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Safe Driving


There is strong evidence, in Oregon and in other states that laws and enforcement efforts are only successful if they are effectively and continuously publicized, and in conjunction with highly visible enforcement efforts when available. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), public information programs should be comprehensive, seasonally focused, and sustained. 

Since 1982, the Transportation Safety Office has been carrying out comprehensive traffic safety public education campaigns.  Research has been utilized to evaluate the success of each campaign and to assist with targeting safety messages. Surveys of Oregon's driving population have shown that these ODOT - Transportation Safety Office public information programs and efforts are widely recognized.

Aging Road Users ​​Introduction


The effects of aging on people as drivers are highly individual. Driving challenges that may impact people as they age include declining vision, decreased flexibility and reaction time. There are also changes in perceptual and cognitive performance. Transitioning from being an independent driver to h​aving to depend on others for transportation is life-changing. In many cases, finding resources for assistance and transportation can be difficult. 

This project will help educate Aging Road Users and their families by providing information and resources for this vulnerable driving group. There is not a specific ORS that cites for aging road user errors, it is usually reckless behaviors that cause the traffic stop and can result in a violation of ORS 811.140 Reckless Driving​​. 

Addressing Oregon's Rise in Deaths and Serious Injuries in Senior Drivers and Pedestrians - Final Report

Older Population Traffic Safety Facts 2021 Data
Older Population Traffic Safety Facts 2020 Data

​News Release


Is it time to have "The Talk?" - December 5, 2022

Media Toolkit


Animated Graphic

Before you Start Your Car - Park Your Phone -gif

Brochure

Let's Talk About Aging and Driving Brochure - pdf

Radio PSAs

Doctor - 30 Second Radio PSA - English
Age and Wisdom - 30 Second Radio PSA - Spanish

Video

Talk About It: Aging Drivers - 30 second PSA

Resource Links


Oregon DMV Driver Fitness webpage
Eldercare Locator (act.gov)
NHTSA Older Drivers Information webpage
NHTSA Keeping Older Drivers Safety on the Road webpage
Rides in Sight

Drowsy Driving Introduction​​


Every year Oregon lives are lost due to suspected or confirmed incidences of drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Drowsy driving crashes are known to be underreported, as they are hard to detect upon investigation, so the true numbers of drowsy driving related crashes are likely higher than statistics show. ORS 811.140 Reckless Driving​​. 

This is why it is important to learn the warning signs of drowsy driving:

  • Yawning or blinking frequently
  • Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven
  • Missing your exit
  • Drifting from your lane
  • Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road

If you experience any of these warnings signs, pull over to rest or change drivers. Simply turning up the radio or opening the window are not effective ways to keep you alert.

For more warning signs and information about drowsy driving, we have provided links to some useful materials below.

Drowsy Driving Media


Billboards and Posters

Drowsy Driving poster shows a man falling asleep behind the wheel. Text reads, It Only Takes A Second For Sleep To Hit You .
Drowsy Driving Lamar 1400 x 400 - Man jpg
Drowsy Driving Outfront 336 x 160 - Man jpg
Drowsy Driving Outfront 304 x 144 - Man jpg
Drowsy Driving Outfront 252 x 162 - Man jpg
Drowsy Driving Outfront 22.8 x 10.5 Digital - Man
Drowsy Driving Outfront 22.8 x 10.5 Poster - Man

Drowsy Driving poster shows a woman falling asleep behind the wheel. Text reads, It Only Takes A Second For Sleep To Hit You.
Drowsy Driving Outfront 336 x 160 - Woman jpg​​
Drowsy Driving Outfront 304 x 144 - Woman jpg
Drowsy Driving Outfront 252 x 162 - Woman jpg
Drowsy Driving Outfront 22.8 x 10.5 Digital - Woman
Drowsy Driving Outfront 22.8 x 10.5 Poster - Woman

Radio PSA

Drowsy Driving Radio PSA - 30 seconds

Social Media Campaigns

Drowsy Driving Overview

​Webpages

DrowsyDriving.org Facts and Stats
Sleep Foundation Drowsy Driving Facts
NHTSA Drowsy Driving web page
NHTSA Drowsy Driving posters
Centers for Disease Control Drowsy Driving

Reports

AAA Newsroom Article on Drowsy Driving
Expert Panel on Driver Fatigue and Sleepiness Report

Safe Following Distance Introduction​


Safe Following Distance is an important consideration for safe motor vehicle operation. Following too close related crashes rated 9th as the most common driver errors in Oregon for 2020. Issues about following distance receive less attention in the media, perhaps due to the seemingly everyday nature of this type of crash. Rear end collisions often cause death and injury due to speed. 

Failure to avoid a stopped or parked vehicle ahead was the number one driver error in 2020. Distractions often contribute as a variable in the severity of these types of crashes. ORS 811.147. Failure to maintain safe distance from motor vehicle. 

Safe Following Distance Media

​Safe Following billboard showing three vehicles in a lane with a good distance between each of them. Text reads, Give yourself time to react. Avoid following too closely.​

Following Too Close Lamar 1400 x 400 jpg
Following Too Close Outfront - 720 x 208 jpg
Following Too Close Outfront 304 x 144 jpg​
Following Too Close Outfront Digital 22.8 x 10.5 pdf​
Following Too Close Outfront Poster 22.8 x 10.5 pdf​
Space Out - Keep Your Distance Poster pdf
Space Out - It's The Law Brochure pdf

​Lights and Swipes


The Oregon Legislature requires a statewide awareness campaign be conducted for the law requiring use of headlights when also using your windshield wipers. Studies show that headlights help your vehicle to be seen more easily, especially when driving in wet, snowy or foggy weather. When driving with the windshield wipers on, drivers should also turn on their headlights for safety. While each study varies, some have noted that headlight use during the day has resulted in a reduction of crashes by up to 10%. ORS 811.526 Safety campaign for use of headlights​. 

Oregon Law:

ORS 811.515 (6) When limited visibility conditions exist a person shall use a distribution of light or composite beam that is directed sufficiently high and that is of such intensity so as to reveal persons and vehicles on the highway at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle. A person violates this subsection if the person does not comply with the following:

(a) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, the driver must use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The use of the low beams of the vehicle headlight system is in compliance with this paragraph at all times regardless of road contour and loading of the vehicle.

(b) Except when in the act of overtaking or passing, a driver of a vehicle following another vehicle within 350 feet to the rear must use the low beams of the vehicle headlight system.


ORS 801.325 “Limited visibility condition” defined. “Limited visibility condition” means:
(1)Any time from sunset to sunrise; and
(2)Any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles are not clearly discernible on a straight, level, unlighted highway at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead. [1983 c.338 §55; 1987 c.158 §159] 


Lights and Swipes Media

​Lights and Swipes Graphic for Web gif
Wipers On? Lights On! - Graphic for Web gif​
Get Noticed Poster pdf

Radio PSA

Lights and Swipes - We Go Together Radio PSA - mp3​

Social Media Campaigns​

Lights and Swipes Overview​

Red Light Running Introduction​


Red Light Running is another significant cause of serious injury crashes in Oregon. Importantly, red light running is also a significant cause of debilitating brain injury and death crashes. It is essential that every driver in Oregon heed the warning to Stop on Red. Rear end collisions often cause death and injury due to speed, they are the most common collisions for all crashes, but fatal, at 30%. 'Failed to avoid stopped or parked vehicle ahead' was the number one driver error in 2020. Following too close crashes rate 9th in the most common driver errors in Oregon for 2020. Distractions contribute as a variable in the severity of these type of crashes. ORS 811.265 Driver failure to obey traffic control device​​. 

Red Light Running Media

Red Light Running graphic featuring an abstract red light traffic signal and the words, Stop deadly crashes. Always stop on red.

​Red Light Lamar - 1400 x 400 jpg
Red Light Billboard - 720 x 208 jpg​
Red Light Outfront - 304 x 144 jpg​
Red Light Billboard Outfront - 22.8 x 10.5 pdf
Red Light Poster - 22.8 x 10.5 pdf​
See Red Poster pdf

Webpages​

​Federal Highway Safety Administration Red Light Running
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Red Light Running



Contact

Kelly Kapri 
Program Manager
503-507-1783
 
DMV - Transportation Safety Office
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97314-0001