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Making an Impact



October 2025

In this issue:

  • Pedestrian Safety Month
  • National Teen Driver Safety Week
  • Halloween safety tips
  • Oregon Impact Toolbox: Tools You Can Use 
  • Upcoming Events

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Pedestrian Safety Month

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians.


On average, a pedestrian dies every 72 minutes and one is injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes. There were an estimated 68,244 pedestrians injured in 2023 and 7,314 pedestrians were killed — a 4% decrease from 2022. But pedestrian fatalities still remain high in the United States — they accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities in 2023. This highlights a critical safety issue that impacts everyone.


We want to help ensure that our pedestrians are safe on the sidewalks, crossing the street — anywhere that people walk they should be able to do so without fear or stress. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for pedestrians, slow down, and incorporate pedestrian awareness into their driving routines.


At some point during the day, everyone is a pedestrian. NHTSA offers these driving tips to keep everyone safe:




October is especially timely as more pedestrians will be out towards the end of the month for Halloween. Drivers should be aware that on Halloween evening, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in unexpected places. Families will be trick-or-treating with children who may be unaware of surrounding traffic and quick to dart into the street.

For more information about pedestrian safety, please visit NHTSA.gov/Pedestrian.


National Teen Driver Safety Week

Teen Driver Safety Week is October 19–25, 2025


Traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for 15-20-year-olds. A teen’s inexperience behind the wheel makes them more susceptible to crashes.

Specific risk factors for teens behind the wheel include: alcohol and drug use, not wearing a seat belt, distracted driving, additional passengers, speeding, and drowsy driving.


In 2023, there were 2,611 people killed in crashes involving a teen (15 to 18 years old) driver, and 822 were teen drivers themselves. Of the 2,611 people killed in crashes involving a teen (15-18 years old) driver, 604 were the passengers of a teen driver, and 377 (62%) of those fatalities were other teens riding with a passenger vehicle teen driver. Of those teen passengers killed while riding with another teen driver, 67% were male and 33% were female.


Parents play a critical role in teaching teen drivers safe driving habits. New teen drivers are gaining experience behind the wheel, which increases the chance of dangerous situations for the teen and other roadway users around them. It’s critical for parents to model safe driving behaviors themselves and have discussions with their teens about the choices they make behind the wheel. NHTSA offers parents and guardians helpful tips and a framework for having discussions with teen drivers about risky driving behaviors that can lead to fatal consequences. 


It’s a parent’s responsibility to help teen drivers make smart choices to stay safe on the road. NHTSA gives parents and guardians tips on how to talk about safer driving. These tips include discussions on how to influence positive behaviors and how to approach dangerous driving behaviors such as alcohol and other drug use, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, or driving with passengers. Surveys show that teens whose parents set firm rules for driving typically engaged in less risky driving behaviors and were involved in fewer crashes.


Teens need to understand the rules, whether there are any other restrictions outlined in Oregon’s graduated driver licensing law, and the deadly consequences that could occur.

For more information about teen driver safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving.


  • Traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States.
  • In 2023, a total of 2,611 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved a teen (15-18 years old) driver, and 822 of those killed were the teen driver.
  • Of the 2,611 people killed in crashes involving a teen (15-18 years old) driver, 604 were the passengers of a teen driver.
  • 377 (62%) of those fatalities were other teens riding with a teen driver. 
  • Of those teen passengers killed while riding with another teen driver, 67% were male and 33% were female.
  • In 2023 there were 87,074 teen (15-18 years old) drivers injured in traffic crashes.

Halloween Safety Tips

Each year, Halloween is celebrated with trick-or-treating, parties, candy, and sometimes, drinking. To stay safe, follow these 13 ghoulishly good tips for drivers, pedestrians, partygoers and party hosts.


Drivers should be aware that around Halloween, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in unexpected places.


1. Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.


2. Slow down and scan the road. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.


3. Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly. 


4. If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement.


5. Before festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.


6. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.


7. If possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.


Unfortunately, Halloween also involves potentially deadly crashes, and impaired drivers on the road. In 2022, nearly half of all crash fatalities during Halloween night were alcohol-related.


8. Before drinking, choose a designated driver, or schedule a ridesharing, ride-hailing or taxi service.


9. If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability.


10. Be responsible and take action to make sure guests get home safely.


11. Prepare to call taxis rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.


12. Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.


13. Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.

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

  • November: Fall Check, Vehicle Safety Recalls
  • December 1-5: Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
  • December: National Drunk & Drug-Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Drive Sober, Safe, and Happy!

from your

Friends at Oregon Impact