Portland, OR – As winter weather sets in, drivers across the country are reminded of the importance of preparation when hitting the road. A recent incident in Union County, Oregon, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter driving. In late November, nearly 50 drivers found themselves stranded on a snow-covered backroad after following GPS directions, despite high winds and road closures on nearby Interstate 84. The situation quickly escalated when a single car’s SOS alert led search and rescue teams to discover over 20 stranded vehicles.
According to Union County Emergency Manager Nick Vora, the search and rescue team initially thought they were dealing with a single stranded vehicle. However, as the operation unfolded, they realized the scale of the situation. “If we had just brought them out and left their vehicles, that would have caused a lot of problems,” Vora said. “One, we didn’t have a place to take all these people. If hotels were full, we could have ended up with an even bigger problem – they’d be separated from their vehicles, their belongings, medications.” In the end, the rescue team spent two hours plowing a path to make the road passable and ensure the stranded drivers could retrieve their cars.
This type of scenario is not uncommon during the winter months in rural Oregon, especially in areas with limited infrastructure and heavy snowfall. As temperatures drop and snowstorms intensify, many drivers unfamiliar with the area are inadvertently led down unsafe routes by their GPS systems. In this case, the stranded drivers were directed to a backroad, a route that might seem more efficient but is often poorly maintained during winter storms.
Vora added that winter road closures, particularly on forest roads, are common. “This is fairly common this time of year to get stranded vehicles on forest roads,” he explained. The dangers of relying on GPS alone are clear, especially when roads are icy and snow-covered.
This latest incident brings to mind a tragic story from 2006, when the Kim family became stranded on Bear Camp Road, a remote route in southern Oregon, after missing an exit on their way home from the Thanksgiving holiday. During a severe winter storm, the family was forced to stay in their car for a week. While Kati Kim and her daughters were eventually rescued, her husband, James, tragically died after attempting to find help on foot.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has long urged drivers to take precautions when traveling during the winter months. ODOT spokesperson Vicki Moles recommends staying on state highways whenever possible. “See if you can find a place to stay or at least a restaurant where you can get out of the weather and stay safe,” Moles said. “If you feel like you need to keep traveling, stay on the state highways. Those are the best travel routes during winter weather.”
If drivers find themselves on backroads, ODOT suggests consulting with locals for the best information on current conditions before proceeding. In many cases, the safest option is to remain on the main roads, even if they are longer or less direct.
As winter storms become more frequent, the key takeaway is clear: Preparation is critical. Drivers should ensure their vehicles are ready for harsh conditions, including checking tires, fluids, and emergency supplies. Carrying essentials such as food, water, warm clothing, and a flashlight can make a huge difference in the event of a breakdown or being stranded. Additionally, knowing when to stop and seek shelter can be the difference between safety and disaster.
Ultimately, the recent incidents in Union County and the reminder of the Kim family tragedy highlight the importance of staying informed and cautious during winter travels. By following these guidelines, drivers can significantly reduce the risks associated with winter driving and better protect themselves and others on the road.
