Roads were fairly clear of ice this morning but cold temperatures and precipitation could cause dangerous driving conditions the rest of the week.

After a freezing fog hit south Linn County early Sunday morning and caused several Interstate 5 crashes, Oregon State Police had extra troopers on duty today, ready for similar road problems.

However, only a couple of minor crashes were reported, said Lt. Mark Cotter, supervisor for the Albany OSP office. One collision was reported on Highway 34 near Oakville Road, and a car went off the highway in the same area.

Cold temperatures and precipitation are expected tonight and into the week, which could make for hazardous conditions, said Joe Harwood, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Drivers, especially those traveling early in the morning, need to be cautious and leave extra space between themselves and other vehicles and "drive to the condition," he said.

ODOT crews are on standby and ready to put de-icer on the roads if needed.

At about 4:20 a.m. Sunday, OSP troopers left their homes and on-duty deputies from the Linn County Sheriff's Office and fire crews responded to reports of a multi-vehicle crash in the northbound lanes of I-5, just south of the Halsey/Brownsville exit.

According to OSP, a truck pulling a semi-trailer came up on a vehicle in the center median and attempted to slow down. The truck driver lost control and the truck and trailer jackknifed, coming to a stop across the northbound lanes.

As the driver got out to warn approaching traffic, a Nissan crashed into the side of the semi-trailer. The top of the Nissan was sheared as the car became stuck under the trailer. The driver, a woman from Washington, was taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene. She did not appear to have life-threatening injuries, according to OSP.

Three other passenger vehicles also crashed into the side of the semi-trailer. The drivers had minor injuries but were not taken to any hospitals.

There were several other minor crashes in the area, both on the freeway and on highways.

ODOT assisted with traffic control and to check on guard rail damage. The northbound lanes of I-5 were closed for about three and half hours while crews cleaned up and put de-icer on the freeway.

SAFETY TIPS

ODOT offers these safety tips for slippery conditions:

• Turn off your cruise control.

• If you lose traction and your vehicle feels like it's floating, gradually slow down. Don't slam on the brakes.

• Use caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways. These surfaces are the first to freeze and become slippery when the temperature drops.

• Slow down in advance of shaded areas, especially on curves. Shaded areas are colder and may have ice that is difficult to see.

• For more winter driving tips, go to www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/winterdriving.shtml.