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| ODOT News |
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Representatives from western states will share ideas for making new drivers safer
March 6, 2009
For more information, contact Sally Ridenour, 503-986-3359
More than 200 driver educators from several western states are in Portland this weekend to participate in the 3rd Annual Pacific Northwest Driver and Traffic Safety Conference hosted by the Oregon Department of Transportation -Transportation Safety Division and Western Oregon University.
The conference starts today and runs through Saturday at the Doubletree Hotel near Lloyd Center. The goal is to provide educators with new information and insights in driver education and traffic safety that they can use to make their programs even more effective.
Nationally and in Oregon, car crashes continue to be the number one cause of death among teens. Studies show that quality driver education programs make new drivers better and safer.
“Teens who take an approved driver education course have fewer crashes, traffic convictions and suspensions than those that don’t take a course,” said Troy E. Costales, ODOT Transportation Safety Division administrator and conference presenter. “This conference is a great opportunity for instructors to learn from their peers and improve their programs.”
In Oregon, a 2007 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms that Oregon’s driver education programs and graduated licensing program have improved safety for Oregon’s youngest drivers.
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