Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself in a car, and in Oregon, it is the law (see box below). Seatbelts are designed to secure occupants in their seats during a collision or sudden stop, preventing them from being thrown around inside the vehicle, which can lead to severe injury or death. Seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,  wearing a seat belt in the front seat can reduce fatalities by 45% and moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%. 

Numerous safety statistics and studies highlight the importance of wearing a seatbelt, demonstrating its effectiveness in saving lives and reducing the severity of injuries.

1, Seatbelts are proven to save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45% and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50%. In the event of a crash, wearing a seatbelt helps to distribute the force of impact over the more substantial parts of the body—namely, the pelvis and chest—while minimizing movement. This significantly reduces the likelihood of being ejected from the vehicle, which is often fatal.

2. Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the severity of injuries. In the event of a collision, an unbelted person may be thrown against hard surfaces inside the vehicle or collide with other passengers, increasing the risk of head, neck, and spinal injuries. Seatbelts work to limit movement and keep passengers in the optimal position to absorb the crash forces, thereby reducing trauma to vital organs and bones.

3. Rrear-seat passengers are equally at risk if they don’t buckle up. Studies show that passengers in the back who don’t wear seatbelts are at greater risk of injury themselves and can injure other people in the car during a collision due to the forces they exert on those wearing seatbelts.

4. Wearing a seatbelt is also the law in most states. Laws requiring seatbelt use help to encourage safer driving habits and lower overall accident-related injuries and fatalities. Failing to wear a seatbelt can result in fines, and more importantly, it may lead to a sense of complacency or neglect about other safety precautions in the vehicle.

Oregon law requires that all motor vehicle operators and passengers be properly secured with a safety belt or safety harness unless all safety-belt-equipped seating positions are occupied by other persons. This applies to passenger cars, pickup trucks, motor homes, and fee-based people transport carrying fifteen or fewer persons. Vehicle owners are required to maintain belt systems in working order. Contact the team at EPB&B Insurance and we will help you find the right auto insurance  to protect you and your loved ones.

Driving through Oregon, with its lush, colorful landscapes, can be a relaxing adventure throughout most of the year. Still, Oregon Winters can bring treacherous conditions that require extra precautions and preparation to ensure safety on the road. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can make driving treacherous, with poor visibility and slippery surfaces leading to accidents or breakdowns. A well-prepared vehicle and an emergency car kit can make a big difference if you get stranded or face unforeseen circumstances. Here’s what you need to know about winter driving and what should be in a disaster supply car kit.

Tips for Winter Travel On The Road 

1. Know Before You Go: Visit www.tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1 for the latest road conditions, weather forecasts, and chain requirements.
2. Share Your Plan:  Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.  If you get stuck, help can be sent on your pre-determined route.  Check-in with someone  once you arrive at your destination : 
3. Stay in Control:  Although it may be tempting on those long, flat road trips, don’t use cruise control in wet, icy, and snowy weather
4. Have the Proper Tires Winter tires are designed to handle snow and ice, providing better traction and handling than regular or all-season tires. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, as colder temperatures can cause the air pressure to drop.
5. Keep the Tank Full: A full tank of gas is essential during emergencies or long traffic delays, and it also prevents the gas line from freezing in cold weather. 
6. Keep Headlights On and Clear: Winter weather often brings reduced visibility, so it’s essential to keep your headlights on at all times to see and be seen. Also, clear off any ice or snow from your lights and windshield before hitting the road.
7. Avoid Hills and Steep Roads if Possible: Uphill climbs, and downhill slopes can be particularly risky on icy roads. Try to plan routes that avoid these areas, and if you do need to drive on an incline, keep a steady speed without sudden braking.

Essential Winter Disaster Supply Car Kit

An emergency supply kit in your car can be a lifesaver if you get stranded or face an unexpected breakdown. Here’s what you should include:

1. Warm Clothing and Blankets: Staying warm is crucial in freezing temperatures. Pack extra clothing layers, hats, gloves, and thermal blankets to keep you warm.
2. Non-Perishable Food and Water: High-calorie snacks like granola bars, nuts, and energy bars can provide the necessary energy. Also, keep bottled water, although you may want to insulate it to prevent freezing.
3. First Aid Kit: A basic kit with bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers can be helpful if you or someone else is injured.
4. Flashlight and Extra Batteries: If you’re stuck at night, a flashlight with extra batteries can help you see and signal for help.
5. Jumper Cables and Portable Battery Pack: Cold weather can drain batteries faster than usual. Jumper cables are a must, and a portable battery pack can be handy if there’s no other car around to help.
6. Shovel and Ice Scraper: A compact shovel can help you dig out if you’re stuck in the snow, and an ice scraper will keep your windshield and mirrors clear.
7. Sand, Salt, or Kitty Litter: If you’re stuck on ice, sprinkle these materials under your tires to provide traction.
8. Road Flares or Reflective Triangles: These can alert other drivers to your presence if you’re stranded, making it safer while waiting for help.
9. Charged Phone and Charger: A fully charged cell phone and a car charger ensure you can call for assistance if needed.
10. Extra Windshield Washer Fluid: Winter roads can quickly dirty your windshield, so having extra fluid on hand can keep your view clear.

Preparing for winter driving and packing a disaster supply car kit can make all the difference during unexpected winter road situations. Take the time to equip your vehicle, adjust your driving habits, and ensure you’re ready for the unique challenges of winter travel. Stay safe, stay warm, and drive with caution.

Slippery roads, poor visibility, and improper traction can all lead to unexpected accidents on the road.  Make sure you are protected.  Contact the team at EPB&B, and we will review your policy and put the proper insurance in place to protect you and your family.