With the arrival of beautiful spring weather and longer days, many of us are eager to get back on our bicycles and enjoy the outdoors. During National Bicycle Safety Month in May, safety advocates are reminding everyone—whether you drive, walk, or roll—to “Look out for each other.”

By staying aware of our surroundings, we can avoid tragic accidents that often occur when people are interacting on the road.

Bicycling is an excellent way to get exercise, enjoy the sights, and reduce your carbon footprint. Drivers are reminded that people on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as those in vehicles. When driving, always yield to cyclists as you would other drivers, scan your surroundings—especially near intersections—and only pass cyclists when it’s safe, ensuring plenty of space and reducing speed.

For cyclists, ODOT offers a handy field guide and bicycling manual to help you prepare for a safe ride. As more bicycles take to the road, let’s remember to watch out for one another and enjoy the ride!

Did you know that nearly 40% of your field of vision in a car is blocked by blind spots? As a driver, it’s crucial to stay engaged and alert, especially for motorcycles. Due to their size, motorcycles can be hard to spot in traffic, and it can be difficult to gauge the speed of an approaching motorcycle.

Stay safe—look twice for motorcyclists to help prevent accidents and ensure everyone on the road gets home safely.

Learn more about Motorcycle Safety. 

Using the zipper merge may require a shift in your mindset. Many drivers were taught to merge early and feel like they are being "cut off" by vehicles merging from the ending lane. However, zipper merging is about sharing the road, being patient, and taking turns.

When you see the "lane closed ahead" sign, stay in your current lane until you reach the merge area. Then, take turns with other drivers to smoothly move into the open lane. It’s safer for everyone when motorists use both lanes up to the merge point and then alternate, just like the teeth of a zipper.

By practicing safer driving habits, we can prevent crashes, keep traffic moving, and ensure the safety of both travelers and workers.

Watch Zipper Merge: It's that easy!

Hey Oregonians! Did you know that even on days as cool as 60°F, the inside of a car can heat up quickly? No matter how short the errand, never leave a child in a parked car—it can turn deadly in an instant. #StopLookLock

Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. Tragically, 1,010 children have died from heatstroke in hot cars since 1998. In 2024 alone, 39 children lost their lives to vehicular heatstroke.

Let’s make sure that never happens. Always double-check before you lock your car.

Your voice matters! Take a moment to participate in our quick survey and share your insights. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping safety improvements in your community and across Oregon.

Together, we can make Oregon’s roadways safer for everyone.

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