GET HOME SAFE: Rainy weather travel tips

Planning ahead for rainy weather

• Stay informed. Sign up at Public Alerts for emergency notifications from all regional agencies via text, email, or phone. Use ODOT's TripCheck to check highway conditions. Sign up for PBOT alerts via text or email. Follow @PBOTInfo on all social media.
• Check wipers for signs of damage. Replace wiper blades regularly.
• Check defrosters to ensure they're working if you haven't used them in a while.
• Check your brakes by tapping them gently a few times after biking or driving through a puddle.
• Check tires to ensure they're in good condition and at the recommended inflation level. Biking or driving on over-inflated or under-inflated tires reduces traction and control on wet surfaces.

Delaying your trip

• Avoid travel in severe weather, if you can avoid it.
• Stay informed. Sign up at Public Alerts for emergency notifications from all regional agencies via text, email, or phone. Use ODOT's TripCheck to check highway conditions. Sign up for PBOT alerts via text or email. Follow @PBOTInfo on all social media.

Tips for taking public transit

• Plan your route at TriMet.org or call 503-238-7433 (RIDE) for bus and MAX. Portland Streetcar schedules and information here.
• Allow extra time for unexpected delays.
• For service to OHSU's Marquam Hill campus, check Portland Aerial Tram for information on capacity and hours during severe weather.

Tips for pedestrians

• Cross at a crosswalk or corner. Remember that drivers may take longer to stop in rainy or icy conditions.
• Establish eye contact with drivers and continue looking left-right-left while crossing.
• Wear contrasting clothing. Use reflective materials when it’s dark outside or carry a flashlight.
• Dress warmly, in layers. Don’t forget gloves and a hat. You lose 35% of your body heat through your head.
• Wear shoes with added traction. Avoid slipping and falling on wet or icy surfaces.

Tips for biking

• Stay dry and warm with fenders, waterproof layers, gloves, and caps.
• Use wider tires for added stability, traction, and control.
• Watch for road hazards in severe weather. Storms may knock out power or traffic signals. There could be fallen trees or branches, flooding, mud from landslides, or other debris blocking the street or sidewalk. Report any road hazards to PBOT's 24/7 Maintenance Dispatch at 503-823-1700. Interpretation available.
• Use front and rear bicycle lights. For more visibility, wear bright clothing or use reflective tape.
• Slow down on newly wet roads which can be oily and slick.
• Watch for wet leaves which can also be slick.
• Brake early and often. Slow down, give yourself longer stopping distances, and keep a firmer grip on your handlebars.
• Avoid puddles which can disguise deep potholes. Report potholes and other road hazards
• Avoid painted or steel surfaces like steel plates, railroad tracks, sewer covers. Cross rails at a 90-degree angle and keep your bike upright when crossing to avoid slipping.
• Do not pass emergency vehicles. In fact, give our crews even extra room. 
• Additional tips can be found on ODOT's Winter Travel Tips page in the section Safe cycling in winter conditions.

Tips for driving

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and have good tread, to avoid skidding, drifting, or hydroplaning.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other travelers.
• Slow down, especially through high water. Driving at high speed through several inches of water can cause you to lose control.
• Look out for pedestrians and people biking.
• Keep your distance. Roads will be slick if it hasn't rained in a while.
• Travel gently. Drive, turn, and brake slowly.
• Watch for hydroplaning conditions. If you hydroplane, ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes and street straight ahead.
• Disengage your cruise control.
• Do not pass emergency vehicles. In fact, give our crews even extra room. 
• Obey all street closures and barricades. Violations may result in steep penalties.
• When visibility or conditions worsen, do NOT stop in a travel lane. Look for a safe, legal space to park or wait for conditions to improve
• Carry an emergency weather kit. Helpful items to include in addition to chains are a snow shovel, bag of sand, jumper cables, first aid kit, basic tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver and knife), blanket and warm clothing, extra food and water, cell phone and extra charger, and flashlight.
• Additional tips can be found on ODOT's Winter Travel Tips page in the section Driving in the Rain.