BEND, OR -- Winter is really just getting started, but Deschutes County Search and Rescue has already had a busy season. “So far, calendar year 2022, we’ve had about 16 winter-related rescues," says DCSO Emergency Manager Sgt. Nathan Garibay, "And, the number one category is stuck or stranded motorists." Deschutes County Search and Rescue is one of the most active SARs in the state.

Garibay says drivers typically get stuck on less-traveled roads, “We get a number of people that they’re following Google maps, or they’ll go out China Hat Road and try to go to Fort Rock, or out Findley Butte Road, or they’ll come in from the Fort Rock side, or they’ll take Forest Service 41, which is Conklin Road, just west of the river that goes from Century Drive down to Sunriver. And those roads aren’t maintained for winter travel. They’ll get to a point where they can’t turn around and so they keep going, and then they just get themselves really stuck.” He tells KBND News, “Sometimes that can lead to some expensive vehicle recovery fees, as well, for those folks. Typically, we can’t recover their vehicle for them, so they’re likely going to be paying someone to do it.”

He advises drivers, “Know before you go, do your research as far as what the conditions are going to be like, make sure that you take those best practices; travel with a partner if possible, don’t go beyond your level of expertise or ability, make sure that you take proper equipment and gear.”