ODOT #Eclipse2017 update: Don’t let events eclipse your good judgement on the road

July 7, 2017

Contact: Dave Thompson, ODOT, 503-860-8021, David.H.Thompson@odot.state.or.us

ODOT #Eclipse2017 update: Don’t let events eclipse your good judgement on the road

With as many as one million people expected to be in the #Eclipse2017 path of totality in Oregon August 21, ODOT expects highways across the state to be crowded. Many people will be from out of state and unfamiliar with our roads. ODOT is encouraging all travelers to be patient, expect delays, and reach out for help instead of “driving in the dark” when the sun disappears behind the moon.

If travelers plan ahead and come prepared,

we’ll all dance together

for two unforgettable minutes

as the sun throws the moon’s shadow over us.

If travelers don’t plan ahead,

we’ll all go nowhere together

for many forgettable hours

probably throwing shade at each other.

ODOT’s 5 secrets of celestial success

Here are five suggested sources for up-to-date travel information:

1. TripCheck: www.TripCheck.com
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OregonDOT
3. Twitter: https://twitter.com/OregonDot
4. 5-1-1
5. Local media

ODOT will make regular and frequent updates to these sites using the latest highway travel time information. We will post updates to social media and will keep your local radio, TV and newspapers up to date so they can report travel time and road condition information to you.

ODOT will have crews posted at strategic locations along critical travel routes to keep motorists mobile and safe.

But it still comes down to you—and your plan to arrive early, stay put and leave late. All travelers have a shared responsibility to stay safe. That means planning your trip thoroughly, preparing your vehicle and passengers ahead of time, staying up to date on the latest highway conditions, arriving before the crowd and leaving after the crowd.

If you wait to arrive

You’ll be late on the drive

And miss the celestial lights.

If you hurry to leave

You’ll surely feel peeved.

Stick around and see Oregon’s sights.