(SALEM, OR) – Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and many Oregonians will be hitting the roads to visit family and friends. Wet, snowy, and unpredictable weather could quickly turn travel plans upside down if you’re not prepared.
ODOT crews will be out working through the holiday—plowing snow, clearing debris, managing traffic and responding to weather impacts. They’re doing everything they can to help keep Oregonians moving safely. But with traffic increasing and winter conditions setting in, we need travelers to do their part too.
We’re seeing more close calls between vehicles and highway workers. Please slow down, be patient, and give crews plenty of room whether they’re plowing, flagging traffic or doing emergency response work. Everyone deserves to make it home safely, including road crews.
Tips for safe winter travel this holiday week:
- Expect delays. Thanksgiving travel is busy, no matter the weather. Plan ahead and allow extra time.
- Check conditions before your trip. Visit TripCheck.com for cameras, temperatures, and updated road information.
- Watch message signs. They provide critical updates about the road ahead—chain requirements, weather hazards, and delays.
- Prepare for winter driving. Carry chains and know how to use them. Pack water, snacks, warm clothes, blankets, medications, and anything you’d need if traffic slows to a crawl.
- Drive for conditions. Rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic—slow down and leave more space between vehicles.
- Give snowplows room. Never pass a plow on the right. The safest place to be in a snowstorm is behind the plow.
- Choose a sober, focused, and alert driver. Holiday meals and long days can make you drowsy—don’t drive tired.
- Watch for people walking and biking. Visibility drops in winter weather and early darkness.
Most construction work will pause over the holiday weekend, but some work zones remain in place. Please obey all posted signs and give workers space.
Nov. 1 marked the start of Oregon’s studded tire season, but ODOT encourages drivers to consider other traction options that offer equal or better grip and cause less damage to roads. Modern traction tires and chains can perform just as well in icy and snowy conditions.
If you’re looking for a less stressful travel option, consider car-free travel. The Amtrak train and many local transit agencies serve the Willamette Valley and beyond. Some services may be closed or operate on holiday schedules, so check before you go.
No matter how or where you travel, be ready for changing conditions and look out for one another. Our crews, emergency responders, and your fellow travelers all share the same goal: a safe and peaceful holiday weekend.
For more information and additional safety tips visit our Winter Travel Tips page and check out the Winter Travel News Packet. Photos and videos of what Oregon roads look like in severe weather are available in our Winter Travel Flickr Album.