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Making an Impact



November 2025

In this issue:

  • Fall Check, Vehicle Safety Recalls
  • Thanksgiving Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time
  • If You Feel Different, You Drive Different
  • Keep an Eye Out: Fall Driver Safety Tips for Oregon Roads
  • Oregon Impact Toolbox: Tools You Can Use 
  • Upcoming Events
 

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Fall Check, Vehicle Safety Recalls

Millions of vehicles are recalled each year. So it’s essential to include vehicle safety recall information in any road safety communication plan. We have material that helps inform vehicle owners about the process of checking for safety recalls and getting a recall repair, and educates drivers about the importance of regularly checking their car for recalls. 

In 2024, there were:

  • 1,073 safety recalls affecting more than 35 million vehicles and other automotive equipment.
  • more than 29 million vehicles recalled. 

Safe Cars Save Lives, and every vehicle recall is a safety-related issue, which means it’s essential to get the repair done immediately.

NHTSA provides a free user-friendly recall look-up tool that allows you to check for open safety recalls for your vehicles, motorcycles, or automotive equipment, such as tires and car seats.

  • If your vehicle is affected by a safety recall, contact your local dealership to schedule a recall repair as soon as possible. Remember: Every recall is fixed FOR FREE.

If you have a used vehicle, you may not be receiving your vehicle’s recall notices. This is why it is important to take the initiative: Sign up for safety recall alerts to make sure you’re informed about recalls that affect your safety.

Check for Recalls at NHTSA.gov

  • Checking for safety recalls is free and easy.
  • Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your license plate or your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number, also known as your VIN. In seconds, you'll know if your vehicle has an open safety recall.
  • Look for the VIN on the lower portion of your car's windshield on the driver’s side. Your VIN is also located on your car's registration card, and it may be shown on your insurance card.
  • NHTSA’s free VIN or License Plate Look-Up Tool will provide details on any unrepaired recalls on your vehicle — for at least the past 15 calendar years. It provides details on unrepaired safety recalls from major automakers, motorcycle manufacturers, and some medium and heavy truck manufacturers.

Get Recall Alerts From NHTSA

  • NHTSA’s SaferCar app can also help keep you informed about your vehicle. Download the app and enter your vehicle’s VIN, as well as your car seats, tires, or any other automotive equipment information and NHTSA will send you an alert if a safety recall is issued on them. The app is available for iOS and Android.
  • Why the SaferCar app? With SaferCar you get crucial information in real time. Download the app and set up your virtual garage, then add your vehicles, as well as related equipment like tires, trailers, and car seats. The app notifies you of all related recalls and points you to local dealerships handling vehicle repairs. The app also helps you quickly make an appointment to get your car fixed for free.
  • If you've already downloaded the SaferCar app, now is a good time to make sure your vehicle and equipment information are up-to-date in the app.
  • At NHTSA.gov/recalls, sign up for Recall Alerts. If your vehicle is included in a future recall, you’ll receive an email letting you know.

Drivers may also access NHTSA’s investigations and recalls resources page, which contains interactive recall and recall completion rate dashboards.

Air Bag Recall

Unfortunately, millions of vehicle recalls go unrepaired every year, which puts drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk.

Check for Recalls Regularly

  • NHTSA urges drivers to check for recalls at least twice yearly.
  • Drivers are encouraged to add “check for vehicle safety recalls” to their vital spring and fall to-do list, which may also include checking smoke detector batteries.
  • NHTSA hosts a Vehicle Safety Recalls Week each year in March.

Report a Vehicle Safety Issue

  • Speak up! If you think your vehicle may have a safety-related defect that isn’t part of a current recall, submit your vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Even one complaint could be enough to trigger a safety recall.
 

Buckle Up. Every Trip.

Every Time.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, you can use many of the resources available on this page to increase your seat belt safety messaging. In addition, stats and assets specific to the holiday are available. 

Thanksgiving Stats

  • During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2023 (6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, to 5:59 a.m. on Monday, November 27), there were 309 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 44% (135) were unrestrained.
  • Not wearing a seat belt proved to be deadly at any time of the day during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2023: 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes were unbuckled, and 38% of those killed in daytime crashes also were unbuckled.


The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working to make sure everyone stays safe on the roads throughout the long Thanksgiving weekend. Whether driving cross country or just across town to celebrate the holiday, everyone in a vehicle should Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. In addition to being required by law, buckling up is the best defense against injury or death in a crash. 


During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2023 (6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, to 5:59 a.m. on Monday, November 27), there were 309 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 44% (135) were unrestrained. Not wearing a seat belt proved to be deadly at any time of the day during the holiday weekend: 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes were unbuckled, and 38% of those killed in daytime crashes also were unbuckled. These deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America and may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.


Riding without a seat belt is illegal and dangerous. In 2023, nearly 50% of all people killed in a vehicle crash were not buckled. Drivers should ensure that they and all passengers are buckled before the vehicle ever leaves its parking spot. Buckling the seat belt is the single most effective thing anyone can do to stay safe in the event of a crash. 


The Thanksgiving holiday is the start of a special time of year for so many people. No matter how long or short your drive, it’s critical that drivers and passengers Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please, make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you ever turn on the car — and that includes children being in the correct car seats, too.


For more information about traveling safely this Thanksgiving, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/SeatBelts.

 
 
 
 

If You Feel Different, You Drive Different
 
 
 

Keep an Eye Out: Fall Driver Safety Tips for Oregon Roads

With time change and darker days – November is a great time to remind people driving, walking and rolling about safety tips. Especially in early morning and evening when it is darker.

Fall Driver Safety Tips for Oregon Roads

  • Be alert in low-light Conditions
  • Turn on headlights at dusk, dawn, and during rain or fog—even if it’s not fully dark.
  • Clean your windshield, mirrors, and lights regularly to reduce glare and improve visibility.
  • Watch for glare from wet roads and low sun angles during sunrise and sunset.

 

Protect People Walking, Biking, or Using Mobility Devices

  • Expect the unexpected—people using wheelchairs, scooters, or bikes may be harder to see, especially in dark or rainy conditions.
  • Yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks, marked or unmarked.
  • Give space: When passing cyclists or mobility device users, allow at least 3 feet of clearance- Allow more space when safely possible.
  • Drive cautiously in wet or leaf-covered roads -wet leaves can be as slippery as ice—brake gently and avoid sudden maneuvers.
  • Increase following distance to allow more time to react

 

Visibility Awareness

  • Look for reflective gear or lights on pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the early morning or evening.
  • Scan sidewalks and road edges for movement—people may be wearing dark clothing or using low-profile mobility devices
  • Be Prepared to stop -approach crosswalks and intersections slowly, especially in poor visibility.
  • Avoid distractions—stay off your phone and keep your eyes on the road.

 

Fall Safety Tips for Pedestrians 

  • Be Visible – especially at Dusk and Dawn
  • Wear bright or reflective clothing.
  • Use lights or reflectors on bags, jackets, or shoes.
  • Carry a flashlight or wear a blinking light when walking in low light.
  • Cross at intersections and crosswalks
  • Avoid crossing mid-block or between parked cars.
  • Make eye contact with drivers- It may be harder to see you—especially in rainy or foggy conditions.
  • Avoid distractions -stay alert and avoid using phones or headphones while crossing streets.
  • Watch for slippery surfaces -wet leaves, rain, and early frost can make sidewalks slick.

 

Bright Visibility Tips for Fall

  • Reflective gear is more effective than bright colors alone in low light.
  • Motion catches attention: reflective strips on arms, legs, or moving parts of clothing are more noticeable.
  • Use lights: small clip-on LEDs or wearable lights are great for walkers, runners, and cyclists and other mobility devices.
 

Oregon Impact Toolbox:

Tools You Can Use

Impairment Goggles:

See the World Through Impaired Eyes
 

Oregon Impact has a variety of impairment goggles, often referred to as "drunk goggles" — powerful tools designed to simulate the effects of various impairments, such as alcohol or drug intoxication or drowsiness, by distorting vision, balance, and perception, these goggles offer a safe and eye-opening way to understand the challenges and risks associated with impaired functioning.


Here are some easy ways to use them in your community:

1. Educational Campaigns

Impairment goggles are widely used in schools, community events, and workplaces to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence. By attempting to perform simple tasks while wearing the goggles, participants gain insight into the risks associated with impairment.


2. Workplace Safety Programs

Industries that rely on heavy machinery or driving use these goggles to stress the importance of being sober and alert on the job.


3. Common activities with impairment goggles include:

  • Walking a straight line
  • Catching or tossing a ball
  • Navigating an obstacle course
  • Driving simulators to illustrate the risks of impaired driving

These hands-on experiences often leave a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of staying sober and focused in critical situations.


The Bottom Line

Impairment goggles are more than just a learning tool; they are a conversation starter. By giving people a glimpse into what it feels like to be impaired, they inspire individuals to think twice about their actions and the consequences. Whether it’s for educational programs or professional training, impairment goggles are an innovative way to promote safety and awareness in our communities.


All our goggles are available for your use at no charge. Please reach out to Anna at anna@oregonimpact.org for reservations.


Remember: The safest choice is to always stay clear-headed, whether on the road or in daily life.
 

Upcoming Events
  • December 1-5: Older Driver Safety Awareness Week


  • December: National Drunk & Drug-Impaired Driving Prevention Month



  • February: Super Bowl | Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

Drive Sober, Safe, and Happy!

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