Tips for Road Trips

Posted by Aurae Beidler Aug 10, 2008

Tips for Road Trips

Construction Ahead

Allow extra time for road construction, traffic accidents and detours due to forest fires, flash floods and other hazards. Summer in the Northwest means road construction. Watch for flaggers, orange road signs and cones, and over-sized equipment moving down the highway. Accessing traffic information from state transportation departments can help avoid delays and road closures.

Beware of Animals

Be cautious at dusk and dawn, keeping an eye out for animals. Deer, raccoons, possums, skunk and other animals are notorious for attempting road crossing as night approaches. Watch for animal crossing signs, signifying heavy animal traffic areas.

Increased Traffic and Road Rage

Summer means more travelers on the roads, even with higher gas prices. Remember to share the road with commuters and truck drivers. If you have extra time, are traveling at a slower speed, consider pulling over for faster moving traffic. Some impolite drivers have no patience for slower drivers. Don't initiate into road rage battles with these drivers. It doesn't require much extra time to considerately pull over or move into the slow lane.

Road Maps and GPS Systems

Use disgretion when using road maps and GPS systems while traveling. Some roads are not as they appear on maps. I remember taking a road in Eastern Oregon as a short-cut, which ended up consisting of 30 miles of gravel road. On the map, it looked like a paved road. Make sure to study maps carefully, and use caution with any navagation system. It doesn't hurt to stop and ask for directions, or the best route to take.