If you’ve noticed the headlines in recent years, you’re likely aware that distracted driving is dangerous and reckless. Yet, these days, it’s so easy for something to divert your attention. Every time you get behind the wheel, potential distractions literally bombard you. It’s a fact that no person can drive safely unless they fully focus on the task of driving.   Although cell phone usage has become synonymous with distracted driving, any non-driving activity you engage in behind the wheel is a distraction and may substantially increase your risk of crashing. Unfortunately, distract ..read more

Now that winter is officially over, many here in Oregon are probably looking forward to being more active as the days become warmer and longer. As evidence of this, you will most likely notice a higher level of both motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic on and around many of the state’s roadways in the weeks and months ahead. While this increase in activity is positive for both personal health and many elements of the economy, it can also present a greater risk of being involved in an accident.   As a safe driver, you are probably aware that an increased level of alertness will be nec ..read more

If you have driven through Oregon, you are likely aware that the interstate highways here are convenient, well-traveled routes that connect various cities throughout the state. These interstates are a vital part of the transportation network and travelers heavily utilize them, so driving on these highways can be quite overwhelming, especially for new drivers. Interstate highways differ from other types of roadways, and safety begins with understanding their design of use.  Interstates not only have entry and exit ramps, multiple travel lanes and higher speed limits, but they often see hig ..read more

Life can be full of both good and bad surprises that happen in the blink of an eye. Being involved in a car accident definitely qualifies as one of the worst possible of these situations, especially if you were the victim of an unfortunate incident. Even the safest of Oregon drivers can come into harm’s way on the roadways due to another party’s reckless or negligent actions.   In the aftermath of a car accident, there are particular steps you can take that can prove invaluable for any potential insurance or legal claims. As chaotic and frightening as the scene may be, attempting to ..read more

You never know what you are going to face when you get behind the wheel and take to the road. These days, it seems like there is road construction going on nearly year-round in Oregon. The state is building new roads and updating and improving existing routes to handle increased demands. And as roads, bridges and other structures age, maintenance becomes necessary for safety. While you may feel fortunate to live in a place that puts its tax dollars to work, road construction can be an annoyance, especially if you are running behind. However, road construction and work zones are often full of h ..read more

One thing that many people dislike about the fall and winter months is that it gets dark much earlier. Likewise, many drivers in Oregon dread getting behind the wheel after the sun goes down. Driving in low-light conditions can be dangerous since it’s much harder to see what is around your vehicle or in your way. It can also be more difficult to get a bearing on your surroundings in the dark, so it’s easier to get lost if you’re unfamiliar with the area in which you’re driving.   Low visibility at night increases the odds of you getting into car accidents. According to data from the ..read more

These days, you hear a lot about the dangers of distracted driving. Thanks to modern gadgets like cell phones, distracted driving has become a big problem on roadways in Oregon and across the country. And it’s not only cell phones — today’s drivers face an abundance of potential distractions every time they get in their vehicle. The reality is that most drivers participate in distracted driving nearly every single day.   You may think it’s possible to multitask while you drive, but this is a complete myth. When you are driving, it is your responsibility to stay focused and keep you ..read more

If you dread getting behind the wheel when it’s raining outside, you are not alone. Oregon typically gets an abundance of rain throughout the autumn and winter months, and it can cause hazardous driving conditions. Not only are road surfaces wet and slick, but rainfall can limit your visibility. If you are not familiar with the area where you’re driving, the reduced visibility makes it even more difficult to safely handle your vehicle.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, wet or slick roadways play a role in over one million car accidents e ..read more

Drivers have many concerns when navigating Oregon’s roadways. Whether you’re watching for other drivers or dealing with inclement weather conditions, arriving to your destination safely means using caution and following the rules of the road. But even the most cautious drivers can be involved in an accident, especially when driving during the most dangerous time of the day. Understandably, when you’re driving in low-light conditions, it can be harder to see other vehicles or obstructions in the road. The hours from dusk to daylight are considered the most dangerous time to be on the road. Low ..read more

There may be a variety of reasons why drivers speed, whether this involves a disregard for safety or a desire to catch up on lost time. However, even if you are behind on schedule, there is no guarantee that such behavior will help you reach your destination any faster, and sometimes it could even place you further behind. Driving at excessive speeds may not only place you at risk of receiving a citation during a traffic stop, but it could also increase your chances of being involved in a collision. Addressing the hazards involved with such behavior could help you prepare to form safer driving ..read more