Revamping Your Interim Lifestyle: Key Insights and Exciting Updates from ODOT!

Safety is always ODOT’s top priority. But this winter, be ready for slower responses due to fewer crews and supplies.

Winter travel can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Stay Focused: Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Put away distractions like your phone.
• Watch for Others: Be alert for pedestrians and cyclists who may be hard to see in bad weather. Give extra space to large vehicles.
• Know What to Do if You Skid: If your car starts to lose traction, ease off the gas. Don’t hit the brakes suddenly.
• Plan Your Route: Some roads are better maintained than others, like Forest Service roads, which may not be cleared regularly.
• Have an Emergency Kit: Keep essentials in your car, like water, snacks, and blankets.
• Start with a Full Tank: Whether it’s gas or an electric charge, make sure you’re fully stocked before hitting the road.

In recent years, ODOT has faced budget challenges. Revenue from gas taxes and fees has flattened, while costs continue to rise. This year, lawmakers proposed road-funding plans that aimed to raise about $14.6 billion over a decade. This would have included higher gas taxes and new taxes on car sales. However, many legislators felt the plans were too costly and lacked support.

As a result, ODOT had to make difficult decisions, and layoffs were set in motion. A significant argument against raising transportation funds was the struggle many Oregonians face with rising costs for daily necessities.

According to a recent survey, 68% of Oregon residents believe that road safety is more pressing than increasing transportation funding. Issues like potholes and dangerous driving conditions have become more concerning.

With winter approaching, attention will turn to these road issues. Slow responses to accidents, fog lines that are barely visible, and potholes can quickly become a danger to drivers. The importance of a reliable transportation network is crucial for daily commutes, business operations, and tourism in Oregon.

Experts suggest that a special session to address these challenges might be necessary. But for that to happen, lawmakers need to come together and compromise. As we look ahead to January, transportation safety will surely remain a key issue.

Stay tuned for updates, and drive safely this winter!

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