Winter Driving in Ashland: Staying Safe When the Weather Turns
As winter settles into the Rogue Valley, the Transportation Advisory Committee wants to take a moment to talk about something that affects every driver in our community: staying safe on winter roads.
Even though many of us have lived here for decades, winter driving can still catch us off guard. Snow, slush, freezing rain, fog and especially black ice can turn familiar routes, from I-5 and the Siskiyou Summit to the Railroad District, into hazardous stretches, often with little to no warning. Nationally, tens of thousands of crashes happen each year during snow or sleet, and many more occur on clear days when black ice is nearly invisible.
Bridges, overpasses and shady spots freeze first. And with the sun setting earlier, many of us find ourselves driving home in the dark, when visibility drops and reaction times naturally slow. That combination alone is enough reason to approach winter driving with a little extra care.
Here are a few reminders that go a long way:
- Prepare your vehicle
Cold weather lowers tire pressure (for both cars and bikes), so check it regularly. Make sure your tires have good tread and that your brakes are working properly. If you’re driving, confirm that your headlights, windshield wipers and defrosters are in good shape, and keep your gas tank reasonably full. If your wipers are worn, now’s the time to replace them.
- Adjust your driving
Slow down. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead and skip the cruise control until spring. Smooth steering and gentle braking help you stay in control if you hit a slick patch. Treat every bridge and shaded corner as if it could be icy.
- Plan ahead
If conditions look bad, the safest option is often to wait until the roads improve. Saving a few minutes isn’t worth risking harm to yourself or others. When you do head out, give yourself plenty of time and let someone know your route, especially if you’re driving alone.
- Keep a winter kit in your car
An ice scraper, a small shovel, traction material, blankets, a flashlight, an extra jacket and gloves, snacks and a portable charger can make a big difference if you get stuck or delayed.
- Give road crews space
Snowplows and sanding trucks move slowly and may stop or shift lanes. They’re out there working to keep all of us safe and giving them room to do their job makes a big difference.
Winter driving is really about slowing down, staying aware and looking out for one another
The risks are real, but they’re manageable when we treat winter weather with respect instead of routine. It’s not about being the fastest or the most confident driver on the road. It’s about making sure every driver, passenger, cyclist, pedestrian and neighbor gets home safely. We know these roads, the curves, the hills, the tree-lined stretches, the ridge lines, and that familiarity is exactly why we can’t afford to get complacent.
Planning to venture outside of Ashland?
Be sure to check TripCheck.com for up-to-date road conditions and closures. TripCheck offers traffic cameras, incident alerts, travel information and more to help you plan ahead.
Learn more about the Transportation Advisory Committee at ashlandoregon.gov/TAC. For information on how you can be better prepared for winter in general, visit ashlandoregon.gov/WinterWeather. We are Better Together!
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