Transportation Safety Newsletter, July 2023

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 06/30/2023 05:59 PM PDT

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

July 2023

Speeding Catches Up With You

Speeding is a dangerous and aggressive behavior that accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. No matter how safe of a driver you think you may be, speeding is dangerous. Speed limits aren’t a suggestion, they are the law. Obeying these posted speed limits keep drivers and passengers safe.

Although advancements in vehicle safety and passenger protection have progressed extraordinarily over the past few decades, it is still a driver’s responsibility to control their speed while behind the wheel. We are urging Oregonians to please slow down and obey the posted signs. The choices you make behind the wheel could help save lives. Ultimately, Speeding Catches Up With You.

Fourth of July Holiday

Play it safe this Fourth of July. Plan for a sober ride home. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.

Every year, the 4th of July is a holiday to celebrate freedom with fireworks while surrounded by family, friends, and food. This national holiday consistently has one of the highest number of impaired driving-related crash fatalities each year.

Think driving yourself home after drinking is cheaper? Think again!

Average rideshare? $25

Average DUI? $10,000

The choice is simple — if you’ve been drinking, call a sober friend, rideshare, or taxi to get you home safely. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.

Summer Driving Tips

NHTSA Tips: road trip edition. Tip #1: Know your vehicle's safety features, like auto high beams & lane keeping assistance.

Of the many great things about summertime, few match the fun of a family road trip. Before you hook up that new boat or camper, or hit the road with your family or friends in your car, SUV, pickup, or RV, take the time to review these summer travel safety tips. Prevention and planning may take a little time up front, but will spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown - or worse yet, a highway crash - later.

Secure Your Load

Safety outside the vehicle is just as important as safety inside the vehicle. Tie that cargo down! And then ask yourself – “Would I feel safe driving behind that vehicle?” Follow these steps to secure your load:

* Tie it down with rope, netting, or straps.

* Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer.

* Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.

* Don’t overload your vehicle or trailer.

* Always double-check your load to make sure it’s secure.

Rural Road Safety Awareness Week

What's speed got to do with it? National Center for Rural Road Safety. July 17-21st.

This year, Rural Road Safety Awareness Week is July 17-21. The overall theme is “What’s Speed Got To Do With It?” Each weekday of the campaign will have a separate topic, all related to speed management on rural roads.

44th Annual Telly Awards

The 2023 Telly Awards winners were announced recently and the ODOT Transportation Safety Office is the proud recipient of three in the Public Service/PSA category!

Silver Award – "Know the Signs" – Impaired Driving.

Silver Award – "Best Decision" – Driver Ed.

Bronze Award – "One Easy Way" – Occupant Protection.