OSP-ODOT plea: Drive safely over spring break

Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation urge all drivers to drive safely and save lives over during the spring break period, March 22 – 30, 2014.

Many people traveling this spring break, either alone or with family or friends, will hit our highways day and night. During the 2013 spring break period (March 23 – 31), six people, ages 17 – 79, died in six separate traffic crashes on Oregon roads.

“Fatal and serious injury crashes are almost always preventable, usually attributed to driver error, and the impacts to those affected can be devastating,” said OSP Major Travis Hampton. “OSP troopers are joining law enforcement and traffic safety partners around the country encouraging all motorists to pledge their support for highway safety and to comply with all traffic safety laws.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highway fatalities rank as one of the top 12 causes of death in the United States and are the leading cause of deaths among teens. Over 33,000 people dying on our nations’ roadways is unacceptable.

Last year, preliminary numbers show Oregon recorded 314 traffic fatalities, a drop of nearly 7 percent from the number of fatalities in 2012. Through March 19, 2014, 50 people have died in Oregon traffic crashes.

The Oregon State Police and ODOT urges all motorists to join their law enforcement officers in keeping our roads safe by obeying the posted speed, properly use safety restraints and child safety seats, don’t drive distracted, drive safely within your traffic lane, and never drive impaired or fatigued.

Everyone traveling – bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and motorists alike – all have the individual responsibility for keeping our roads safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous and intoxicated drivers to 9-1-1 or call OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).