Download the Media Toolkit: Pause for Paws English Spanish

Download the Media Toolkit: In Rain or Snow English Spanish

Download the Media Toolkit: Why Speed English Spanish

Download the Media Toolkit: Cruise with Ease English Spanish

Download the Media Toolkit: Take it Slow English Spanish

Download All Toolkits

Download Slow Down PSA

11 × 17 Why Speed Posters

11 × 17 Take it Slow Posters

Event Handouts

We have these materials printed and ready to hand out. Contact us if you want free printed materials at your event.

The average person doesn’t believe that the threat of a fatal or life-altering speed-related crash applies to them. Most people believe that they can drive above the speed limit and still arrive at their destination safe and unharmed. Motor vehicle crashes attributed to unsafe driving speeds are 100% preventable but the public accepts them as unavoidable.

The most recent five-year rolling data (2018-2022) shows that, on average, six speed-related fatalities occurred in the Lane County metropolitan area, while an additional 8 speed-related fatalities occurred in more rural areas of Lane County—that’s  14 lives that could have been spared by planning ahead and driving at a safe speed.

Speeding accounts for nearly one-third of all fatalities on our roads and puts everyone at risk, including people in other vehicles, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and pets.

High speeds make a crash more likely because drivers have less time and distance to react, slow down or stop.

Driving below the speed limit can help prevent fatal or life-altering crashes when road conditions are not ideal, like during bad weather, when a road is under repair, or in an area that is not well lit at night.

Speed-related crashes can be prevented by planning ahead and allowing more time, easing the stress of arriving late due to traffic, detours or other unforeseen issues.

Allow yourself extra time. Do you sometimes rush because you're running late? Try padding your drive with extra time. Begin by adding a few minutes to your schedule. As this becomes a routine, increase the buffer based on your destination, the distance you'll be traveling and unexpected traffic delays. When you do encounter delays, this extra time can reduce stress and help ensure you get there on time.

Enjoy the drive. Driving isn't a competition (unless you're a professional racecar driver). If you feel the urge to speed up, take a deep breath and try to unwind. Turn on the radio, listen to your favorite podcast, or just enjoy some quiet time with your thoughts. Reframe your drive as a chance to unwind.

Set it and forget it. One of the simplest ways to prevent speeding on longer drives is by using your cruise control feature when you’re well rested. Most newer vehicles are equipped with this handy tool, allowing you to choose a specific speed while driving. Your car will handle the speed for you, letting you concentrate on any potential dangers on the roadway. Simply adjust your cruise control speed according to the traffic conditions and the posted speed limits.

Be a proactive passenger. When you want to ask friends or family who are driving to ease up on their speed, start the conversation with kindness and respect. Instead of accusations or blaming, share your worries about safety. You might say something like, "I feel safer when we take it slower." Timing is also key; try talking about it when you're not in a tense driving scenario.

Enroll teens in drivers ed. Instructional driving programs teach teens the importance of driving at or below the speed limit and how to drive for the conditions. Oregon teens who take driver education are 25% less likely to be in a crash and have a 57% lower rate of traffic convictions. Those who take the class and pass the course don’t need to take the driver’s test at the DMV and can also save on car insurance. It’s a win-win!

Spring Break

Summer

Fourth of July

Start of School

Adverse Weather

Nighttime: 9pm-3am

Our goal is to reduce the number of preventable deaths and serious injuries caused by speeding. We want people to proactively think through their plans and allow plenty of time before they get behind the wheel and drive at a safe speed based on the conditions.

To end preventable speed-related deaths, our concept of acceptable driving behavior must change. This “Make a Plan” campaign imagines a community of people who think ahead, allow more time and drive at a safe speed for the road conditions. The campaign creative is based on research—surveys, focus groups and secondary research—conducted in 2023-24. Research results showed that the target audience (drivers ages 21+) responded most favorably to positive, memorable, catchy messages, coupled with engaging, animated graphics that focus on the desired driving behaviors we want to reinforce and achieve among drivers. The “Make a Plan” research and outreach campaigns were developed in partnership with Turell Group.