ODOT offers safe driving trips for Labor Day weekend

Last year in Oregon over the Labor Day holiday, six people died in crashes. Five of those were in crashes involving alcohol.

No matter where you drive in the U.S., it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Yet every year, about one-third of all deaths on our nation’s roads involve impaired drivers. In 2015 alone, 10,265 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes.

“When you’re behind the wheel, there’s no room for impairment of any kind,” said ODOT Director Matt Garrett ahead of the three-day weekend, when many families will also be preparing for back-to-school. “People will be out and about for the last holiday of the summer, and we’ll soon have more young people walking and riding bikes to school, so drivers need to have their minds on the road.”

In fact, Garrett and other safety advocates ask that no matter which mode you use, concentrate on your drive, ride or walk as the first and only priority. To that end, a multi-faceted campaign that includes media messages, community events, teen driver and law enforcement training and a brand new educational game, is running statewide to bring attention to – and reduce – distracted driving. Why is this so important? Both the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and a study performed with real drivers by Car & Driver Magazine found that distracted driving actually impairs a driver more than alcohol.

“Hands on the wheel. Mind on the road.” is the tagline for the new distracted driving campaign and it is being promoted using the hashtag #DriveHealthy. DriveHealthy uses a gaming approach to encourage friendly competition and, of course, safe driving. Individuals and groups are invited to join the movement at www.DriveHealthy.org.

And keep these tips in mind – for safe driving every day of the year:

For motorists

Watch for children walking or riding bikes to school in the morning and from school in the afternoon. They may be inattentive and excited, or they may be learning a new route, so be prepared and on the lookout. Remember speeds around school zones (PDF): 20 mph is the maximum in most cases. Stop and stay stopped for people in crosswalks (and keep an eye out for those who mistakenly cross streets at other spots). Be alert for school buses: when overhead lights flash yellow, prepare to stop. When they flash red, stop. Children may be crossing the street at the direction of the bus driver! Obey school crossing guards, whose job it is to help students safely cross the street. Avoid distractions. It is illegal to use a handheld mobile device while driving in Oregon! Follow school parking lot circulation plans; these help provide safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

For students and parents/guardians

Walking to school is safer when children:

Walk with an adult, responsible older sibling or in a group. Walk on the sidewalk, if there is one, or walk facing traffic; be extra careful around driveways or when passing through work zones. Walk focused and alert, not using electronic devices. Cross in a crosswalk and/or with the assistance of a crossing guard. Cross with the signal, not against it, and only cross if all approaching cars have stopped. Wear bright colors and reflective gear, especially as days get shorter.

Biking to and from school is safer when children and adults alike:

Wear a properly fitted helmet. Wear bright colors and reflective gear, especially as days get shorter. Follow rules of the road: ride in the same direction as traffic, stop at all stop signs and signals, etc. Communicate with drivers by using hand signals to indicate turns and stops. Choose safe routes to schools, such as streets or trails with lower traffic volumes and speeds. Ride focused and alert, not using electronic devices.

Riding a bus is safer when children:

Follow the directions of the school bus driver. Stay three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb when waiting for the bus, and when the bus arrives, wait until the driver says to board. When getting off the bus, cross in front at least five giant steps (10 feet) away and look left-right-left for traffic.

For safe holidays and whenever you travel, remember:

Driving sober is your best choice: even one drink can your impair judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for DUII, or worse, the risk of having a crash – killing or injuring you or another loved one. Marijuana also impairs judgment, often in unpredictable ways. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver, add a taxi service to your phone, or plan to use public transportation.