Memorial Day holiday weekend outlook a bit glum

 Unofficial start of summer kicks off with rain, traffic blitzes, high gas prices
Memorial Day Weekend — and the unofficial start of summer — is upon us, but sunny skies aren’t in the forecast. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the holiday and stay safe:
Weather
The weekend could start with a boom. The National Weather Service predicts that showers forecast for today also are likely Friday, along with a possible thunderstorm in the Corvallis area Friday. Expect highs stay in the low 60s, with mostly cloudy skies through Monday, showers likely for Saturday and a chance of showers Sunday and Monday. Nights are expected to be damp and cool, with temperatures predicted to drop to about 45 degrees.
Extra police patrols
Police will put extra emphasis on traffic enforcement this holiday weekend, which historically can be a deadly one on Oregon roads, although that usually is because of the combination of hot weather, cold beer and lots of travel.
The forecast this year makes that less likely, but patrols still will be on the alert for drunken drivers, speeders and dangerous drivers. City officers, county deputies and Oregon State Police troopers also will be looking for people not using their seat belts — and especially for improperly secured child passengers.
According to Oregon Department of Transportation data, six people died in six separate traffic crashes during the 2010 holiday period, May 28 through 31. Since 1970, nearly 260 people have died in Oregon traffic crashes during this holiday period. Over the past 25 years, approximately 54 percent of these fatalities were the result of alcohol-involved crashes.
In addition, Oregon State Police, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies across the state are participating in the national “Click It or Ticket” seat-belt enforcement campaign through June 5. Officers and deputies for those agencies will be working special federally funded overtime.
Safe driving tips include not driving while tired or drowsy, knowing road conditions before leaving, always using safety restraints, designating a sober driver, avoiding mobile phone use and moving over while approaching an emergency vehicle or roadside assistance with emergency lights activated.