DETROIT, Ore. — Two drivers were stranded over the weekend after their GPS units rerouted them away from Highway 22, which was closed, and onto Forest Service roads near Detroit.
One driver got stuck in the snow. The other ran out of gas. Oregon State Police said they received multiple calls this weekend from drivers who said their GPS units were directing them away from Highway 22 and onto Forest Service roads.
"Often these Forest Service roads are not maintained in the winter and are snow-covered. Additionally, there is little to no cell coverage in these areas," said OSP Captain Bill Fugate.
During the winter of 2006, James Kim and his family were directed by their GPS onto BLM land and got stuck. Kim left his family on foot to look for help. The other members of the family were located and rescued but Kim did not survive.
Fugate said drivers should stay on maintained roads or state highways when traveling through the mountain passes. In addition, OSP advises travelers to carry an emergency kit in their vehicle.
EMERGENCY KIT
Essential items
- Working flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
- Compass
- First Aid Kit
- Exterior windshield cleaner
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
- Scissors and string/cord
- Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
- Bottled water
- Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Tow and tire chains
- Bag of salt or cat litter
- Tool kit
Carry the following items if you're driving in cold, snowy, or icy conditions
- Gloves
- Socks
- Cap
- Blankets
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