April Transportation Safety Newsletter: Work Zones

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 04/01/2024 11:00 AM PDT

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April 2024

National Work Zone Awareness Week

National Work Zone Awareness Week on April 15-19 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 17 – a day when all roadway safety professionals are encouraged to wear orange to proudly show their support of work zone safety. And wear orange to show their support for the families of victims who have lost their lives in work zones. This year’s theme is "Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”

Rules of the Road – U-Turns

Did you know that Oregon, Washington, and California all have different rules related to U-turns? In Oregon, one of the most often confused places is at a traffic signal. U-turns are illegal at intersections controlled by a traffic signal, unless posted that U-turns are okay. If there is a sign saying U-turns are okay, you still need to make sure there’s no oncoming traffic.

Learn more about where you can make a safe U-turn in the Oregon Driver Manual.

Park Your Phone

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and we are reminding drivers to save your “likes” for later. Handling your phone while driving is unsafe and against the law. A distracted driver crash occurs every 1.5 hours in Oregon and ending distracted driving starts with you. Just like buckling up, it’s a decision that saves lives. And a distracted driving violation can cost you up to $2,500. So please, before you start your car, park your phone.

Transportation Activity Book

Our staff put together a fun, educational Transportation Activity Book with puzzles, coloring pages, and more – share and enjoy! (P.S. It’s for kids of all ages… even adults!)

Roundabout Safety

Roundabouts are circular intersections with all traffic moving in a counterclockwise direction. The curved entrance to a roundabout reduces speeds and improves safety while also keeping traffic moving. Make sure to yield when entering the roundabout and indicate your plan to exit using your right turn signal. Learn more about safely navigating roundabouts in this YouTube video, roundabout flyer, or the Oregon Driver Manual.

Safe Youth Mobility in Underserved Areas

The Governors Highway Safety Association has awarded grants to five states to implement safe youth mobility programs focusing on walking, biking, and/or riding a scooter. ODOT, in partnership with the state’s Safe Routes to School program, will construct a demonstration crosswalk and walking route in Odell, providing a safe way for elementary students to get to school. Once the installation is completed, the Odell Mid Valley Elementary School “Pumas” will be encouraged to join a walking school bus that will take this route to and from school.

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