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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 16, 2010)
Page 14 The INDEPENDENT, December 16, 2010 Governor declares December to be “3-D Month”, please drive sober Safety advocates are gear- ing up to bring the message home about driving sober, and it begins with December being proclaimed “Drinking and Drugged Driving Awareness Month” by Governor Ted Ku- longoski. Also known as “3-D Month,” the campaign includes increased enforcement around the state aimed at reducing crashes caused by impaired drivers. “Whether you are out shop- ping, visiting friends or cele- brating with family, we encour- age you to plan ahead, be alert, and don’t drink and drive,” said Linda Fisher-Lewis, Safety Di- vision DUII program manager. “We hope you will do every- thing you can to make the holi- days safe.” The national “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” campaign will be on the air and on the minds of law enforce- ment as they work to get im- paired drivers off the road. Last year during the Christmas/New Year’s holidays in Oregon, two people died in alcohol-involved crashes; in 2008, there were six fatalities from alcohol-in- volved crashes over the holi- days. Motorists are attaching Wishing you Happy Holidays and A Great New Year! Debbie Boone Oregon State Representative , District 32 red ribbons to their vehicles to serve as reminders to drive safe and sober. Ribbons are free and available at DMV of- fices while supplies last. Young people are especially vulnerable. According to the National Highway Transporta- tion Safety Administration, in 2008, of the 1,347 traffic fatali- ties among children ages 0 to 14 years in the U.S., about one out of every six (16 percent) in- volved an alcohol-impaired driver. In Oregon, between 2004 and 2008, 11 of the 19 children aged zero to 14 killed in alcohol-involved crashes were in the car of the impaired driver. Among drivers with blood al- cohol content (BAC) levels of 0.08 % or higher involved in fa- tal crashes in 2008, more than one out of every three were be- tween 21 and 24 years of age (34 percent). The next two largest groups were ages 25 to 34 (31 percent) and 35 to 44 (25 percent). Impaired driving isn’t caused by alcohol alone. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drugs other S TRASSEL ’ S A UTO R EPAIR & H YDRAULIC H OSES Have you been good this year? Ask Santa for a Stihl 2-4-6 S PIRAL W IRE S UCTION H OSES A DAPTORS - 3/16” TO 2” A MERICAN & M ETRIC F ITTINGS B ULK O IL P RODUCTS 276 S UNSET , B ANKS 503-324-9808 than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehi- cle driver deaths. Legal drugs, such as prescriptions and over- the-counter drugs, can also im- pair driving. Be on the lookout for pedes- trians. During Oregon’s dark, rainy winter evenings, pedestri- ans are harder to see. Drivers should be especially alert in downtown shopping areas and near retail outlets. In 2009 in Oregon, the most common pedestrian errors associated with motor vehicles/pedestrian crashes were crossing between intersections; failing to yield right of way; and crossing against the signal. Pedestrians and drivers alike are reminded to follow the laws and be alert for one another. ODOT officials, Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, and Ore- gon Association Chiefs of Po- lice also offer these safety tips: • If you are planning to drink, plan ahead: designate a sober driver or arrange for a taxi to pick you up at a set time. • If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and help your guests be responsible. Don’t let someone who has been drink- ing get behind the wheel. • Take public transit to help reduce stress during the busy shopping season. • Walking or bicycling after dark? Wear bright clothes to help you stand out, and always See 3-D on page 15 We Wish You a Joyful Holiday Season Put some power under your tree. PRECISION OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT Banks Hardware 503-324-5221 • 150 N. Main Street, Banks • Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm • Saturday 8am to 5pm • Sunday 10am to 4pm B ANKS P HARMACY 503-324-5780 662 South Main Street, Banks