Making an Impact

December 2022

1. If You Feel Different, You Drive Different

During the busy weeks leading up to the holiday season, Oregon is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the national If You Feel Different, You Drive Different drug-impaired-driving awareness campaign. NHTSA and the State or Oregon want to make sure Americans are safe on the roads, traveling to and from parties and vacation destinations.

If your celebration plans include drug use, make sure you refrain from driving. Review these facts and spread the word about the dangers of drug-impaired driving.

Know the Facts

If you plan to use marijuana or any impairing drug, do not drive. Instead, designate a sober driver who is not using drugs or call a ridesharing service or taxi. Someone who’s high must not make decisions about driving; that’s why planning ahead is key.

1. In 2019, 49% of drivers who were killed in crashes tested positive for drugs.

2. It doesn’t matter what term you use — high, stoned, or wasted —

never get behind the wheel after using an impairing substance.

3. In every U.S. state and territory, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs — no exceptions.

4. Whether you buy the drug legally or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.

5. If you think driving while high from marijuana won’t affect you, you are wrong: It has been shown that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.

Play it Safe

As you begin to prepare for the busy end-of-year holidays, look over these safety tips to keep you, your loved ones, and everyone else safe on the road.

1. If you plan to use drugs, also plan ahead for a sober driver to safely drive you to your destination. Like drunk driving, it is essential that drug-impaired drivers refrain from driving a vehicle. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance — regardless of whether you buy it legally or illegally.

2. When you use an impairing substance such as marijuana, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver is impaired, do not get in the car.

3. Do you have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange for a safe ride home. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later. What's more, you might just save a life.

4. If available, use your community’s sober ride program.

6. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact Local Law Enforcement.

2. Holiday Season 2022

National Enforcement Mobilization

Dec 14, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023

Drug-impaired driving is a problem on America’s highways. Like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving, which means it is dangerous and illegal in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Whether the drug is obtained legally or illegally, driving while impaired poses a threat to the driver, the vehicle passengers, and to everyone on the road.

The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also known for being the deadliest season when it comes to drunk driving.

Unfortunately, every holiday season, lives are lost due to impaired drivers.

3. Foggy morning commute leads to

fatal 60-car pileup in Oregon

“The dense fog developed due to sinking warm air several thousand feet aloft trapping cool, moist air in the valley in what’s known as an inversion,” weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman told the weather outlet. “Wildfire smoke was also present in the area.”

Oct 19, 2022

One person was killed in a roughly 60-car pileup amid foggy conditions on an Oregon highway Wednesday morning.

About 15 to 20 commercial vehicles and 45 passenger vehicles on Interstate 5 southbound were involved in the massive pileup around 8 a.m. local time that stretched across several miles, Oregon state police said.

School buses from Eugene helped transport between 30 to 40 stranded motorists and the OR Department of Transportation (ODOT) temporarily dropped the cable barrier between the northbound and southbound lanes to help vehicles detour around the gridlock.

ODOT said in a tweet the multiple crashes occurred in an area with heavy fog.

Weather.com reported there are at least seven wildfires engulfing more than 300,000 acres in Oregon, according to a National Interagency Fire Center.

4. Helpful tips for when you

get stranded in cold weather

2019 - Jeremy Taylor and his dog, Ally, were stuck in the snow for five days and survived on taco sauce, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office in Bend, Oregon.

Cold Weather is Here for the Long Haul

Keep you and your loved ones safe in the face of unpredictable road conditions. Keeping a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit in your vehicle at all times may increase your chance of survival.

To assemble your kit; store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Some suggested items that may help when stranded in winter weather are as follows:

1. Deluxe Gear Bag

This heavy-duty bag with two end pockets, one front pocket, double zipper center compartment and shoulder strap holds are your supplies.

2. Reflective Warning Triangle

Sets up quickly and visible in bad weather conditions.

3. Folding Snow Shovel

This 37" three-piece shovel snaps together with push button locks. A lifesaver when trying to dig out of a snow drift.

4. Jumper Cables 12'

These heavy-duty 6-gauge jumper cables provide enough current flow to jump start in the coldest conditions.

5. Flat Tire Fixer in a Can

This aerosol tire inflator is a special formula that inflates tires immediately and seals most punctures.

6. Tow Rope

Tows up to 6500 lbs. Avoid paying for a tow when stuck.

7. High Visibility Yellow Highway Blanket

Can be used as a blanket for injured that are in shock. Also makes good ground cover for changing a tire.

8. Safety Vest

Neon mesh vest with reflective stripes. Perfect to be seen day or night by other vehicles. One size fits all.

9. Distress Banner

36" x 15" waterproof banner with "Emergency Help" in bold letters.

If traveling with children any time of year, consider placing an ICE (In Case of Emergency) sticker on your child’s car seat.

Ensuring your children are taken care of when you are unable to, is the greatest testament of love and care.

Safe and Happy Holidays from your Friends at Oregon Impact

Making an Impact

﻿In This Issue

1. If You Feel Different, You Drive Different

2. Holiday Season 2022

National Enforcement Mobilization

Dec 14, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023

In This Issue