Oregon is rated among the average states in motorist safety in the US for motorist safety. In 2021, Oregon had the 27th highest fatality crashes in the country. The extensive road network attracts high-volume traffic, contributing to the state's fatal crashes.
Alcohol-related crashes are the leading cause of car crash fatalities in Oregon. Additionally, speeding is common on state roads, contributing to the high rate of crashes in the state.
Certain Oregon highways and roads have a higher rate of motor vehicle crashes. These are some of the state's most dangerous roadways for motorists:
Acting fast when people are involved in a traffic collision can help save lives and prevent further property damage. Here are some steps drivers should follow after a crash in Oregon:
Drivers are advised to take the vehicle off the road and find a safe spot close to the accident scene. Taking the car away from the traffic flow notably decreases the chances of additional accidents occurring.
As per Oregon regulations, leaving the accident scene is classified as a hit-and-run offense and results in severe consequences. Motorists must stay at the site of the collision and await additional guidance.
Afterward, vehicle operators should turn on their vehicle's hazard lights to improve visibility and alert oncoming drivers to the accident ahead. Furthermore, motorists can use traffic control devices such as safety cones or flares to redirect other vehicles from the scene.
Oregon law requires a driver to report an accident that has resulted in bodily injury, death, or property damage worth $2,500 or above within 72 hours.
Motorists should, by law, share personal details with all parties involved in the accident, plus law enforcement. This information includes their name, address, insurance particulars, license number, and vehicle registration number. In cases where the driver is not the vehicle's owner, they must disclose the owner's name and address.
Vehicle operators ought to take photographs of the crash. These pictures can be crucial evidence to establish the cause and severity of damage in legal matters and insurance claims and validate any existing vehicle damage before an accident.
Motorists should file a claim with their insurance company to receive compensation for any harm or losses sustained during the crash.
People involved in a crash should retain all documents regarding the collision. These documents are critical in case an issue concerning the traffic collision arises.
Oregon has comprehensive regulations that ensure safe vehicle operations. Some of the state driving laws and facts include:
Hands-Free LawThe state prohibits drivers from using or holding handheld devices like a phone with their hands or any body part while driving. This rule applies even when the vehicle is stationary at a stop sign or traffic signal.
However, drivers can use hands-free devices like Bluetooth and headset while driving.
Drivers under 18 cannot use hands-free devices while operating a car.
Seat Belt LawsThe state mandates that all occupants wear seat belts while driving on any road or highway, regardless of age.
Additionally, children below two years old must be properly secured in a child safety seat facing the rear of the vehicle.
Children between the ages of two and eight must be adequately secured in a forward-facing car seat or booster seat.
Children eight or older must always wear safety belts, regardless of their seating position.
Teenage Driving LawsThe legal driving age in the state is 16 years old. Students must register for an instruction permit to start operating a vehicle.
To get a provisional driving license, teen drivers must have finished at least 100 hours of supervised driving. However, if a driver has taken and passed 50 hours of a Driver Ed course, they can also get a provisional license. They must also pass a written and visual test.
Drivers with a provisional license must be under supervision by a licensed adult aged 21 or older for one year.
Novice drivers are prohibited from driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. for the first year unless there is a licensed driver aged 25 years or older in the vehicle.
Teen drivers are only allowed to carry one passenger at a time.
Driving Under the InfluenceThe state prohibits drivers aged 21 years or older from driving if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) surpasses 0.08%.
Minors under 21 may not drive under the influence of alcohol.
Operating a vehicle under the influence of any controlled substances in the state is illegal.
Coasting DownhillMotorists should not let their vehicles coast downhill with the transmission in neutral.
Commercial drivers in Oregon are not allowed to coast downhill with a disengaged clutch.
Cargo Bed LawsDrivers may not carry any person under 18 years on any external vehicle part, including the cargo or truck bed.
Additionally, the state only permits drivers to carry passengers in the cargo bed if all other seats are in use.
All trailer or truck bed cargo must be appropriately secured to the car on the highway or road.
Motorcycle LawsRiders must be at least 16 years old to operate a motorcycle and should have an instruction permit.
Riders with an instruction permit must be under supervision by a licensed adult aged 21 or older who must be riding on a separate motorcycle.
Teenage drivers are not allowed to carry any passengers.
Motorcycle riders in the state must wear helmets at all times.
Move over lawsIn Oregon, drivers must reduce their speed by at least five miles an hour below the speed limit as they approach a stationary emergency, police, or utility vehicle with activated warning lights ahead and move over to the opposite lane.
If changing lanes is impossible, vehicle operators must cautiously slow down and pass the stationary vehicle.
Car InsuranceEach vehicle must have a minimum level of liability insurance while in operation on the road.
Motorists must present their insurance paperwork to law enforcement upon request following a collision.
Drivers in Oregon must be aware of the state's unique and peculiar traffic laws, which differ from the standard road and safety regulations in most other states.
It is illegal to drive with a child on the hood of the car
Oregon prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with any person under 18 sitting on the external part of the car.
It is illegal to lift weights while driving.
Drivers are prohibited from lifting weights while driving, which is considered a distraction and can lead to accidents.
It is illegal to leave a running car unattended.
Leaving a running car unattended in Oregon is illegal, as it can be stolen.
Turning on headlights during the day
The state requires drivers to have their headlights on during the day if weather conditions reduce visibility on the road.
Always close the doors.
Drivers or passengers can get a citation for leaving the car door open for too long in traffic.