Transportation Safety Newsletter, April 2023

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 04/03/2023 11:15 AM PDT

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

April 2023

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Park your phone. Distracted driving is illegal.

Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today. Distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves; they are a danger to everyone else on the road.

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Oregon will be participating in the National Distracted Driving Enforcement Mobilization Campaign from April 3-10 and drivers using a mobile device could face a Class B traffic violation with a presumptive fine of $265 (maximum $2,000) for the first conviction.

You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing. Eyes on the road. It could save your life.

Move Over Law

First responders and roadside workers put their lives on the line every day to deliver life-saving care to travelers. Helping to ensure they make it home safely at the end of their shift is the goal. The Move Over law says drivers must move over to another lane or slow down by at least five miles per hour below the posted speed for any vehicles stopped next to the side of the road displaying hazard lights or other signs of distress. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the law.

Move over for ODOT Maintenance. Slow down. The Way to Go.

Time to Remove Studded Tires

With the start of spring comes the annual deadline to remove studded tires. Oregon drivers must remove studded tires from their vehicles by Friday, March 31 or risk a Class C traffic violation, which carries a presumptive fine of $165.

Research shows that studded tires are more effective than all-weather tires on icy roads, but are less effective in most other conditions because they may reduce traction between the road and the tire.

When it rains, water collects in the pavement ruts caused by studded tires and creates dangerous driving conditions. In cold weather, that water can freeze and cause extra-slippery roads.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

According to the CDC, excessive alcohol use led to more than 140,000 deaths each year in the United States from 2015-2019, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 26 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink. Many people in Oregon – more than 1 in 5 – drink excessively. Six people in Oregon die from alcohol-related reasons every day. Alcohol Awareness Month is a good time to reflect on the role alcohol plays in our lives and commit to driving sober.

Great Year in Oregon Safe Routes!

Check out our 2022 Program Report to learn about all the great things accomplished statewide – new resources to support SRTS Coordinators, new equity focused webinars, expanded outreach efforts, and a statewide train-the-trainer program for bicycle and pedestrian safety education.

2022: children at school on the grass with fall leaves on the ground and school buses in the background

National Work Zone Awareness Week

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) on April 17-21 is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution and slow down in construction zones.

“Go Orange Day” is Wednesday, April 19 – a day when all roadway safety professionals across the country are encouraged to wear orange to proudly show their support of work zone safety. NWZAW and Go Orange Day are especially important to the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones.