July Transportation Safety Newsletter: Fourth of July

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July 2024

Fourth of July Holiday

This 4th of July plan a sober ride home.

Do you have July 4th festivities planned? With the combination of hot weather, late night fireworks, celebratory gatherings, and volumes of folks out and about, it’s not surprising that impaired driving increases this time of year. Make sure your plans include a sober ride home. Designate a sober driver before the fireworks start.

Speeding Catches Up With You

Pass on driving fast. Speeding catches up with you.

Modern life schedules can be dizzying, but safety can’t be rushed! When you’re behind the wheel, always obey speed limits. Consequences of speeding: increased fuel cost, greater chance for loss of vehicle control, increased risk of a crash, severe injury, or death. Getting to your destination five minutes later is better than not arriving at all. Speeding Catches Up With You.


Rules of the Road – Sharrows

Bicyclist riding on a road with the sharrow symbol painted on the roadway

Do you know what a sharrow is? A sharrow marks a lane that is shared by people driving and people biking — this helps move traffic more efficiently. When you see sharrow markings, expect a person on a bike to take the lane.

New to riding, or need a refresher? Learn how to safely take a lane with this helpful video from our partners at Commute Options.

Not all travelers use bikes, but all travelers ARE responsible for sharing the road.


100 Deadliest Days of Summer

Teen driver getting instruction in a vehicle

The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are when the number of crash fatalities involving teen drivers rise according to AAA. Teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashes, in part due to immaturity, lack of skills, and lack of experience. Teenagers speed, they make mistakes, they wear their safety belts less often, and they get distracted easily – especially if their friends are in the car. Parents are the best line of defense to ensure a safe ride and have more influence on their teens than they may think. Pointers for parents.


Secure Your Load

Secure your load logo

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.

Read More


Resources

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Oregon crash data

National traffic safety information

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Plan your trip: road conditions and travel information 24/7: TripCheck.com or dial 511.