September Transportation Safety Newsletter: Back to School Safety

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September 2024

Back to School Safety

School's in. Watch out for kids. Drive safely.

Across Oregon, many children are headed back to school, and regardless of how they get there, we want them to get there safely. ODOT reminds parents – and drivers – that when you think of back-to-school, think about “safety.” Slow down and stay alert in neighborhoods and school zones, and be on the lookout for pedestrians before, during, and after school hours. Focus on driving when you’re behind the wheel, not your phone or other distractions. Come to a complete stop at stop signs and check carefully for people walking and biking on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding. Let’s all work together for a safe new school year!

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Labor Day Holiday

Happy Labor Day. Grill image with grilling tools.

However you decide to celebrate the Labor Day holiday weekend, remember to plan a sober ride home before you leave for the party or campground. The national enforcement mobilization "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" goes into effect across the country August 14 to September 2 to raise awareness about one of the deadliest and most often committed – yet preventable – of crimes: impaired driving. Celebrate Labor Day, but celebrate safely.


Child Passenger Safety Technicians

Parent installing a rear facing child car seat in vehicle

Nationally certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians all have one thing in common: they care deeply about kids and want to make sure they are safe on every ride. A total of 710 children (under 13) were killed in passenger vehicles in 2021 and more than 100,000 were injured in the U.S. During the technician course, you will learn about what happens during a crash, injury prevention strategies, how to choose a car seat for different children, how to install car seats properly, and how to keep all passengers safe in a vehicle. Learn more about becoming a certified technician.


Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock

You say you'd never forget them, but never happens. Prevent hot car deaths. Stop. Look. Lock.

We’ve all forgotten something in the car. Every year, dozens of children are forgotten in the back seat of a car by a parent or caregiver. It can happen to anyone – especially if the child is sleeping or if you are out of your routine – and the outcome could be deadly. Even in temperatures as low as 60°F, the inside of a car can overheat quickly. And no matter how quick the errand, never leave a child in a parked car – it could turn deadly fast. A cracked window isn’t enough to prevent heatstroke. Stop. Look. Lock.


Rumble Strips: Saving Lives on Oregon Roads

Grooved pavement rumble strips with green grass on shoulder

Rumble strips are a proven lifesaver. You might have noticed these grooved or indented strips that create a vibration and sound when your vehicle crosses them. They act as an early warning system, helping drivers stay in their lane and avoid crashes. With over half of Oregon’s traffic fatalities caused by roadway departures, rumble strips play a key role in keeping you safe. Drive carefully, and let these strips guide you to stay within your lane.


It’s Paint Striping Season!

Pavement painting equipment

Late summer is when striping crews are busiest in Oregon. "It's wet paint, and it can definitely get on your vehicle," say crew members. As the season for road striping begins, remember to watch for signs and stay alert. Orange signs mean slow down and pay attention to safely navigate the work zone. If the truck's sign says, "Do not pass," please don't pass. Allow extra time for your drive and be patient. For the latest traffic, project, and travel updates, call 511 or visit TripCheck.com.


Transportation Safety Conference

Conference with people watching a presentation

Registration for the ODOT Transportation Safety Conference is now open. The conference will be held September 17-18 at Spirit Mountain Casino and Conference Center in Grand Ronde. The Transportation Safety Conference will provide a forum for multiple disciplines of traffic safety advocates to learn about traffic safety issues and what is being done from a safety perspective to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes in Oregon. Register today!


Resources

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