January 2016
ODOT Winter Road Guide
Page 11
Use extreme caution stopped along side of road
The Oregon Department of
Transportation 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
5egion Public ,nformation Of¿cer Tom
Strandberg.
There are times when travelers are
compelled to stop along the side of a
roadway to repair a Àat 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
emergency responders can arrive quickly.
Just don’t talk on a cell phone while
driving.
Before you pull off the road
If you have a Àat 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
Move over law
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 of¿cers understand these
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.
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
dangers because highway-related incidents
are taking more of¿cers lives than
ever before,” says Oregon State Police
Lieutenant Gregg Hastings. “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.
side of the road or center median areas.
• Turn on emergency Àashers. &heck
your mirrors and look to rear to make sure
it is safe to get out of your vehicle. Face
traf¿c when setting out Àares or reÀective
triangles.
• Flares and other warning devices
should be placed far enough away from the
vehicle to give oncoming traf¿c 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 traf¿c if struck from behind.
• Use extreme caution when outside the
vehicle to put on chains, change tire, etc. If
available, wear a reÀective 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 traf¿c.
Insuring Eastern Oregon For Over 30 Years
www.wheatlandins.com
Pendleton • Athena • Hermiston • Heppner • Ione
La Grande • Enterprise • Elgin • Baker City • Condon