Much of Oregon is expecting to see some severe winter weather 
over the next several days. Oregon State Police want to remind you that means driving might become a challenge. In cases where you are planning on traveling over mountain passes or at higher elevations, the best plan might be to just stay home.
If you have to travel, most drivers know to always check their route using www.tripcheck.com and the weather forecast before hitting Oregon’s highways
. We are, however, seeing some people not thinking 
about what they should be prepared for in case of an emergency or extended delay.
Your Oregon State Police Troopers see drivers and passengers all too often that are not properly prepared when a crisis hits, and they become stranded in several winter weather.
Share your travel plans with friends or family.
Ensure your vehicle is in proper working order and has a full tank of gas, traction tires, or chains, and all lights are in working order including hazard lights.
Pack an emergency supply kit that should include water, a cell phone charger, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and food.𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲
Dress for the cold weather with several layers, a winter coat, proper shoes/boots, a stocking cap, and gloves.
Take this one piece of life-saving advice… SLOW DOWN. Crashes are largely preventable.
First thing first, check your route and the weather. Use www.tripcheck.com for updated road closures and chain requirements.
Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
Your safety is our priority. Help us help you be safe on the road. #highwaysafety#winterweather#YourOregonStatePolice