Free Oregon Friendly Driver Course aims to save lives through education amid ‘urgent need for change’
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Every time a person steps into a crosswalk or a person riding navigates the road with a car, trust is at play. Trust that drivers will yield. Trust that everyone knows the rules. Trust that we all understand our road network is for moving people via many modes.
But with 94 people walking and 12 people on bikes killed in traffic crashes in Oregon last year alone, that trust is too often broken.
That’s why the Oregon Friendly Driver Course exists — to transform how drivers think, react and navigate the road with vulnerable users (i.e. people walking and biking).
This free course, funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and led by Commute Options, with support from the Safe Lane Transportation Coalition and Street Trust, is on a mission to save lives through education.
The Urgent Need for Change
Oregon saw 529 traffic-related deaths last year—far too many. The state of Oregon reported 94 pedestrian and 12 cyclist fatalities caused by collisions with traffic. The Oregon Friendly Driver Course tackles this crisis head-on, giving drivers the skills they need to prevent tragic accidents before they happen.
The Oregon Friendly Driver Course isn’t just another driving class— Through interactive online courses, engaging webinars, and hands-on in-person training, participants gain critical knowledge about:
Traffic laws and how they apply to people walking, biking and driving
The safest ways to navigate roads with all types of users
Real-world strategies to prevent crashes and foster respect on the road
Whitney Bennett of Commute Options puts it plainly: “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent crashes right now. By teaching drivers how to safely share the road, we can protect lives and create a more inclusive transportation environment for everyone.”
Whether you’re a seasoned driver, a new one, or an educator looking to bring this training to your students, this FREE 60-minute course is open to all.
Be part of the change. Learn more and enroll today at www.oregonfriendlydriver.org.
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.
