Oregon Department of Transportation
Region Transportation Safety Newsletter, June 2016
06/02/2016

Transportation Safety

Working together to create a safe transportation system

Marijuana Warning: May Cause DUII

Oregonians are all too familiar with the terrible consequences of driving drunk. And a number of recent campaigns have brought to light the dangers of distracted driving. However, drugged driving is an increasingly important public safety issue.

Marijuana-infused edibles, extracts, and topical products became legal in Oregon for anyone age 21 and older as of June 2. The effect of marijuana on perception and coordination are responsible for serious impairments in driving ability. The potency of THC has increased substantially over the years and liquid THC, a highly potent distillation of marijuana, can contain up to 90% THC. Liquid THC is odorless and is commonly sold in marijuana food items (edibles) such as candy or baked goods. Even for an experienced cannabis user, the potency of an edible can be surprisingly strong. And marijuana edibles can take up to two hours or more to take effect.

Make it none for the road – Help prevent a tragedy and make a plan for a safe ride home before you partake. Designate a sober driver ahead of time. You can be arrested for DUII – Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants – whether it is alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other legal drugs. Drive Sober. The Way to Go.

Doobie = DUII. Drive sober.

Motorcycle Training Improves Safety

With the warmer weather, many motorcyclists are taking to the roads. For riders, safety education can sharpen your skills and make you better prepared for the challenges of riding in our great state. Basic and advanced classes are available across Oregon. ODOT-approved motorcycle safety courses are provided by the TEAM Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program, which has been delivering rider education for three decades. Visit the TEAM Oregon website for a list of classes near you.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Motorcyclists’ responsibilities include obeying traffic laws, being alert to other drivers, never riding while impaired or distracted, and always wearing a helmet and highly visible gear. All through the year, but especially during the summer when more motorcyclists are on the road, drivers should safely “share the road” with motorcycles and be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.

Let Helmets Protect Your Brain

Bike helmet

Bicycle helmets are required by law in Oregon for kids under 16 years old, not only while bicycling, but also while skateboarding, riding a scooter, or in-line skating. To stay safe, ride bicycles on the right with traffic, use hand signals, obey traffic signs and signals, be visible and stay alert. Wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. Ride safely.

Pull to the Right for Emergency Vehicles

When you see emergency lights, pull to the right – it helps emergency responders arrive at the scene quicker and it is also the law. Failure to do so may result in a $260 fine in Oregon or more. You must yield the right of way to all emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles) when they approach from all directions using lights and sirens. Once you have pulled to the right, stay stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Salem Police Department “Driver Tune Up: Pull to the right for sirens and lights” YouTube video

June 2016

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Traffic Safety Program Managers

Region 1 (Portland)

Kristie Gladhill

Region 2 (Salem)

Nicole Charlson

Region 3 (Roseburg)

Rosalee Senger

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Chris Cheng

Region 5 (La Grande)

Billie-Jo Deal

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