Page 4
ODOT Winter Road Guide
January 2016
Get a grip on winter roads
Practice chaining up
Keep a safe
distance from
plows and sanders
In a contest between a snowplow and any other vehicle,
the snowplow will be the clear winner. Drivers who try to
pass on the right when a snowplow is in operation run the
risk of damaging their vehicles, hitting the snowplow, or
even going off the road.
On state highways, passing a snowplow on the right is
illegal. On most Oregon highways, snowplows have “wing”
plows that stick out more than 8 feet from the right side of
the truck. In addition, the snow being plowed or blown off
the road can contain rocks and other debris damaging to
vehicles.
Trying to pass a plow on the left also presents problems.
The road behind the snowplow is in much better condition
than the road ahead. If conditions are severe enough to
require the attention of a snowplow, you should use extra
care when trying to accelerate and pass other vehicles. Ruts
in the snow can grab tires and icy conditions can make it
dif¿cult to control the vehicle at
higher speeds.
Drivers should give winter
maintenance vehicles such as
plows and sanders a wide berth.
They travel slowly but pull over
periodically to let traf¿c pass.
The best advice is to stay three
car lengths behind and give
yourself more time to get where
you are going.
Wear safety belts every trip
Safety belts and child safety seats save lives. Oregon
Department of Transportation’s Safety Division offers tips
for using safety belts and child safety seats properly, and
explains recent changes in safety seat laws. Buckle up. No
excuses - it’s the Way to Go!
For more information and a link to a 3-minute video
explaining Oregon’s safety belt and child seat laws visit
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/safetybelts.shtml
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 install your chains before bad weather strikes.
Chaining up is good for both you and other drivers,
especially on mountain roads. Travelers who wait until the
last minute to put on chains can block lanes, delaying other
drivers and making it dif¿cult for crews to sand and plow the
road. <ou’ll do your part to keep traf¿c moving by putting
your chains on early.
It’s a lot easier to put chains on for the ¿rst 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.
• (nsure chains are the proper size. Don’t deÀate tires to
install chains.
Traction tires options
Oregon state law allows motorists to use studded tires
from Nov. 1 through March 31. Because studded tires
damage Oregon highways, ODOT encourages drivers to
consider using chains or non-studded traction tires.
Studless traction tires that meet Rubber Manufacturers
Association standards for use in severe snow
conditions carry a special symbol on the
tire sidewall: a three-peaked mountain and
snowÀake. Research shows these tires provide
better traction than studded tires on bare
pavement.
Studded tire facts
You can use studded tires in Oregon from
Nov. 1 through March 31. Driving with studded tires before
Nov. 1 or after March 31 is a Class C violation and carries a
10 ¿ne.
Research shows that studded tires are more effective than
all-weather tires on icy roads, but are less effective in most
other conditions because they may reduce traction between
the road and the tire.
Oregon spends more than
11 million a year ¿xing
roads and bridges damaged
by studded tires.
When it rains, water
collects in the pavement
• Don’t wait until you lose control of your vehicle before
chaining up.
• 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.
ruts caused by studded tires and creates dangerous driving
conditions. In cold weather, that water can freeze and cause
extra-slippery roads.
Alternatives to studded tires
Chains and chain-like devices
Chains are more effective than studded tires and are
becoming easier to use.
Link chains may not be recommended for use on
some types of vehicles; check your owner’s manual.
Other traction tires
Traction tires, other than studded tires, provide
increased traction in winter conditions.
They work about as well as studded tires on ice,
but work better than studded tires or regular tires in
most other winter conditions.
These other traction tires cause no more damage to road
surfaces than regular tires.
Know Before you Go: Visit www.TripCheck.com,
Oregon’s travel information Web site, 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.
Stangier Auto Supply
Pendleton’s Own Locally Owned Auto Parts Store
• Flywheel Resurfacing
• Brake Drum &
Rotor Turning
Mon. - Fri. . . 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Sat. . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Sun. . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
128 SE 2nd • Pendleton, OR 97801 • Tel: (541) 276-7331
