ODOT offers winter driving tips as snow returns
Low snow levels over the next few days may create hazardous traveling conditions throughout Oregon, ODOT said Friday. Weather forecasters are saying the first bout of snow will arrive in strength on Saturday, with continuing snowfall expected into next week..
The best thing to do is to get to your destination before the snow starts, not after, the agency said in a news release, which continues below.
Travelers need to use caution and observe a few common sense rules for navigating hazardous weather conditions:
Get safely situated. Don’t wait until after a storm hits to get on the road. Get to your destination before conditions turn nasty and unsafe. Travel smart. Consider waiting until a storm passes to get on your bike or in your car. Or work from home if you can. Leave early. It’s smart to allow plenty of time to get where you’re going. In severe weather, closures and crashes can cause long delays. Check on any appointments you have before you leave. Offices and businesses may be closing due to the weather conditions. Know before you go. Plan your route. Visit Tripcheck.com in advance to look at ODOT cameras and check conditions. Drive for conditions. Slow down, turn on your headlights so others can see you, and turn off cruise control. Watch for plows. ODOT sand trucks, plows and deicer trucks can’t clear roads clogged with traffic. The more traffic stays off the road, the quicker roads can be treated. Stay at least three car lengths back. Everybody benefits the sooner they can get the road cleared.
In severe weather, ODOT said it deploys all available tools in its winter arsenal, including plows, sanders, deicer and salt, as appropriate. Crews and equipment are being prepositioned to respond. ODOT crews are working 12-hour, round-the-clock shifts.
ODOT Region 4 spokesman Peter Murphy also advised travelers to Mt. Bachelor this weekend to “arrive early, leave late and be prepared for winter conditions.”
Winter driving info link:
