Summer travel season is a great time to explore Oregon’s scenic highways and vibrant communities. It’s also one of the busiest times of the year on our roads. With everyone hitting the road at the same time, crashes and fatalities often increase. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known nationally as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer and Oregon is no exception.
In the past week alone, multiple ODOT crew members have been injured in crashes across the state while working. Like most crashes, these were likely preventable tragedies, caused primarily by other drivers failing to slow down or pay attention behind the wheel.
Road workers are parents, neighbors, and community members doing their jobs so everyone can get where they need to go safely. We're asking everyone to join us in making travel safer for your loved ones, yourself, and the people maintaining the roads you travel. Slow down and pay attention.
"Oregon State Police, in coordination with our partners at ODOT, will be working diligently to keep traffic flowing on our highways this summer," said Capt. Kyle Kennedy, public information officer for the Oregon State Police. "You can partner with us by maintaining a safe speed, driving within your lane, staying off electronic devices, wearing your seatbelt, never operating a vehicle while impaired by any substance. Doing your part will reduce crashes and help us ensure everybody arrives at their final destination in one piece and on time."
Memorial Day weekend travel
Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of the summer travel season and AAA expects it to be one of the busiest on record, with nearly half a million Oregonians hitting the road. Plan ahead and make smart choices.
- Use TripCheck.com to see up-to-date road conditions, work zones, and traffic cameras across Oregon.
- Leave early and allow extra time for your drive.
- Consider alternatives to driving alone like using public transit or carpooling.
- Pack smart. Bring water, medicine, snacks, and an emergency kit in case of delays.
- Silence your phone and keep your focus on the road.
- Share the road. Be courteous to all road users including people walking, biking and riding motorcycles.
Work zones require your full attention
Maintenance and construction crews are working hard this summer to improve Oregon’s roads and they deserve to go home safely at the end of their shift.
- Slow down in work zones.
- Move over when you see flashing lights.
- Stash your phone away. A glance at your phone can cost someone their life.
- Stay alert. Work zones may still be active, even if crews aren't visible. Barriers, lane shifts, and narrow shoulders remain dangerous.
- To find out about construction projects in your area and across Oregon visit our project tracker website.
Know before you go
Oregon’s diverse landscape means travel conditions can vary widely. Here’s how to prepare.
- Check TripCheck.com before every trip.
- TripCheck now shows where active chip seals are happening. Active chip seal work zones will have an orange and black striped line on the map, while upcoming chip seals are marked with blue and white stripes.
- Review our ODOT Summer Travel Tips website, with information on construction projects, wildfire safety, and travel updates across the state.
- Check the weather forecast. From coastal fog to high desert heat, conditions can change quickly.
Driving safely isn’t just about avoiding tickets.
Let’s work together to reduce crashes this summer. Whether you're headed to the coast, the mountains, or across town, your choices behind the wheel matter.
Thank you for driving like someone’s life depends on it—because it does.
Source: ODOT