With the first significant snowfall of the season coming down in the Columbia Gorge and parts of Central and Eastern Oregon, the Oregon Department of Transportation reminds all travelers to be prepared before heading out.
ODOT crews will be working 24/7 to plow snow, apply deicer and sand, and perform other tasks to help keep the highways as safe as possible. All motorists need to do their part by being extra cautious and planning for winter conditions. If you don’t have to travel, think about altering your plans to avoid driving on snowy or icy roads.
Here are several winter driving tips:
• Ice on the road prevents tires from gripping, so steering is difficult and stopping is harder. That means four-wheel drive vehicles won’t help much. Ordinary snow tires are designed for snow, not ice. The most helpful device for gaining traction on ice is tire chains. But even with chains, stopping distance is still several times greater than on dry pavement with ordinary tires.
• Changes in elevation can drastically affect road and weather conditions. Watch for icy spots, especially in shaded corners.
• If your vehicle suddenly feels like it’s floating, gradually slow down. Don’t slam on your brakes.
• Increase your distance from vehicles in front of you. Allow about three times as much space as usual.
• Roads that are wet or have fresh snow, packed snow, or ice have varying degrees of traction. Adjust your speed to match road conditions.
• Slow down. Disengage your cruise control. Many crashes occur because the driver is going too fast for weather conditions.
• Turn off your cruise control, be alert and drive cautiously.
• Turning on your low-beam headlights during the daytime in the winter months can help make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Use your low beams. High beams will reflect back thick fog, making visibility worse for you and other drivers.
• Allow more time to reach your destination. In severe weather, closures and crashes can cause long delays.
• Be prepared. Have an emergency kit, shovel, flares, extra food and water, etc.
• Inspect your vehicle before you get on the road. Make sure your wipers, lights, battery, tires and brakes are working properly.
• Check www.TripCheck.com for road conditions, highway camera images, driving tips, tire chain information, links to transit and ride share options, plus much more.
