of new bike crossing in south Corvallis

Travel in South Corvallis is now safer for people riding bikes, walking, and rolling alongside people driving thanks to a new bike signal at the intersection of OR 99W and Crystal Lake Drive. It is the first diagonal bike crossing signal on an Oregon highway, though there are some on local roads in Eugene, Portland, and other communities.

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Sidewalks, Bicycle Lanes, Curb Ramps, More

Roadway with no sidewalk or curb

Small cities around the state are receiving $6.1 million in funding after the Small City Allotment Advisory Committee approved the latest round of recommendations in the 2023 Small City Allotment program.

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Snowplow Simulator Improves Safety

Snow plow simulator at Tillamook Bay Community College

ODOT drivers will be out in the worst possible conditions all winter long to help make our roads safer for travel. To enhance driver skill and reduce the number of collisions this winter, ODOT has partnered with Tillamook Bay Community College to use the college's driving simulator to give the snowplow operators some practice and coaching on working in the snow before winter brought the real thing.

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Resources

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