Safety Encouraged on 126W, Nov. 7

ODOT asks for travelers’ help improving safety on OR 126 between Eugene and Florence. The highway has experienced a dramatic increase in crash fatalities in 2014. The Oregon Department of Transportation will underwrite extra enforcement patrols and take other steps to increase safety on OR 126W (Florence-Eugene Highway) between Eugene and Florence in the wake of a dramatic increase in crash fatalities. The agency is also asking the public to exercise safe driving habits on this stretch of road. “A six year average of one crash every three-and-a-half days; one person injured every four days; and a fatal crash every four months; is not acceptable,” said ODOT Region 2 Manager Sonny Chickering. A double-fatal crash east of Mapleton Thursday morning, Nov. 6, brings to 10, the number of people who have died in crashes on the highway segment in this calendar year. That is more than the nine fatalities recorded during the entire five year period between 2009 and 2013. All of the 2014 fatalities involved lane departure or roadway departure crashes. “Safety is the most important thing to remember when you get behind the wheel. We know that driving violations, such as speeding, driving impaired or distracted, or riding without a safety belt, are major factors in lane departure and roadway departure crashes,” said ODOT Region 2 Safety Officer, Nicole Charlson. “If we can change that behavior, we can reduce fatalities.” Charlson says you can improve safety by taking these simple steps: Obey the speed limit. Excessive speed is a factor in many crashes and the most common one in crashes that result in fatalities. Be aware of weather and traffic conditions before you leave, adjusting your speed and driving to the conditions – especially in rainy weather and in low-light areas. Don’t drive, walk or ride impaired. Alcohol, illegal drugs and even some legal drugs can reduce the ability to use good judgment. Pay attention: your life depends on it. A split-second distraction could cost a life. Get rested before you are tested. Avoid being fatigued or drowsy, so you can arrive at your destination safely. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Buckle up every time. Safety belts and child safety seats are the biggest contributors to saving lives in crashes. Meantime, ODOT continues to take steps to improve safety on the highway: • Funding overtime enforcement patrols (Ongoing); • Installing “Lights on for Safety” signs (2004); • Creating additional “no passing zones” (2006); • Installing profiled durable striping (2007); • Installing nearly 11 miles of centerline rumble strips (2014); • Updating curve warning signs (2014); • Planning the installation of a Dynamic Curve Warning Sign (Planned – 2015); • Planning additional centerline rumble strips to a 19 mile segment (Planned – 2015). To learn more about ODOT’s Transportation Safety Programs, visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/ Know Before You Go – For the latest road conditions, visit www.tripcheck.com.