Commute from Vancouver to Gresham? (insurance, buy, private school)

[Michi_B]

Is it realistic? My daughter will be going to school in Gresham, but I'd prefer to live in Vancouver. Any idea what kind of commute she would have? Should we just live in Oregon instead? Thanks!

[StealthRabbit]

Is she going to MHCC? Or a HS? so that she can drive herself? If so, she should have a flexible enough schedule to miss traffic. Many Vancouver folks go to MHCC, so carpool is possible.

If you are going to be making 2 round trips per day delivering her for several yrs (elementary / private school), I would reconsider that plan. Traffic can be difficult returning on I-84 and 205 in afternoons. Normal commute is 30-40 min. (can be 20 min on a good day, if you live close to 205 bridge on WA side)

[Michi_B]

Thanks for your reply. She's going to MHCC, and she'll be driving herself, but I'd seen some information about the congestion on the bridges, etc. Plus she was born and raised in Florida, so she knows nothing about driving in snow or icy weather. It got me wondering if actually living in Gresham - at least while she's in school - might be safer. Thanks again!

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

Is she going to MHCC? Or a HS? so that she can drive herself? If so, she should have a flexible enough schedule to miss traffic. Many Vancouver folks go to MHCC, so carpool is possible.

If you are going to be making 2 round trips per day delivering her for several yrs (elementary / private school), I would reconsider that plan. Traffic can be difficult returning on I-84 and 205 in afternoons. Normal commute is 30-40 min.

[StealthRabbit]

congestion is largely on I-5, but I-205 (her route) can have occasional issues, I have only have a few times it was a problem coming to Vancouver from Gresham, and a schedule that avoids a 4-6 PM commute (especially on Fridays) will solve that (Stay at school and Swim or study).

Do her a favor and buy her a gift certificate to a 'skid-school'. There are a few in the area, and they are under $100 (money well spent, as she will be driving ~ 150 days . yr on wet roads, usually only one week on ice or snow (good time to stay home)). She will want to be skiing or snow boarding, or and unexpected snow will give her reason to apply her new 'skid -school- skills'.

DEFENSIVE driving is the best lesson, especially for a girl (they tend to be a tad 'trusting' of other drivers' & don't usually expect their car to have a failure) I recommend doing a video program like 'smith driving', and a set of Laminated cards to remember important stuff. like...

Keep a minimum 4 second following distance.
Look ahead in driving (anticipate hazards)
ALWAYS have an escape route, and know where it is (Left, right, front, rear)
Don't back-up if possible.
Leave extra space at stop lights so if you get rear-ended you don't cause a chain reaction.
ALWAYS look L&R at least twice BEFORE crossing an intersection even when you have the right-of-way.

and one of my 'personal rules'... always be prepared for a mechanical failure (brake or steering failure, (and CARRY a HIGH liability policy).

Girls are very fortunate to have LOW insurance rates, but usually much higher accidents, just that they don't usually hurt others, and just crash 'replaceable' cars. I made it a policy that my kids NEVER had passengers until they were 21 AND their cars and insurance were not under family policy or ownership. My agent claims I am responsible till they're 25, even tho they have been on their own since age 18. Do beware that WA state has ~ 40% UNinsured drivers. (carry extra medical and property damage insurance for 'uninsured / under-insured coverage). OR requires PHYSICAL proof of insurance to get license plates AND Dr. license. WA requires PROOF of neither (unless you are stopped).

[Michi_B]

All great advice. I had heard about the 'skid-school' and had planned to do that. Thanks for reinforcing that was the right idea, and the other tips are very helpful, as well. I think she'll be just fine.

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

congestion is largely on I-5, but I-205 (her route) can have occasional issues, I have only have a few times it was a problem coming to Vancouver from Gresham, and a schedule that avoids a 4-6 PM commute (especially on Fridays) will solve that (Stay at school and Swim or study).

Do her a favor and buy her a gift certificate to a 'skid-school'. There are a few in the area, and they are under $100 (money well spent, as she will be driving ~ 150 days . yr on wet roads, usually only one week on ice or snow (good time to stay home)). She will want to be skiing or snow boarding, or and unexpected snow will give her reason to apply her new 'skid -school- skills'.

DEFENSIVE driving is the best lesson, especially for a girl (they tend to be a tad 'trusting' of other drivers' & don't usually expect their car to have a failure) I recommend doing a video program like 'smith driving', and a set of Laminated cards to remember important stuff. like...

Keep a minimum 4 second following distance.
Look ahead in driving (anticipate hazards)
ALWAYS have an escape route, and know where it is (Left, right, front, rear)
Don't back-up if possible.
Leave extra space at stop lights so if you get rear-ended you don't cause a chain reaction.
ALWAYS look L&R at least twice BEFORE crossing an intersection even when you have the right-of-way.

and one of my 'personal rules'... always be prepared for a mechanical failure (brake or steering failure, (and CARRY a HIGH liability policy).

Girls are very fortunate to have LOW insurance rates, but usually much higher accidents, just that they don't usually hurt others, and just crash 'replaceable' cars. I made it a policy that my kids NEVER had passengers until they were 21 AND their cars and insurance were not under family policy or ownership. My agent claims I am responsible till they're 25, even tho they have been on their own since age 18. Do beware that WA state has ~ 40% UNinsured drivers. (carry extra medical and property damage insurance for 'uninsured / under-insured coverage). OR requires PHYSICAL proof of insurance to get license plates AND Dr. license. WA requires PROOF of neither (unless you are stopped).