| ODOT Winter Storm Preparation |
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| ODOT News |
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An ODOT snowplow works to clear a road
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Rain, wind and snow expected in western Oregon this weekend
Dec. 11, 2008
For more information, contact Joe Harwood (541) 726-2442
The Oregon Department of Transportation warns motorists to be prepared for the winter conditions expected to hit western Oregon this weekend with heavy rain, strong winds and snow at higher elevations.
ODOT maintenance crews are prepared to handle the winter conditions with additional shifts scheduled throughout the storm period. Maintenance crews have readied snow plows, sand spreaders and trucks with tanks of chemical de-icing compound to address highway conditions.
Weather forecasts predict slick morning conditions Saturday through Monday, with a potential for black ice from the Willamette Valley south to the Rogue Valley. ODOT asks motorists to use special care on bridges, on-ramps, off-ramps and transition ramps, which tend to ice up more quickly than other segments of roadway because they’re more exposed.
In the Cascade and Coastal mountain ranges, heavy snow is expected. Those traveling over mountain passes should be prepared for extreme weather conditions.
Safety tips for driving in winter conditions
- Check Oregon’s road conditions and weather forecasts at www.TripCheck.com before you leave, or call 5-1-1 (available from most cell phone service providers) for valuable travel information, updated continuously.
- Choose main routes and be rested and alert.
- Make someone aware of your routes, and if plans change, let that person know. Check in when you’ve reached your destination.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Keep your fuel tank at full.
- Clear any snow, ice or frost from windows, lights, hood, heater and air inlet vents (don’t forget mirrors and wipers).
- Do not drive with heater in recirculation mode; it can increase humidity.
- Drive with your lights on and reduce your speed.
Use these tips to prevent slips if there is ice or snow on the road
- Don’t use cruise control in wet, icy or snowy weather.
- Position your hands on the steering wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, or lower.
- If you lose traction, gradually slow down — don’t slam on the brakes.
- Steering, braking and accelerating smoothly are key to maximum vehicle control on slippery surfaces. Steer just enough to follow the path you intend (most people steer too much or too fast).
- Be ready to handle potentially dangerous situations by thinking “15 seconds” ahead about your options, such as controlling your speed, changing lanes or communicating with others on the road.
- Use extra caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways: ice forms first on these surfaces.
- Avoid driving through snowdrifts; they may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Slow down in advance of shaded areas (especially curves) where ice and snow are the last to melt.
- Carry chains or use traction tires.
- Chain up early.
“Though many of the tips seem like common sense, we see tragic crashes that could be prevented by taking simple measures such as slowing down in adverse conditions,” said ODOT District Manager Mike Spaeth. “Drivers should also take extra care in places where ice can accumulate, such as bridges, shady areas and at higher elevations in the foothills of the Cascade Range or Oregon Coast Range.”
Know before you go!
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