Safety Matters - February 2008

The year of 2007 was unfortunately a record setting year for Columbia County. The county had 16 fatal traffic accidents eclipsing the previous yearly high total of 12. Over all, preliminary statistics show that the Oregon Traffic Death totals were down for the year. In 2006 there were 478 traffic deaths. As of midnight December 31st there were 450 traffic deaths reported in Oregon for 2007. These of course are preliminary numbers and are subject to change pending cause of death determinations of if a death occurs 30 days from the date of crash. Many of the motor vehicle crashes in the county involved speed and some involved impaired driving. In talking to Sgt. Larry Lucas from the Oregon State Police he feels the increase in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities is directly related to the lack of manpower to do regular road patrols by the State Police and County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Lucas told me that when the State Police were conducting enhanced patrols on Hwy 47 around the bridge construction sites they saw a 75% reduction in crashes while conversely seeing a rise on Hwy 30. Sgt. Lucas says the correlation is evident that increased presence has a positive influence on traffic crashes and other traffic-related incidents. Several traffic-related laws changed in Oregon for 2008. You can find a list of these changes on the Vernonia Police website by clicking on the “New 2008 Laws” link. Some of the news laws enhanced DUII statutes, made new crimes for killing people while driving, and restrict teen cell phone usage. If you go to the link you will also find several other non-traffic laws are discussed as well. In an effort to increase traffic safety for Vernonia drivers the Vernonia Police Department offers three informative brochures. The first brochure is called “Slow Down: Control the speed control the damage” addresses the dangers of speeding on Oregon roads. The second brochure is called “Space Out: Keep your distance, it’s the law” discusses the dangers of tailgating. The last brochure is called “Move Over: Protect those who protect you” which discusses the legal requirement to move over when passing emergency vehicles. All three of these brochures are available at the front counter of the police department.