Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 27, 2016)
January 2016 ODOT Winter Road Guide Page 5 Make the choice to drive distraction-free Distracted drivers pose a deadly risk to everyone on the road. Drivers engage in a range of distracting activities from eating, grooming, reading and talking or texting on their phones. The use of hands-free technologies isn’t without risk as dangerous mental distractions exist even when drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Four types of driver distraction: • Visual -- looking at something other than the road • Auditory -- hearing something not related to driving • Manual -- manipulating something other than the wheel • Cognitive -- thinking aDout something other than driving Most distractions involve more than one of these types, with Doth a sensory -- eyes, ears, or touch -- and a mental component. AvailaDle research indicates that cell phone use while driving, whether it is a hands-free or hand-held device, degrades a driver’s performance. The driver is more likely to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash. Hand-held devices may De slightly worse, Dut hands-free devices are not risk-free. Choose to make a difference 7KH¿JKWWRHQGGLVWUDFWHGGULYLQJVWDUWV with you. Just like Duckling up, it’s a decision that saves lives. Make the commitment to drive distraction-free today. Learn more aDout distracted driving and what you can do to promote safer roads for everyone at www. distraction.gov. Take the pledge to: • Protect lives Dy never texting or talking on the phone while driving. • Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver is distracted. • Encourage friends and family to drive phone-free. Save a life. Spread the word and take the pledge to drive distraction-free at www. distraction.gov or www.itcanwait.com. Distracted Driving By the Numbers (this should De a side Dar piece next to aDove distracted driving article for WRG) In Oregon, from 2009-2013 there were 56 fatal crashes, 58 fatalities and 13,188 injuries involving a distracted driver. In addition, 13 fatal crashes, 14 fatalities and 1,204 injuries during the same period were caused Dy drivers reported to have Deen using a cell phone at the time of the crash. That’s nearly twenty percent of all distracted driving fatalities linked to cell phone use. These crashes are underreported. Convictions for cell phone use while driving during the same time period totaled 71,743 in Oregon. That’s an average of 14,348 convictions per year. In 2014, there were 17,723 convictions for this offence, a 23% LQFUHDVHRYHUWKHSUHYLRXV¿YH\HDUDYHUDJH 10 tips for managing some of the most common distractions: • Turn it off and stow it. Turn your phone off or switch it to silent mode Defore you get in the car. Then stow it away so that it’s out of reach. • Spread the word – there’s an app for that. Record a message on your phone that tells callers you’re driving and will get Dack to them when you’re off the road. You can also sign up for a service or use a cell phone app WKDWDXWRPDWLFDOO\QRWL¿HVFDOOHUVZKHQ\RX are driving. Check www.itcanwait.com for phone apps and more. • Pull over. If you need to make a call, pull RYHUWRDVDIHDUHD¿UVW • Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to make the call or respond to a text for you. • X the Text. Don’t ever text and drive, Drowse online or read your email while driving. It’s dangerous and against the law in most states. Even voice-to-text isn’t risk-free. • Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws Defore you get in the car. Oregon prohiDits the use of hand-held cell phones in addition to texting. • Prepare. If using a GPS device, enter your destination Defore you start to drive. If you prefer a map or written directions, review them in advance. If you need help while driving, ask a passenger to assist you or pull over to a safe location to change your GPS or review your map/directions. • Secure your pets. Unsecured pets can De a Dig distraction in the car. • Mind the kids. Pull over to a safe place to address situations involving children in the car. • Focus on driving. Multi-tasking Dehind the wheel is dangerous. Refrain from eating, drinking, reading, grooming, smoking, and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road. Prevent drowsy driving 'ULYHUIDWLJXHFDQVLJQL¿FDQWO\LQFUHDVH the chance of a crash Living in eastern Oregon typically includes a lot of travel time on state highways for: work; shopping; medical appointments; visiting friends and family; and just getting out to enjoy the Deautiful region. “Too much time Dehind the wheel without proper rest Dreaks, however, can lead to drowsy driving and tragedy,” says ODOT spokesperson Tom StrandDerg. ODOT offers the following information aDout preventing drowsy driving that may just save your life, or the lives of others. Sleepiness or fatigue cause the following: • Impaired reaction time, judgment and vision • ProDlems with information processing and short-term memory • Decreased performance, vigilance and motivation • Increased moodiness and aggressive Dehavior Signs that should tell a driver to stop and rest: 'LI¿FXOW\IRFXVLQJIUHTXHQWEOLQNLQJ heavy eyelids • TrouDle rememDering the last few miles driven, missing exits or signs • Yawning repeatedly • Drifting from lane to lane, tailgating, excessive slowness or speed • Feeling restless and irritaDle When taking prescription or over- the-counter medications, De sure to read all warning laDels. Avoid driving if the medication laDel indicates it may cause drowsiness. “While coffee is a stimulant, it should not De relied on to keep a driver awake,” StrandDerg said. The caffeine jolt from coffee does not kick in until at least one-half hour after it is ingested. “Coffee might ZDNH\RXXSEULHÀ\EXWWKHHIIHFWVDUHRQO\ WHPSRUDU\DQGZHDURIITXLFNO\´ ODOT suggests the following for long trips: • Take along a companion to help keep alert and to drive if you Decome tired. Schedule rest stops every two hours. While sto • pped, get out of the vehicle, walk around and stretch. Make sure your are rested Defore heading Dack on the road. Don’t take chances with drowsy driving. Know the signs of fatigue and get the rest you need. “You r Profession a l Rea l Esta te Choice in Gra n t Cou n ty.” Dayville John Day Valley Lori Hickerson , Principal Broker, GRI, P.C. Sally Knowles , Broker, GRI Babette Larson , Broker, GRI, Office Manager MEMBERS OF RMLS & MLS www.rmls.com and www.centraloregonrealtors.com 215 South Fork Road, Dayville, OR 97825 (541) 575-2617 • (541) 932-4493 • (541) 987-2363 To view all of our properties go to: www.eastoregonrealestate.com Please give us a call for additional listing information.
