Making an Impact
April 2020 - Volume 7 - Issue 7
Coronavirus: Trucking Keeps Moving, Regulations Still Required, Drug Testing Collection Sites Still Open, Stay Safe

For an up-to-date HOS exemption and State Emergency exemptions, go to our sister website here: https://www.cleanfleet.org/2020/03/coronavirus-what-happens-when-states-and-federal-declarations-of-emergency/

Trucking freight keeps moving even during the coronavirus pandemic. Trucking doesn’t have the option to slow down.

In many states, including the Northwest, schools are canceled, concerts and major events are canceled, sporting events are canceled, and grocery stores are getting low on perishable items and cleaning supplies. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are not the only things weighing on the COVID-19-stressed supply chain.

According to CCJ , “a survey released Thursday by Institute for Supply Management showed that almost 75% of respondents have already seen coronavirus-related transportation disruptions with another 80%-plus expecting to see some impact.”

Trucking conferences and other events are being canceled, including the Mid-America Trucking Show, one of the largest such annual shows in the U.S., announced yesterday it was canceling this year’s event, which was set for next month in Louisville, Kentucky.

Wish these conferences were livestreamed or virtual online? You can watch our 2020 trucking conference presentations, plus other previous annual conference recordings, monthly webinars, etc. You can find them all here:  https://www.glostone.com/library/

Trucking regulations also do not stop in these times of crisis. Possibly, hours of service regulations could be relaxed (like during national emergencies), but random or post-accident drug testing, safety regulations and more are still required.

CleanFleet is still managing drug testing programs,  collection clinics  for drug testing are still open, and Glostone is still helping fleets stay in compliance.

While we continue to help fleets, we will stay updated on the latest with trucking regulations, state’s requirements or recommendations on business operations, and will notify our clients on any changes that may affect them.

Remember, if you are a driver and are sick, stay home to not spread the possibility of COVID-19. We are hearing some locations where drivers are dropping loads are requiring them to have their temperature taken and turning drivers away if they have a fever.

Landline magazine said , “Recent confirmed changes in policy at facilities like the Americold warehouse in Henderson, Nev., and the Tyson facility in Cincinnati have added paperwork at the check-in point that include signing an affidavit confirming your health status. Keep in mind if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, be prepared to remain in self-quarantine for the duration of your pick-up or delivery at these facilities.”

These questions include:

  • “Have or anyone you live with you been out of the country recently?”
  • “Have you or anyone you live with had contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or do you have a confirmed case of COVID-19?”
  • “Do you have or have recently had flu-like symptoms?”

We want to also remind everyone, that even during a national crisis, we can still be loving, we can still be kind, and please, be safe and stay educated with trustworthy sources.

DMV offices are closed  except for commercial driver licensing, which is done by appointment only.  Motor Carrier offices are doing business by appointment only  or through Trucking Online.

We issue news releases and post information online when things change.




Existing  ODOT A&E and construction contracts  are continuing to move forward. We know that COVID-19 could potentially affect existing and future A&E and construction contracts. We also know these impacts are impossible to predict and could vary widely. Visit our  Construction page  for more information.​

DMV

DMV offices open only for commercial drivers  by appointment as of March 25, 2020

Many DMV services remain available through  OregonDMV.com , and through the mail.

DMV partnered with Oregon law enforcement to exercise discretion  in their enforcement of driver licenses, vehicle registrations and trip permits that expire during the COVID-19 emergency.

Insurance industry guidance  (from the state Insurance Division)​

Highways and Rest Areas

There are no plans to close state borders due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Trucks are delivering needed emergency supplies, including health/medical supplies, food, and other necessary items. Visit  TripCheck.com  for the latest road conditions.



Public Transportation


Many local transit providers are adjusting or curtailing service. Contact your  local provider for information .

Reduced service on  Amtrak Cascades and POINT bus .​​

Trucking

Commerce and Compliance Division offices are open only by appointment . Many services are available through  Trucking Online  and by phone.​

Public Meetings

In response to Governor Kate Brown’s directive to " Stay Home, Save Lives ," all ODOT-related meetings are being held via teleconference or are being rescheduled.  Contact our staff for more information . Visit our  online open house site  to provide feedback on various projects.​
April is Alcohol Awareness Month

Alcohol Awareness Month is a public health program organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence as a way of increasing outreach and education regarding the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol. The program was started in April 1987 with the intention of targeting college-aged students who might be drinking too much as part of their newfound freedom. It has since become a national movement to draw more attention to the causes and effects of alcoholism as well as how to help families and communities deal with drinking problems.

The Importance of Alcohol Awareness Month

A big part of the work of Alcohol Awareness Month is to point out the stigma that still surrounds alcoholism and substance abuse in general. For many, denial is a common trait among those  struggling with alcoholism  or alcohol abuse.1 They often underestimate the amount they drink, the duration of their drinking problem, the impact it has had on their life, or overestimate their ability to control their drinking or to quit.1 Denial is also common among friends and family members who are uncomfortable acknowledging the gravity and reality of the situation.

With this in mind, Alcohol Awareness Month gives public health bodies, community centers, and treatment facilities the chance to increase their efforts to reach people who may not fully appreciate the dangers of unhealthy alcohol consumption.

These organizations—many of which are part of National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence’s (NCADD) National Network of Affiliates—launch campaigns on social and traditional media during the month of April to draw attention to the causes of alcoholism, the signs and effects of the condition,  how to talk to a loved one about a drinking problem , and how to find treatment options.

These campaigns can include advertising, especially in areas that are prone to abusive alcohol consumption like college campuses. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 54.9% of full-time college ages 18 to 22 students drank alcohol in the past month among, 36.9% engaged in binge drinking in the past month, and 9.65% engaged in heavy alcohol use.2
Programs like Alcohol Awareness Month exist to ensure that families and communities have the resources, information, and options available to control the crisis of alcoholism.
Free and low-cost alcoholism treatment is available.

The Prevalence of Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism in the U.S.

However, the dangers of alcohol abuse go beyond college kids getting too drunk at parties. An estimated 14.4 million Americans ages 18 and older had an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2018 according to NSDUH.3 Across the nation, 26.45% individuals 18 and older reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month (typically 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men in about 2 hours) while 6.6% engaged in heavy alcohol use (binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month) in the past month.3
Each year, an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually and in 2014 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 31% of overall driving fatalities (9,967 deaths). 3 Unfortunately, these deaths could have been avoided, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.3
Problematic alcohol use has taken a toll on our economy. Drinking-related costs reached an estimated $249 billion in the U.S. in 2010, with binge drinking accounting for three-quarters of this economic burden. 3 And $2 of every $5 were paid by federal, state, and local governments, meaning all Americans are paying for excessive alcohol use—no matter your level of consumption.4
These numbers suggest that problematic alcohol use continues to plague our society, and awareness about addiction and its harmful effects on our lives, is necessary in order to protect our loved ones and selves.

What to Expect During Alcohol Awareness Month

This year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) will be hosting the 10th annual National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) from March 30 through April 5, 2020. Full of educational events across the week, NDAFW will focus on educating teens and families on the myths of substance abuse and addiction with the help on industry experts.

In 2017, Frances M. Harding, the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, singled out the alarming rates of alcohol consumption in colleges and universities as an example of why Alcohol Awareness Month is important. Binge drinking is often thought of as a rite of passage, and many fraternities and sororities use alcohol in  hazing rituals that often turn deadly . College administrations and state governments are turning to “creative prevention strategies” to address the epidemic, and Alcohol Awareness Month gives them the platform to spread the message.

As a subsidiary of  American Addiction Centers , a nationwide provider of treatment facilities, Alcohol.org will also be showcasing the cost alcoholism and addiction can have on your life throughout the entire month of April. We’ll be helping give a real glimpse into how it can affect your mental and physical health, financial well-being, relationships (family and friends), and what it could mean for your current and future career.

Getting Help For Alcohol Addiction

If you feel you or a loved one may be struggling with alcoholism, don’t worry, you’re not alone. We understand how overwhelming it can be to consider seeking help for addiction and we’re here to take that burden off your shoulders. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7 to discuss your alcohol addiction treatment options and answer any questions you may have about the process. Call us today at 866-571-6191 to take the first step toward recovery and a healthier life.
2020 Safe Routes to School Grant Program is Officially Underway

Materials, timeline available on website

For more information: SRTS Infrastructure Program Manager  LeeAnne Fergason , 503-986-5805

SALEM – The 2020 grant year for ODOT’s  Safe Routes to School  is officially underway. ODOT is now accepting Letters of Intent for two programs: Competitive Construction and Project Identification. There will be approximately $26 million awarded in the Competitive Construction program. In the Project Identification Program, around 30 communities may receive services.
Materials and resources are available  on the website :



In addition, a program that is open but does not have a deadline is the  Rapid Response Infrastructure Grant Program .

The Project Identification Program helps school communities identify construction projects and educational programs that address barriers to students walking and biking to school in a newly-created local plan. The Competitive Construction Program focuses on making sure safe walking and biking routes exist by investing in crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes, flashing beacons and other related construction efforts. The Rapid Response Infrastructure Grant Program funds projects that are eligible for the Competitive Construction program but cannot wait for the next grant cycle.

Application forms will be available beginning June 1. Letters of Intent are due June 15. Completed applications are due August 31, and awards will be announced in December.

Car Seat Check Up Events

Oregon Impact along with most car seat safety programs in the US, is no longer providing in person/live car seat safety checks for the foreseeable future.
 
We know that car seat safety is very important, as it should be, for many new parents. We want you to know are here to help.
 
We are currently making appointments for car seat education sessions, along with other local partners. Please contact us for more information at 503-899-2220 or via email at  OregonCarSeatSafety@gmail.com .

Oregon Impact | www.oregonimpact.org
503-303-4954