Heavy smoke brings dangerous driving conditions

Heavy smoke brings dangerous driving conditions

Sept. 8, 2020

For more information, contact Katherine Benenati, 503-871-0388

Heavy smoke from fires up and down the West Coast is creating hazardous driving conditions in Oregon.

For those who aren't evacuating, the safest option is to stay off the roads in smoky and low visibility conditions. High winds and wildfires also create other hazards including downed limbs and power lines. Remember to check conditions if you must head out.

A number of roads are closed throughout the state and the situation is rapidly evolving. Go to Tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1 for real time road conditions.

In the middle of these dangerously smoky road conditions, a number of DMV offices are closed throughout the state due to wildfires or power outages. Closures are posted on webpages for DMV field offices. In the event of a closure, DMV will contact customers with appointments.

We may see additional smoky conditions in the weeks ahead. Remember to avoid driving in these conditions if at all possible. If you must drive, be alert, don’t drive distracted and remember you play a big part to help avoiding wildfires.

If you are driving and encounter heavy smoke here are some steps you can take to help stay safe.

  • Slow down and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions.
  • Turn on your headlights. Even during daylight hours your headlights will help others on the road see you. Use low-beams as high-beams reflect off the moisture in the air and cause glare.
  • Use fog lights. If you have them, fog lights can help cut through the smoke.
  • Check your entire route before setting out. Conditions may be very different at your destination.
  • Find an alternate route. Fire is wildly unpredictable, especially in high winds. If at all possible find a route that takes you away from fires.
  • Keep plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Visibility, of course, decreases in smoke so maintain a safe stopping distance between you and the vehicle up front.
  • If visibility becomes too dangerous to continue, pull off to the side of the road as soon as safely possible.
  • Never stop in a travel lane. Look for a safe area completely off the road if possible and turn off all lights, including flashers, until it’s safe to continue.
  • Don’t tailgate. Keep a steady, reliable pace. Remember that everyone else on the road is in the same fix you’re in. They’re counting on you to help show the way.
  • Roll up the windows. Set your fan to recirculate.
  • Have your car ready before you go. Make sure you have a full gas tank before leaving and your vehicle is in good condition. Have water, food, and medications with you – and for any pets you bring.