Poster from Distraction.gov campaign. One of the things I spend time on everyday is monitoring headlines. I liken this part of my job to a military intelligence officer listening to “chatter” from satellites and other broadcast signals. It’s fascinating to watch various memes and issues go from a tiny whisper to a roar in a … Read more
TriMet’s stepped-up rules that forbid the use of electronic devices while driving seem to be working, though some of the transit agency’s operators still seem to flout the rule.
Should you say something?(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland) Funny how things work out some times: A reader emailed me a few hours ago wondering what she should do when she sees people using phones while driving. Then a few minutes ago I read a news story about the exact same situation. The situation is this: When … Read more
Cover of Measuring Cognitive Distraction in the Automobile, a new report from AAA. Yesterday the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety dropped a bomb into the national debate about distracted driving. They conducted research and developed a report that shows “significant levels of cognitive distraction” by people who drive while performing various hands-free tasks. The report … Read more
New program would offer class in lieu of $110 ticket.(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland) The Beaverton Police Department wants to increase public awareness about distracted driving and especially the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. As of today, when people get stopped by Beaverton PD officers for violating Oregon’s cell phone law, they will … Read more
“These are people who are struggling and their livings are made by whether or not they can pick folks up… This is their life.”— Sen. Larry George, the bill’s sponsor The Oregon legislature made a strange move on Monday that is very likely to make Portland roads less safe for everyone. By a vote of … Read more
From Ford website. I was happy this morning to find a statement from U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood’s office that his war on distracted driving now includes new regulations for automakers. The proposals come as President Obama’s just-released transportation budget includes $330 million to combat the problem. For the past few years, I’ve been disturbed … Read more
The City of Portland has announced the first location for enhanced enforcement of distracted driving. PBOT will work with the Portland Police Bureau to conduct an “enforcement mission” at the intersection of SW Barbur Boulevard, SW Taylors Ferry Road, and SW 41st Avenue this coming Wednesday (7/20). The effort is part of the “StreetSmart: Go … Read more
An interesting big of information from the US DOT that could have some influence on local policy: New research shows enforcement cuts distracted driving Pilot Programs in Syracuse, NY and Hartford, CT Significantly Curb Texting and Cell Phone Use Behind the Wheel SYRACUSE – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced dramatic reductions in distracted … Read more
Distracted driving is arguably the most important traffic safety issue facing America today. Amazingly, while we have many advocates and other smart people working to address the issue, the auto industry seems to be promoting it by turning cars into rolling computers. A few things came across my desk this morning that show how these … Read more
The Oregonian reported yesterday the City of Portland will pay $338,477 to settle a distracted driving lawsuit. The suit involved a police officer who glanced at his on-board computer and did not see an 80-year old woman walking across the street in front of his car. The woman suffered serious injuries and spent five days … Read more
If marketing campaigns and PSAs don’t curb distracted driving and we lack the resources to enforce laws, how will we ever learn that driving a multi-ton vehicle on a road shared with people walking and biking is an extremely serious responsibility? As we struggle to figure out why an “alarming” amount of people are being … Read more
Comment of the Week: Legs of steel and the e-bike