As winter storms plow through Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek declares a state of emergency for Multnomah County. The declaration will stay in effect until Saturday, March 4th, as experts express concern for more severe weather conditions. After Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson submitted the request based on recommendations from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM), the governor’s office immediately went into providing aid for the communities needing emergency relief.
The governor’s office continues to communicate with other countries to ensure proper relief and assistance are provided to those affected by the severe weather. If you are in an area with harsh weather conditions, take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
6 Safety Tips for Driving in Colder Weather
Oregon’s winter continues to storm throughout the state and cause severe car accidents. Before making your way out into the cold, consider the following winter weather driving safety tips:
Pack a Winter Safety Bag
When a winter storm rages through the streets, you don’t want to be stuck in your vehicle without a safety bag. Packing extra food, warm clothes, blankets, and other necessities can be extremely helpful in an emergency. If you get stuck on the side of the road in a severe winter store without a safety bag, you may end up in a dangerous and life-threatening situation.
Cold Weather Maintenance
Keep your vehicle well-maintained during the cold weather months. Having inflated tires, checking any internal equipment, and warming your vehicle up before driving are vital steps to ensuring your car is ready for the dangerous road ahead.
Keep Your Tank Full
Your fuel tank should never drop below half-full during winter. If you get stuck or stopped for a significant amount of time, you will need to keep your vehicle running and ready to move. If your vehicle runs out of fuel, you may be in danger of the cold and other drivers.
Follow at a Safe Distance
The roads are slippery, and visibility levels are significantly lower in winter. If you are not a safe enough distance from another vehicle, you may collide with them unexpectedly due to the weather conditions.
Slow Down Your Speed
Similar to keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, speeding may increase your chances of encountering an accident due to slippery roads and low visibility levels. If your car hits ice and slides, you may not be able to control your vehicle and crash into the person in front of you. Studies also show that the higher your vehicle’s speed, the more likely you will encounter life-threatening injuries.
Even at the end of winter months, there are still moments when the cold threatens our safety on the road. To protect yourself and others on the road, consider the above safety measures before driving.
Contact a Professional Oregon Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you suffer debilitating, long-term injuries due to another person’s negligence in the winter weather, you have the right to pursue legal action and recover monetary compensation for your losses. When you partner with our Rizk Law lawyers, you receive compassionate and devoted legal guidance from a caring legal firm. We treat our clients like family members and do everything we can to recover the best possible compensation for our clients.
Our team has recovered millions for clients and will offer highly-qualified legal advice throughout your claim. Schedule a free consultation with Attorney Richard Rizk by completing our contact form or calling (503) 245-5677 today.
