Click It or Ticket It
Oregon Police Departments enforce the state’s safety belt overtime enforcement program, Click It or Ticket It. Studies have shown that most Oregonians comply with the seat belt law during daylight hours but are more inclined to not buckle up when darkness falls. Police enforce the seat belt law and are actively looking for drivers and
Motorcyclists and Drivers: Be Careful Out There
As Oregonians, we are all delighted with warm weather in the spring and try to take advantage of the sunshine. The warm weather and the increase in motorcycle and car traffic go hand in hand at this time of year. Unfortunately, there is also a direct correlation in the increase of traffic and the increase
FDA Cautions Users of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
As drivers, we have all been inundated with information regarding drinking and driving from various civic organizations, advertising campaigns, school organizations, local news, and police departments. We are made aware of these campaigns during each holiday, football game, or event in which the majority of participants are tempted to relax with a cocktail or two.
Rain can make for Hazardous Driving
Driving around the Portland metro area becomes a challenge especially during the commuting hours. Each year during the rainy season, there is an increase in traffic accidents due to slick roads, standing water, and driver’s inattention to the changing weather conditions. During the warm summer months, the oil and grease on the roadway doesn’t have
Motorcycle Safety Awareness
During summer there is an increase in motorcycle traffic. Unfortunately, there is usually an increase in collisions involving cars and motorcycles, too. With that in mind, let’s all observe the following suggestions for a safer summer for everyone: Motorcyclists Don’t speed. Allow time and space to react to other motorists or changing road conditions. Always
Cell Phone Fines
Accident statistics gathered by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) verify that distracted driving is responsible for a large percentage of accidents in Oregon. Texting while driving is dangerous and we all know we shouldn’t do it, but there is still a large number of drivers out there who still do it anyway. In fact,
The Bicyclist’s Survival Guide
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) maintains “The Bicyclist’s Survival Guide” and it is available for viewing on the ODOT website. It is a timely guide for the summer months when there is an increase in ridership and unfortunately in bicycle accidents. Take a moment and familiarize yourself once again with the “rules of the
Keep New Year’s Eve Safe
In order to keep everyone safe this year during New Year’s Eve, we encourage all drivers to be sober and avoid accidents or/and being stopped by the police and arrested. Continuing stepped up enforcement efforts that are part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Oregon State Police (OSP), Oregon State Sheriff’s
Think Twice Before Lending Your Vehicle to a Friend
We have all been in the position of lending our vehicle to a friend or relative to drive on occasion. In fact, most of us wouldn’t give it a second thought when asked and happily give over our keys. There are certain risks in doing this and, under some circumstances, this may not be a
Three-day Weekends: Safety Tips and Reminders
Labor Day weekend is typically the last weekend families head out for three days to spend time together before the kids return to school. Traffic in Oregon on the long weekend is usually an issue with long lines of vehicles leaving home to travel for fun and relaxation. The extra traffic affects travel time and
Taxes for Personal Injury Settlement
During tax season, many clients ask me if they owe taxes on their personal injury settlement or award. My usual answer is that, generally speaking, compensation for physical injuries is non-taxable and the money does not need to be reported on your income tax return. There are a few exceptions such as punitive damage awards
Stormy Winter Driving in Oregon
During the winter, there is a significant upswing in motor vehicle accidents. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a comprehensive checklist regarding safe driving during the winter months. The highlights are: 1. Make sure your vehicle is ready for travel. Make sure to use antifreeze. Carry a flashlight. Carry chains or use traction tires.