East Oregonian Page 9A WINTER ROADS ODOT, OSP remind motorists Practice chaining up before you need to Saturday, January 7, 2017 Oregon Department of Transportation to stay safe along side of road The Oregon Department of Trans- portation and the Oregon State Police advise travelers to be extra cautious when stranded or stopped along the side of the road, especially during poor weather conditions. “Driving along Oregon highways in inclement weather can be challenging, but when people stop along the side of the road and get out of their vehicles for any reason, extreme precautions need to be taken by both those on the side of the road and nearby drivers,” said ODOT Region 5 Public Information Officer Tom Strandberg. There are times when travelers are compelled to stop along the side of a roadway: to repair a flat tire; put on tire chains; or assist a stranded motorist. Unfortunately, people are often seriously injured or killed while outside of their vehicles along state highways. “People need to take the time to review all options before stopping and getting out of their vehicles, especially when icy roads or limited visibility create hazardous conditions,” Strandberg said. At times, Good Samaritans who have stopped to help at a crash scene have been seriously injured or killed on Oregon highways when other motorists have lost control of there vehicles on slick roads. “It is a terrible tragedy when good people who are trying to help others end up worse off than those they are trying to assist,” said Strandberg. In some cases, especially during winter storms, the best way to help is to get to a phone as soon as possible and report the incident, giving clear directions so emer- gency responders can arrive quickly. Just don’t talk on a cell phone while driving. ——— Before you pull off the road If you have a flat tire or need to stop along the highway, check the following before pulling off of the road: • Note mile markers and landmarks to provide to emergency service providers when calling for help. • Make sure there is enough room along the road shoulder to pull completely off of the road. • Never stop in the roadway or on bridges, avoid areas with narrow shoulders. • If you are compelled to stop and help a stranded motorist during poor weather conditions, take careful note of the surrounding area, highway and weather conditions. It is often safer for the stranded motorists, other travelers and yourself to call for help, rather than stopping in an area that could create more hazards. Note the color of the vehicle, landmarks and mile markers to provide to 911 operators. In Oregon, there are times when you may be required to use chains on snowy or icy roads. It’s important to learn how to mount your chains before bad weather strikes. Chaining up is good for both you and other drivers, especially on mountain roads. But don’t wait to use them! Travelers who wait until the last minute to put on chains can block lanes, delaying other drivers and making it difficult for crews to sand and plow the road. You’ll do your part to keep traffic moving by putting your chains on early. It’s a lot easier to put chains on for the first time when you don’t have to struggle to read the instructions alongside a snowy road. Practice installing your chains at home when the weather is fair. Then when road conditions require chains, you’ll already know how to use them. ——— Here are some tips on chaining up and driving with chains: • Check your vehicle operator’s manual for the right type and size of chains to use. Then follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. • Ensure chains are the proper size. Don’t deflate tires to install chains. • Don’t wait until you lose control of your vehicle before chaining up. Make sure to move over for emergency vehicles When approaching the rear of a stopped emergency vehicle which is on the roadside with emergency lights activated, Oregon Law requires drivers to move over into another lane if one is available. Law enforcement, highway workers and emergency responders know all too well of the dangers of working along the side of the road, especially during an emergency. “Police officers understand these dangers because highway-related incidents are taking more officers lives than ever before,” said Gregg Hastings of the Oregon State Police. “That is why Oregon is one of many states that has a ‘Move Over’ law to help protect emergency responders working on our highways.” If you can not move over into another lane safely (or if you are on a road with only one lane in each direction), you must slow down and give the emergency vehicle as much room as is safely possible. ——— If you have to stop If there is no option other than stopping along the side of the highway, consider the following tips: • Pull as far off the right side of the road as possible, avoid stopping along the left side of the road or center median areas. • Turn on emergency flashers. Check your mirrors and look to the rear to make sure it is safe to get out of your vehicle. Face traffic when setting out flares or reflective triangles. • Flares and other warning devices should be placed far enough away from the vehicle to give oncoming traffic time to react. • Stay buckled up inside your vehicle and keep all passengers buckled if you are stranded. • Turn and lock the steering wheel away from the travel lanes so the vehicle will not be pushed into traffic if struck from behind. • Use extreme caution when outside the vehicle to put on chains, change tire, etc. If available, wear a reflective vest or bright clothing. If it’s not safe, don’t get out of your car. • Don’t extend legs or body onto roadway while working on vehicle. • Familiarize yourself with the surrounding area and note location of steep embankments, drop-offs beyond railings, water hazards or other dangerous conditions. • When outside the vehicle, carefully watch the road and plan safe escape routes in case you need to move quickly to avoid out of control traffic. We hope you are enjoying the holidays with friends, loved ones and your favorite set of wheels! Ford Mustang Award Winning Cars Restored & Painted 866-352-6348 HOLTONSECRETLAB.COM MEMBERS OF RMLS & MLS www.rmls.com and www.centraloregonrealtors.com Did you know that we also do: Computer Diagnostics Air Conditioning Fuel Injection Electrical Belts Brakes Hoses Tune Ups Shocks 541-276-8024 • 3401 Westgate, Pendleton, OR. 97801 Across From the Prison e v a H W e OU NEED! WHAT Y Y ou r Profession a l Rea l Esta te Choice in G ra n t Cou n ty. 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First Place, Hermiston 541-567-5569 541-567-4353 FROM HOLTON SECRET LAB Transmission Specialists - Automotive Experts Ryan Jokinen, Steve Hansell, Max Driskell, Kathy Schmidtgall, Jeremy Hascall, Kris Thieme, Owner • Pull over to a safe and level area to mount or remove chains. • Carry a waterproof tarp or plastic sheet to help keep you dry. • Keep children and pets safe in your car to avoid distraction and injury. • Pull over in a safe place and retighten your tire chains after you have driven a short distance. • Pull over and stop immediately if any part of your chain fails or comes loose. • Don’t drive faster than 30 miles per hour when using chains. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Avoid spinning or locking your wheels. • Remember: You can slide even with chains, so drive carefully and slowly. Know Before you Go: Visit www. TripCheck.com, Oregon’s travel information website, for up-to-the-minute road conditions and more information on Oregon’s chain law and chain requirements. You can also get the latest in road conditions by calling 511. S EASON ’ S G REETINGS 485549rh Oregon Department of Transportation