Winter Road Conditions
ODOT Last Update: May 13, 2008, 7:07 pmLive traffic , weather and road conditions from Salem-News.com - Road Cameras
Winter Driving
When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.- If you must travel, make sure you car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly-colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
- Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.
- If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location. Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
Preparing your vehicle for the winter season now will help ensure your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.
- Have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle:
- Antifreeze
- Battery
- Brakes
- Defroster
- Exhaust system
- Flashing hazard lights
- Heater
- Thermostat
- Ignition system
- Lights
- Oil level
- Wipers and windshield washer fluid
- Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. You may also want to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle for heavy snow conditions. (And they may be required in certain areas. Plan ahead)
- Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal and maintain at least a half tank of gas throughout the winter season.
- Finally, plan long trips carefully. Listen to the local media report or call law enforcement agencies for the latest road conditions.
The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.
- Clear your vehicle of snow and ice before leaving. This will improve your vision and keep falling snow and ice from causing problems for other drivers.
- Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert. Remember, snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Moreover, always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
- Stay in your car and wait for help to find you.
- Run your engine for short periods of time to stay warm. Keep your down-wind window open and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow.
- Turn on the dome light at night when you are running the engine to signal rescuers.
- Hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car.
- Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
Traffic News
State Grants Means New Off-Highway Vehicle for Law Enforcement
Salem-News.comThe BLM also will receive a $49,000 planning grant to continue an inventory of Medford District roads and off-highway trails.
(SALEM, Ore.) -
Sheriff's offices in 11 Oregon counties will receive state All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Program grants from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to help pay for law enforcement in off-highway vehicle riding areas.
OPRD has awarded $7.84 million since July 1st, 2007 for riding area land acquisitions, law enforcement and emergency medical services, riding area operations and maintenance, area development, planning, and safety education.
Gas Prices Continue Record Setting Pace as Memorial Day Approaches
Salem-News.comEach day seems to bring new record highs at the pumps. Will we see a national average of $4 per gallon for regular unleaded by Memorial Day?
(PORTLAND, Ore.) -
Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer driving season, is less than two weeks away, and gas prices continue to set new record highs almost every day.
AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, "The statewide average for regular unleaded in Oregon jumps eight cents this week to $3.75, while the national average soars 12 cents to $3.73. The national average is just two cents shy of the peak price of $3.75 predicted by AAA earlier this year when crude oil surpassed $100 per barrel."
Fatal Crash Sunday Near Dundee Leads to Arrest of Driver
Salem-News.comDriver arrested over fatal traffic crash last weekend on Highway 99W south of Newberg.
(DUNDEE, Ore.) -
Police arrested the driver of a car involved in Sunday afternoon's fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of a Dayton woman.
Carma Smith died when a vehicle driven by 26-year old Leonel Zurita Loeza crossed the center grass median on Highway 99W near Dundee, flew into the air and struck her car. Troopers arrested the man upon his release Monday afternoon from a Portland-area hospital.
Woman Dies from Injuries Sustained in Crash Last Month on Highway 224
Salem-News.comThe 22-year old woman died from injuries suffered in the April 25th crash.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) -
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner informed Oregon State Police that a Gladstone woman critically injured in a collision April 25th with a commercial truck on Highway 224 at Pheasant Court died Sunday at a Portland hospital.
The victim was pregnant at the time of the crash. Her baby boy was delivered at the hospital after the crash and is reported doing well.
Man Faces Numerous Charges After Police Chase
Salem-News..comThe vehicle struck an apartment and the force of the knocked a child's bed several feet away from the wall, fortunately the child was not home when it happened.
(SALEM, Ore.) -
Just after midnight, a Marion County Sheriff's deputy says he attempted to pull over a suspected DUII driver at Lancaster Drive and Sunnyview Drive in Salem.
But the suspect failed to yield to the traffic stop and a chase lasting 8.4 miles ensued through Salem and into Keizer. The Marion County Sheriff's Office says the attempt to elude officers ended abruptly.
Dayton Woman Dies in Crash on Highway 99W
Salem-News.comWitnesses said one car was being operated at a high rate of speed when it lost control, crossed the grass center median and became airborne.
(DUNDEE, Ore.) -
A Dayton-area woman died Sunday afternoon when her car was struck by another vehicle that crossed the center grass median on Highway 99W between Dundee and Newberg.
Police say a third vehicle was also involved in the crash and investigators believe alcohol and speed were possible contributing factors in the deadly crash.
Fatal Crash Kills One Near Dundee on Highway 99W
Salem-News.comMotorists should avoid the area or expect delays. Highway 18 is open and has not been affected.
(DUNDEE, Ore.) -
Oregon State Police are on the scene of a fatal traffic crash on Highway 99W near milepost 27. The area is about two miles north of Highway 18.
They advise that the highway is closed as a result of the crash. At this time the Oregon Department of Transportation is on the scene with a detour in place.
School Bus With 35 Kids Onboard Involved in Fatal Traffic Crash
Salem-News.comPolice aren't sure why the driver of a 2008 Honda Civic crossed the paved center median into the southbound lanes and crashed head-on with the school bus.
(SCAPOOSE, Ore.) -
One person died and four others were injured Wednesday afternoon in a crash involving a Scappoose school bus and a passenger car on Highway 30 about three miles north of Scappoose.
Police say the four injured people included the bus driver and three elementary School students. The crash happened as the driver was transporting approximately 35 students from Warren Elementary School southbound on Highway 30 in the right hand lane.
One Person Dies in Crash on Highway 34 East of Highway 101
Salem-News.comPolice have not been able to notify the driver's next of kin.
(WALDPORT, Ore.) -
One person died early Wednesday morning in a single vehicle crash along Highway 34 about fifteen miles east of Highway 101. The victim's name is withheld pending next of kin notification.
According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Lieutenant Kelly Collins, on May 7, 2008 at approximately 3:46 AM a report was received through Lincoln County Communications Center of a vehicle off Highway 34 near milepost 15.
Pipes Strewn Across Lanes Closes Oregon Highway 22
Salem-News.comLoad of Pipe Partially Blocks Highway 22E west of Detroit Following Truck Crash
(DETROIT, Ore.) -
A late Tuesday commercial truck crash resulted in approximately 400 feet of Highway 22E west of Detroit being partially blocked for several hours by a spilled load of plastic water pipe, police said.
The driver was not injured and was cited. Police investigators believe he was trying to negotiate a curve and crossed over the oncoming lane onto the south shoulder of the highway.
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy