Stranded motorists not uncommon
EUGENE, OR -- A Myrtle Creek man died after his car got stuck in the snow Sunday, April 13, and he set off on foot for help. His traveling companion stayed with the car until Tuesday, April 15, when she freed the vehicle and drove to a home for help.
The situation recalls the search for the Kim family. James Kim left his wife and children with their vehicle and left for help. He was found dead; his family was rescued.
Search and rescue crews across Oregon learned a lot of lessons from the Kim family search.
Unfortunately, those lessons still come in handy.
"During the winter, we've had 15 to 20 stranded motorists in the snow or high country," said John Miller, search and rescue coordinator for the Lane County Sheriff's Office. "It's becoming a major problem."
What causes so many motorists to have trouble?
"There's a couple different things they do," Miller said. "One is they go with a vehicle that's not prepared for winter driving conditions such as snow or ice."
Some travelers don't use good judgment, Miller said.
"Most people don't get in trouble by making one big mistake," he said. "They get in trouble by making a lot of small mistakes."
To avoid these mistakes, Miller recommended:
Before you head out, leave an itinerary with someone and don't deviate from the plan.
Check the weather forecast
Check road conditions with the Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service.
Also, carry a few key items with you.
"A cell phone is a real good tool to have out there," he said. "Carry a light, carry extra batteries with your. I recommend everyone carry a shovel."
Also consider taking a blanker, a GPS device, extra fuel for your vehicle and extra fuel for your body. Carry enough food to last a couple days.
Miller said the best tool to take with you is your brain. He said listen to that inner voice when it's telling you a decision might be bad.
