ODOT, Commute Options partner on free Oregon Friendly Driver Course, aiming to reduce crashes
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Friendly Driver Course is a collaborative effort funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation and administered by Commute Options with regional support from Safe Lane Transportation Coalition and Street Trust.
The Oregon Friendly Driver Course continues to make significant strides in enhancing road safety across the state through education. By providing free, accessible courses, they are fostering a culture of respect, awareness, and mutual responsibility among all road users.
Oregon’s roads witness a disproportionate number of crashes involving vulnerable road users, underscoring the urgent need for effective safety measures. The Oregon Friendly Driver Course addresses this challenge head-on by equipping drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely navigate the road with people walking, people biking and people driving.
Through engaging online courses, webinars and in-person classes, participants learn about traffic laws, road infrastructure and best practices for interacting with diverse road users. The course emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding. It is designed to promote a safer and more inclusive transportation environment for everyone.
“The Oregon Friendly Driver Course is a vital component of our ongoing efforts to create safer roads for all,” said Whitney Bennett of Commute Options. “By investing in educating drivers, we can significantly reduce crashes and protect vulnerable road users.”
Key components of the Oregon Friendly Driver Course include:
- Comprehensive online courses covering traffic laws, roadway responsibilities, and conflict resolution
- Engaging webinars featuring expert speakers and interactive discussions
- In-person classes provide hands-on learning opportunities and community engagement
Since its inception, the course has empowered Oregon drivers to become more aware and responsible road users. By fostering a shared commitment to safety, the Oregon Friendly Driver course is helping to build a stronger and safer transportation system for all Oregonians.
To learn more about Oregon Friendly Driver and to enroll in a course or schedule in-person instruction for your students, please visit www.oregonfriendlydriver.org .
About the Oregon Department of Transportation:
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been funding the Oregon Friendly Driver Course since 2017. ODOT is a department of the state government of the U.S. state of Oregon responsible for systems of transportation. ”We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive.” Learn more about ODOT here
About Commute Options:
Commute Options administers the Oregon Friendly Driver Course. They are dedicated to innovative transportation options that connect people of all ages to the places they go – employees to their workplaces, students to their schools, and neighbors within their communities. Commute Options champions active transportation and infrastructure improvements, fostering essential partnerships, and educating the community on transportation options. Commute Options increases access to transportation options across Oregon. Learn more about Commute Options here.
