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| 12/19/2005 |
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For More Information Contact:
Julianne Repman, Public Information Representative, 541-388-6224
Heidi Hiaasen, Project Communications, 541-388-6178
Changing Weather Creating Unexpected Driving Conditions
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) advises motorists to expect varied roadway conditions when traveling through the central Oregon region in the days to come. Today’s combination of snow and rain is creating standing water on area highways including US 97, OR 58 and OR 31. As the temperatures drop, water on road surfaces may freeze and create slick conditions. These conditions are expected to continue through the week as weather temperatures continue to fluctuate.
ODOT Maintenance crews are using their available resources to remove the water from the roadways and to knock down snow piles that are keeping the water from draining off the highway. This work, in addition to regular winter maintenance, will continue as conditions persist.
ODOT reminds drivers to slow down and be aware that roadways conditions can quickly change from dry pavement, to packed snow, to standing water, to black ice. When there is standing water on the road, a vehicle may start to hydroplane, which is when the tires feel as if they are “surfing” on a film of water. Hydroplaning depends on the condition of the vehicles tires and can occur at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour.
“If drivers feel their vehicle hydroplaning, they should gently lift their foot off the gas and let the vehicle coast until they once again gain control. Continue to steer straight ahead and try not to make any sudden moves,” says ODOTs David Boyd.
“It is important to check the condition of your tires before heading out, because hydroplaning can be aggravated by worn tires,” said Boyd. “New tires with lots of tread may pump out water and help drivers to resist hydroplaning, but any tire will hydroplane when driving faster than conditions require.”
For more tips about driving in all types of weather conditions, visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/winter.shtml
For more information on road conditions, visit www.TripCheck.com or call 511.
###ODOT###
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