Safety Focus

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

No matter the season or the weather, Oregonians stand out together billboard

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and this is a great time to highlight awareness of the importance of creating a safe transportation system for all especially for people not driving who travel by walking or rolling. National White Cane Safety Day is October 15th, recognizing the remarkable achievements and independence of the visually impaired. It’s also a good reminder for every day of the year: always look out for pedestrians with white canes and be patient so they can get home safely.

The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking and rolling on other devices can lead to healthier, quieter, cleaner, and safer streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces. Unfortunately, nationally 2021 there were 7,388 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 12.5% increase from the 6,565 pedestrian fatalities in 2020. This is the highest since 1981 when 7,837 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 71 minutes and injured every 9 minutes in traffic crashes in 2021.

Check out our new pedestrian and speeding PSA: English / Spanish.

National Teen Driver Safety Week - October 15 - 21, 2023

Image of a teen girl in the passenger seat and a teen boy in the driver's seat behind the wheel of a car

During National Teen Driver Safety Week – October 15-21 – and every week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. These rules address the greatest dangers for teen drivers:

• distracted driving (texting while driving),

• impaired driving (alcohol and drugs),

• inconsistent or no seat belt use,

• number of passengers, and

• speeding.

Even if you think they aren't listening, they are. Remember, set the rules before they hit the road. Creating a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement puts your rules in writing to clearly set expectations and limits.

For more information, visit the Shared Future Coalition webpage on Impaired Driving and the NHTSA webpage on Teen Driving.

Halloween Safety - October 31, 2023

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving Halloween Poster

This Halloween the scariest thing is you can be is a drunk driver poster

This Halloween, let’s make happy memories, not tragic nightmares. The only thing scarier than zombies and witches loose on the streets is an impaired driver. This year, NHTSA is teaming up with local officials to help spread the message that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many for some drivers. So, if you plan to drive, plan to refrain from alcohol. If you do plan to enjoy some witch’s brew, be sure to arrange a sober ride home in advance. Stay safe on Halloween night, and every night.