The Oregon Department of Transportation released crash data from 2019-2024. The dataset includes all fatal and serious crashes statewide, and provides a specific breakdown of crashes involving people on bikes and people walking. This data is not just about the numbers, it is about the people and lives that are affected by traffic-related crashes. All of these crashes were preventable.
Crashes happen in every county in Oregon. We naturally see higher numbers in more densely populated areas, however, it is also clear that no communities are untouched by traffic-related crashes. The increased crash frequency in more densely populated areas is inherently due to more traffic on the roads and more people using the roadways who are not in cars, like people biking and people walking. Additionally, larger, developed urban areas have more intersection conflict points. In the counties making up the greater Portland area (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Columbia and Yamhill county), we saw a total of 5,903 crashes and 771 crashes involving people on bikes and people walking.
Smaller communities also have a risk of car crashes. Smaller towns and rural communities generally lack infrastructure that protects vulnerable roadway users. We also often see higher speeds on open roads and less familiarity among drivers when it comes to driving around vulnerable users. In Sherman County, a county with a population of 1,800, we still saw 38 total crashes.
It is important to highlight that people who are not in cars are always more likely to be severely impacted by a crash. People on bikes and people walking are not protected from the force of a crash. Because of this, it is important that we avoid crashes involving roadway users who are more vulnerable.
People use many types of transportation for various reasons. Maybe someone doesn’t have access to a car, or maybe they are too young to drive, or their car simply didn’t start today. No matter the reason for being on the road, on a bike or by foot, everyone should be respected and able to get to where they are going safely and alive. Again, all of these people are someone. Whoever they are, someone’s parent, child, friend, or neighbor, the communities where these crashes occur are heavily impacted. Behind every number is a life changed forever. In a city or a smaller town, we are all Oregonians, and we can all work together to prevent these crashes.
Oregon Friendly Driver is aware of this problem and is working to reduce the number of crashes in Oregon, especially those involving people on bikes and people walking. We are doing this by providing free education to anyone who is driving. Our education includes laws, best practices, infrastructure tips, and general guidance on how to make your driving safer. The roads in Oregon are for everyone, so let’s make them safe for everyone.
At Oregon Friendly Driver, we ask that if you’re behind the wheel, you are paying attention to your surroundings and practicing patience at all times while driving. You can enroll in our online course for free today or contact us to schedule in-person training for groups. Let’s save lives and keep Oregon’s roads safe, together.
