Safety Matters 07-18-07

Another 4th of July has come and gone signaling that Summer is in high gear. I was also informed that burn season is now in effect as are all of the restrictions that accompany it. Restrictions on Oregon Department of Forestry lands include but are not limited to: smoking out of vehicles, no open fires, no fireworks, restricted chainsaw and mower use, etc. For more information you can go to the ODF website at http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF. The Vernonia Fire Department can also answer burn restriction questions or any questions you may have related to fire season or fire safety at 503-429-8252. The Vernonia Police Department in partnership with several concerned citizens announces a new safety and educational campaign called “Walk Your Wheels”. The "Walk Your Wheels" campaign is an effort to promote safety and to educate everyone on the laws and ordinances governing bicycles, skateboards, roller-skates, and scooters. Vernonia has a City Ordinance that prohibits anyone on the above mentioned “wheeled” transportation from riding on the sidewalks along Bridge St. from Rose Ave. to California Ave. as well as along Madison Ave. and Jefferson Ave. from Bridge St. to Maple Ave. There have been too many “near-miss” accidents involving subjects on “wheels” and pedestrians exiting buildings downtown. We encourage everyone to "Walk Your Wheels" when in these areas for Safety Sake of pedestrians, motorist, and of course yourself. The Oregon Department of Transportation recently released a compilation of “Quick Facts” of 2006 Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes. Some of the more interesting facts included: there were 19,749 injury crashes, 417 were fatal, 746 involved bicycles, 22% (9,997) involved a driver aged 15-20yrs old. The peak month for crashes was November, peak day Friday, peak hour between 5pm and 6pm. In the injury crashes there were 29,552 people injured, 23% of injured passengers were age 0-14yrs old. Most common driver errors included driving too fast for conditions and inattention. Most common pedestrian errors included crossing between intersections and improper crossing at intersection. Most common bicyclist errors included failure to yield right-of-way and disregarded traffic signal. The complete list of Quick Facts is posted on the wall outside the front counter of the police station. Please be safe, courteous, and patient.