Category: Driving Safety

Safety and the New MAX Orange Line

In Spring of 2015, the new Portland-Milwaukie MAX Orange Line will began testing the route to familiarize train operators with the new line. Safety around light rail is important to keep in mind while driving, walking or biking nearby. It takes MAX trains two blocks to stop and they can’t swerve to avoid you. Always… read more

City Planners are looking at $5 million safety improvements on 82nd Avenue

The Oregon Department of Transportation is looking to spend $5 million to improve pedestrian and driver safety at five major intersections on 82nd Avenue in East Portland. All of the 5 chosen intersections are ranked in the top 5% for the most dangerous in Oregon. The safety improvements will be added on the 7.3-mile stretch… read more

Is Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Safe?

With more states legalizing recreational marijuana use, people worry that more drivers under the influence of pot will lead to an increase in traffic deaths. Researchers have studied the effects of driving under the influence of marijuana and it seems a bit hazy. The effects of driving while high of driving while high on marijuana are slower… read more

Winter Driving Safety: How to Drive in Snow and Ice

The three key elements to safe winter driving is stay alert, slow down and stay in control. To prepare for winter weather, schedule a maintenance check-up for your vehicle to make sure everything is in working condition. Always have a sufficient amount of gas in your tank to avoid being stuck in a remote area… read more

Takata Corp Airbag Recall Affects Millions of Vehicle Owners

Potentially dangerous airbags by Takata Corp are recalled in various models of 2001-2007 vehicles.  The airbags blasted shrapnel into the passenger seat and automakers have recalled about 12 million vehicles worldwide due to this problem. Vehicle owners with these airbags are informed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to take immediate action.  In the… read more

Driving Safety During Strong Winds

This past weekend, the Portland area experienced strong winds causing accidents, power outages and other catastrophes.  Driving can be dangerous in windy conditions so it is important to use safety precautions on the road.  Expect sudden gusts at any time but particularly on open roads, when passing bridges or gaps in hedges or overtaking high-sided… read more

How to Teach your Teenager to Drive

Parents know how do drive, but they don’t necessarily know how to describe or teach driving.  It is recommended to have a driving instructor work with your teen to help them learn the rules of the road.  Teens who take formal driver education courses are less likely to be involved in a car crash, get… read more

Pedestrian, Bicyclist and Driver Safety in the Dark

Until mid-December, the days will be getting shorter which means it will be darker in the morning and evenings.  Pedestrians and bicyclists can be even harder to see during the morning and evening commutes. As a pedestrian, make sure to use crosswalks when crossing roads at night.  Try to wear light colored clothing or have… read more

Hands-Free Voice Controls Increase Driver Distraction

A new study by AAA found voice-activated infotainment systems can pose more of a risk than talking on a cell phone while driving.  Researchers at the University of Utah conducted a test with 40 driver’s ages 18-40 in nine different scenarios with a voice-control system created just for the study.  The hands-free version they created… read more

How to Avoid Wildlife Collisions on the Road

Animals are forced to cross roads and highways in search of food, water, cover, and mates placing them in danger of vehicles driving down the road.  The number one way to avoid collisions with wildlife while on the road is to slow down.  In Oregon, the majority of vehicle-wildlife crashes occur from September through November,… read more