Be Prepared, Drive Healthy
Here are some important things that you can do as a driver to be better prepared for whatever winter throws your way.
Driver’s responsibilities:
- Focus on driving. Park your electronic devices. Keep your hands on the wheel and your mind on the road.
- Drive sober. You can become impaired by things other than alcohol: marijuana, opiods, methamphetamines or even over the counter medications.
- Don’t drive drowsy. If you feel tired, take a break.
- Check road conditions before you head out — visit TripCheck.com or call 511.
- Tell someone where you are going, what route you are taking and update them on major changes.
- Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists who may be harder to see in fog, rain or snow.
- Slow down and give extra room for snowplows, trucks and other large vehicles. Don’t pass snowplows or sanders, and don’t follow them too closely; they will pull over!
- Know your route. Some roads, like state highways, are regularly maintained. Other roads, such as Forest Service roads, are maintained less frequently.
- Turn off your cruise control.
- If you drive an electric vehicle, turn off your regenerative braking.
- If you lose traction, gradually slow down.
- Use caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways. These surfaces are the first to freeze.
- Slow down ahead of shaded areas, especially on curves. Shaded areas are cooler and may have ice that is hard to see.
Prepare your vehicle:
- Fill up your vehicle or charge your battery before you head out.
- Ensure the heater and defroster are working properly.
- Test all lights. Carry spare light bulbs.
- Make sure to have an emergency kit for your car.
- Driver responsibilities: Be prepared, drive healthy.
- Use antifreeze that’s good to -25°F.
- Check and fill washer and other fluids and make sure hoses aren’t loose or brittle.
- Keep wipers clean and in good condition.
- Make certain your battery is fully charged (also check battery age and make sure cables are not loose or corroded).
- Ensure your tires, and spare, are in good condition and properly inflated for best traction.
- Carry chains or use traction tires.
- Keep a safety kit in your vehicle that includes:
- Ice scraper and snow brush.
- Phone and charger.
- A flashlight (rechargeable or with extra batteries).
- Tools: jack, lug wrench, shovel, flares, pocketknife, jumper cables.
- Maps.
- Blanket or sleeping bags.
- Extra warm clothes: boots, coat, hat, gloves.
- Extra food, water and medicine for you and your pets.
- First aid kit (including prescription medication).
- Matches or lighter.
- Paper towels.
- Extra washer fluid.
- If you travel with an infant or toddler, remember to use your child safety seat properly. Bulky winter coats can reduce the effectiveness of your child’s safety seat. To keep them warm, add layers over them once they are buckled in.
Know before you go
Visit TripCheck.com, Oregon’s travel information website, for up-to-the-minute road conditions and more information on Oregon’s chain law and chain requirements. You can also get the latest road conditions by calling 511.