Eugene
The Eugene Police Department shared winter weather driving tips

Eugene, OR – According to the Eugene Police Department, if roads are slick, and you don’t have to go out, stay home.
Winter weather is here and expected to have a significant impact for the next several days.
As air temperatures drop and roads are wet, conditions on the roadway can change in the blink of an eye.
Here is a quick list of items to look over before heading out on your commute:
Cold weather driving tips
- If it is icy out and you don’t have to travel, stay home
- Slow down
- Leave plenty of driving distance, don’t accelerate quickly and don’t brake abruptly
- Drive defensively and cautiously – your eyes should be looking ahead and down the road so you can see conditions and traffic and will be able to react appropriately and calmly
- Even if you have a green light, check to see you are safe proceeding through the intersection. There may be vehicles sliding into the intersection, without the ability to stop due to road conditions and unsafe driving
- If you have an outside temperature gauge in your car, check it from time to time (These gauges are inexpensive and available at stores locally)
- Drive as though you can’t rely on your brakes
- Be aware that road conditions can change quickly as the temperature drops
- The surface on overpasses and bridges freeze faster so be cautious
- Remove all ice on windshields, windows, headlights and tail lights prior to driving to ensure adequate visibility, and make sure the vehicle’s windshield is defrosted
- Carry chains or traction devices if it is going to snow
- Check your tire pressure. It should be at least at the level recommended by the manufacturer. As the temperature drops, so does tire pressure
- Turn headlights on
- If you crash, carefully evaluate the situation from inside your vehicle. Don’t immediately get out because it is possible other vehicles might also be crashing near you.
- Don’t stand between moving traffic and your vehicle. Use a flare, hazard lights or other signaling device to warn other drivers of the crash.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles and all-wheel drive vehicles are great at accelerating, but in snow or ice that doesn’t help you stop or turn.
- Don’t use cruise control in freezing, near freezing, or rainy conditions. The powered wheels can lose traction.
- Don’t leave your vehicle unattended, warming up in the driveway, a perfect target for would-be car-thieves.
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
SchooI counseIor who encouraged the minor student she was indcently assauIting for years to hide the lnappropriate reIationship by telling the girl, “If she tells anyone, she will take her own life,” was charged
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Man who kiIIed his girIfriend carrying their unborn baby several days after the victim told her sister that he threw her on the floor, strangIed her, and if anything happened to her, it was because of him, was charged
-
Eugene1 week ago
35-year-old man arrested on drug, weapon charges after attempting to escape Eugene officers
-
Eugene5 days ago
Eugene Springfield Fire deployed resources to Flat Fire near Sisters, supporting Lane County task forces
-
Eugene1 week ago
Red Flag Warning issued for Southern Willamette Valley Thursday afternoon
-
Crime & Safety1 day ago
Man threw his girIfriend’s chiId out the door like a bag after the 5-year-old refused to do chores or waIk back and forth outside in the severe heat, causing him to Iose consciousness and later die at the hospitaI: DA
-
Eugene1 week ago
Eugene Police SWAT assists federal firearms trafficking investigation
-
Eugene5 days ago
License plate reader alert leads Eugene Police to arrests after early-morning attempted vehicle break-ins