Benton County Emergency Management Services – News

November 29, 2005

Travel Preparedness Recommendations

As the Willamette Valley heads into more inclement winter weather, it's a very good time to review adverse weather driving and travel preparedness recommendations.

Know BEFORE you go:

• ODOT Road and Weather - www.tripcheck.com
• dial 511 from your cell phone in Oregon
• Visit the National Weather Service for Portland

Be sure that you are fit to drive. Well, sober, rested, focused on driving.

Ensure that your vehicle is in good shape for hazardous driving. Check tire tread and pressure (should be as recommended by manufacturer and is affected by changes in ambient temperature), windshield wiper blades, lights all around, brakes and fluids including antifreeze.

Check in when you arrive and depart. In hazardous weather, let someone know your route and destination.

Always, always keep a well-stocked emergency kit in every vehicle. Recommended contents include: Water and high energy/calorie food, Flares, First aid kit and necessary medications, Maps and compass or GPS, Gloves, sturdy shoes and warm socks, Flashlight, light sticks, extra batteries, Blankets/space blankets for warmth, Rain gear and extra clothing, ABC type fire extinguisher, Shovel, Chains/traction mats, Hand warmers, Battery powered radio and extra batteries, Tools, spare fuses, batteries for cell phone, Kitty litter for ballast or traction if you get stuck. (more)

Dim bright lights and turn off extra fog lights for traffic in front of you and oncoming traffic. Reducing the vision of other drivers with your brights and/or auxiliary lights can make you the accident victim.

Slow down. Allow extra time to get where you are going.

Allow extra distance between you and other vehicles - with reduced visibility and slippery roadways you'll need the extra stopping distance.

Arrive at your destination safely!

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