ODOT: Eclipse highway shoulder parking illegal, dangerous

Motorists who consider parking on Oregon highway shoulders during the eclipse may risk a fine, put others in jeopardy, contribute to congestion and worst case, may possibly see their vehicle towed away, ODOT warned Monday.

With thousands of eclipse-seekers hitting the state’s highways to catch a view of the Aug. 21 celestial event, ODOT expects that many will want to pull off to the highway shoulder to watch the spectacle.

That could be a risky move.

You could start a fire…August is high fire season in Oregon, especially Central and Eastern Oregon. (70% of wildfires are caused by people.) On narrow highways, this will contribute to the extreme congestion that’s already expected. Others who see you do this may do the same….and on and on. You might put your own life at risk and the lives of others.

ODOT wants you to travel safely and enjoy this natural phenomenon. Be aware of your impact on the highway and on the other motorists hoping to do the same thing.