Troubling pandemic-era patterns are playing out on streets in Portland and across the country. There’s more speeding, less seat belt use, and greater rates of impairment. More people are getting killed and seriously injured in crashes as a result.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) encourages the public to be extra careful on our streets this holiday season. Leave plenty of time to get where you need to go. Be patient with others.
"With our healthcare system continuing to struggle with the pandemic, there's additional reason for everyone to drive safe this holiday season," Transportation Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty said. "If everyone slows down and drives carefully, we can avoid sending more people to the hospital because of traffic violence. Let's all look out for one another and help everyone have a safe holiday season."
As you get around, make it a habit to:
- Look for people crossing. People driving crash into pedestrians more frequently in Portland during fall and winter months, when the days grow shorter.
- Mind your speed. If you’re going over 30 mph in Portland—and not on an interstate highway—you’re probably going too fast.
- Always wear a seatbelt. It’s still one of the best ways you can protect yourself when inside a vehicle.
Finally, travel alert and sober, and encourage friends and family to do the same.
As of today, there have been 59 traffic deaths in Portland this year, significantly higher than the 52 the city had experienced at the same time in 2020. There have been 25 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes this year, compared with 16 as of the same date in 2020.
PBOT continues to invest in making our streets safer. But we need everyone’s help to reach our Vision Zero goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.
With the public’s help, we can all get where we need to go this holiday season safely and with less stress.
See you in 2022!
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at portland.gov/transportation