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November 2026 Newsletter
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Fall has arrived with rain and earlier sunsets
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, combining darkness and rain dramatically increases the risk of crashes due to severely reduced visibility, slick roads, and heightened driver fatigue.
Important things to consider are:
- Stopping distance on wet or rainy pavement is 1.5 to 2 times longer than the distance required on dry pavement.
- To improve visibility always keep your low-beam headlights turned on so other drivers can see you. Inspect and replace worn wiper blades and clean the glass both inside and out to prevent streaks and glare.
- Hydroplaning occurs when water on the road (as little as 1/10 of an inch) builds up faster than your tires can push it away, lifting your car off the pavement and causing you to lose steering and braking control.
- Go to Tripcheck.com for road current information about road conditions, closures or delays.
More information is available on the following websites:
ODOT Winter Travel Tips
NHTSA Driving in Severe Weather
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Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Nov 1 - 7
Studies show even a one-hour shift or sleep schedule disturbance can impair reaction times, decision-making, and focus, with effects similar to alcohol impairment.
This is why the National Sleep Foundation promotes Drowsy Driving Prevention Week each year following the end of Daylight Saving Time.
The goal is to reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive while sleep deprived and reduce drowsy driving related traffic crashes.
For more information visit the National Sleep Foundation website.
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New pedestrian safety messages
A new pedestrian safety public service announcement titled, "Mama Knows Best", has been released in English and Spanish. These videos highlight how to walk safely after dark.
How you can protect people walking, biking, or using mobility devices
- Be alert. People using wheelchairs, scooters, or bikes may be harder to see, especially in dark or rainy conditions.
- Yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks, marked or unmarked.
- When passing cyclists or mobility device users, allow at least 3 feet of clearance- Allow more space when safely possible.
- Drive cautiously on wet or leaf-covered roads -wet leaves can be as slippery as ice—Brake gently and avoid sudden maneuvers.
- Increase following distance to allow more time to react.
Visit the following webpages for more information about walking and rolling safely:
ODOT Transportation Safety Office
NHTSA Pedestrian Safety
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Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
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This year Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is on Nov 18. The event gives kids the chance to learn about Ruby’s courage by walking to school. It is the perfect opportunity to teach children about the civil rights movement and make connections to today’s efforts for change.
It's fun – and educational – to crunch some leaves as
you walk and roll to school.
Visit the following webpages for more information about Ruby Bridges and the Walk to School event.
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Child car seat clinic was a success in Jefferson County
Jefferson County Public Health recently hosted a free car seat clinic with the Family Resource Center of Central Oregon and Safe Kids Oregon in Madras, where certified technicians checked car seat setups.
Free car seats and booster seats were available to eligible families while supplies lasted. There was also free pizza, raffle prizes and family resource booths on site.
Fun facts:
There were eight external partners and three internal partners/staff who shared information about their programs, and provided valuable resources to support families and the community.
There were two car seat techs who completed 21 car seat checks/installations. The clinic issued 29 car seats in six hours.
Visit the Transportation Safety Office Safety Belts and Child Seats webpage for information about upcoming car seat events in your area.
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Transportation safety advisory committees to meet in September
Governor's Advisory Committee on DUII, Nov 6, 9 a.m.
Oregon Transportation Safety Committee, November meeting has been cancelled.
Meetings are open to everyone
Accommodation will be provided for people with disabilities, and materials can be provided in alternate formats. To request an accommodation, please visit the public meetings website and sort by meeting name to find the contact information for your particular meeting. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call statewide relay at 711.
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Tell us what you think!
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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 roads safer for everyone.
Take the Traffic Safety Survey now.
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Resources
Have questions? Contact:
Matt Noble | Public Information Officer | M: 503-779-9868
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