Expect winter driving ahead, Nov. 5

ODOT release – Southwest Oregon drivers should get ready for winter weather driving in the Cascades and on the mountain passes of Interstate 5. A change to seasonal, wet and cold conditions is forecast by this weekend. Pavement dirt and grime will surface on area highways causing slick conditions especially on mountain passes such as I-5 north of Grants Pass. Slow down. ODOT crews will be ready but ask the public to prepare for changing road conditions. “The constant from one winter to the next is you will drive over a high mountain pass to enter or leave the Rogue Valley. We want you to be ready,” said Interim District Manager Jeremiah Griffin. Safety tips for driving in winter conditions: Slow down and don’t use cruise control in wet, icy or snowy weather. Choose main routes; don’t relay on GPS. Be rested and alert. Always wear your seat belt. Drive with your lights on and reduce your speed. Use extra caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways. Ice forms first on these surfaces. Carry chains and know how to install them or use traction tires. Know before you go! Oregon Road Conditions and Cameras: www.tripcheck.com; 5-1-1; QuickMap in California: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ Winter Driving Tips: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-driving.aspx Oregon DOT Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondot/albums/72157625137281831