EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation again urge UO, OSU, UW and WSU football fans and other travelers to start planning now if they are driving this Saturday when both major Oregon universities have home games.
"Even though the games start at different times over four hours apart, the impact of the increased traffic with football fans from Oregon and Washington may be stretched over a longer period of time affecting Interstate 5 and roads around Eugene and Corvallis," said Captain Ted Phillips, director of the OSP Patrol Services Division.
An estimated 30,000 additional vehicles converge on Interstate 5 and roads leading to Eugene and Corvallis when home games for the University of Oregon and Oregon State University occur on the same day. The extra traffic affects travel time and increases the potential for highway incidents and crashes. Of particular note, game day traffic slows down due to periodic heavy congestion on Interstate 5 in the Wilsonville area, the Salem area south to the Corvallis interchange (Exit 228) and in the Eugene/Springfield vicinity.
Because both games will end Saturday evening, Phillips also stressed the importance to be alert and drive defensively whether going short or long distances.
"No matter how far you are driving, have a sober, rested driver behind the wheel of your vehicle before and after the game," said Phillips.
OSP and ODOT also offer these other safety tips and reminders:
* Start putting together your traveling game plan now before the season starts
* On game day: leave early, be patient and alert so you can react to sudden stops in traffic, quick lane changes by other vehicles and leave plenty of distance between you and others on the road
* Keep current on road and travel conditions by visiting TripCheck.com, calling 511 and listening for radio traffic-related news and updates
* Avoid distractions and don't talk or text on cell phones when driving
* Buckle up every trip, every time
State, county and city police along with ODOT encourage reporting any possible intoxicated or dangerous drivers by calling 911 or OSP dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800 243-7865).
