How to Avoid a Collision in Oregon

December 3rd, 2015 by Eli P

Car collisions usually happen so quickly that there often doesn’t seem to be any way to avoid them. But your regular driving habits and your reactions in dangerous situations can go a long way toward preventing them. As a general rule of thumb, safe driving experts in the state of Oregon recommend the following:

• Always maintain as much space as possible on all sides of your vehicle.
• Identify potential collision hazards early, predicting what could happen or go wrong.
• Adjust your speed and position as necessary to reduce the risk of a collision.
• Plan your course of action before the situation reaches a critical stage.

 

Driving Safe in Oregon

Oregon presents drivers with a wide variety of weather conditions that can raise the risk of auto collisions. You can reduce these risks by knowing how to drive according your geographical location and the weather.

• Driving in the Fog. Thick fog is a common winter driving hazard in Oregon, especially in Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, and other coastal counties. First, always slow down to adjust to the reduced visibility. Then pay special attention to pedestrians and bicyclists on city streets and wild animals on the highways. Turning on your fog or auxiliary lights can help increase visibility. However, don’t forget to turn them off when faced with oncoming traffic.

 

• Keeping Traction in the Rain. The western part of Oregon gets a lot of rain, especially in the winter. Even on well-maintained roads, several inches of water can accumulate, causing you to lose control of the car and end up in a collision and need auto repairs. To minimize this risk, slow down, turn on your headlights, disengage your cruise control, and keep plenty of distance from the car in front of you.

 

• Staying Safe in the Snow. Snow is a major cause of collisions throughout the state of Oregon. To reduce the chances of a collision, allow extra stopping distance, as slick, snowy roads reduce traction. When coming to a stop, brake gently to avoid skidding or sliding. If the wheels lock up, ease off the brakes. Slow down when approaching off-ramps, bridges and shady spots where snow tends to accumulate. Carry chains and know how to use them, and allow extra time to get to your destination.

 

• Watch Out for Ice. Ice on the road can be particularly dangerous in the mountainous areas in the eastern part of the state, especially since it can often be hard to see. To avoid fishtailing on icy roads, slow down and keep your distance from vehicles in front of you. Look for signs of ice on nearby road signs, trees or fences as this may indicate an icy patch of road ahead. If it feels like your vehicle is floating, don’t slam on the brakes. Instead, gradually slow down to avoid spinning out and losing control.

 

At Fix Auto, we understand that collisions can happen even to careful drivers. That’s why we offer prompt, friendly, and reliable auto body repair services to get your car back on the road. In Oregon, you can find us conveniently located in Beaverton, Gresham, Gladstone, Portland, Springfield, Sunset, and The Dalles.