For More Information Contact:
Heidi Hiaasen, Public Affairs, 541-388-6178
Drive safely this Labor Day Weekend
If the open road is calling for Labor Day weekend, remember it’s calling a lot of other drivers too.
Drive safely as you head to the mountains, coast, valley or local barbecue for the last long weekend of summer. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) asks drivers to plan ahead and expect to share the roads with lots of other travelers.
“Plan to take some extra time to get to your destination,” said Debbie Williams, Region 4 Safety Coordinator. “Speeding, tailgating and unsafe passing are forms of aggressive driving.”
Labor Day weekend is second to Memorial Day weekend in the number of alcohol-related fatalities in Oregon. Law enforcement agencies in Oregon, in partnership with ODOT, are joining NHTSA’s national impaired-driving enforcement blitz “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” that runs from August 18 through September 4, including the Labor Day weekend.
“Two-thirds of all traffic-related fatalities in Oregon are related to excessive speed, lack of safety restraints, and driving impaired,” said Williams. “These deaths are related to choices people make. Make the choice to get to your destination alive.”
ODOT asks travelers to have a safe holiday weekend:
· Make sure everyone is wearing proper safety restrains. Secure pets and cargo.
· Allow extra time to get to your destination.
· Don’t drink and drive. Don’t let others drink and drive.
· Plan ahead. Visit www.TripCheck.com or call 511 to check highway conditions.
· Have a full tank of gas and plenty of water.
Class in Session: Follow School Zone speeds as kids return to school
After the long weekend, motorists are asked to be aware of an increase in traffic and children as school starts for the year. Watch out for students walking, biking and getting on and off school buses.
Drivers may notice differences in school zones this fall. Some signs have changed under House Bill 2840 from the 2005 Legislature. Oregon law now requires drivers to slow to 20 mph in school zones when yellow lights are flashing, during the hours that signs indicate or, if no specific hours are posted, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when school is in session.
|