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.
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• 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