Page 16
The INDEPENDENT, November 16, 2011
ODOT reminds drivers how to use fog lights correctly and safely
Dense fog in the valleys and
throughout the state has
brought out more vehicles on
the road with their fog or auxil-
iary lights on. State transporta-
tion safety officials are remind-
ing people to use vehicle light-
ing correctly and safely.
Fog lights are designed to
be used at low speeds in fog,
heavy mist, snow and other sit-
uations where visibility is signif-
icantly reduced. Front fog lights
are generally aimed and
mounted low to increase the il-
lumination directed toward the
road surface. However, after
sunset and during other low
visibility situations, fog lights
are required to be turned off
when an oncoming vehicle ap-
proaches. During normal visi-
bility conditions, fog or auxiliary
lights should be turned off. It is
not appropriate to drive with fog
or auxiliary lights left on all the
time.
When a car is using fog or
auxiliary lights, it is visually dis-
tracting for oncoming drivers.
According to Oregon law, fog
and/or auxiliary lights must be
used like the high beam head-
light system of your car. They
must be turned off when within
500 feet of an oncoming vehi-
cle and within 350 feet when
following another vehicle. The
color of fog and/or auxiliary
lights is also regulated. Fog
lights may be either white or
amber (yellow). Rules prohibit
other colors such as blue.
If your car is equipped with
auxiliary lighting, ODOT rec-
ommends knowing where the
switches are and how to use
them.
If you plan to install fog
and/or auxiliary lights as an af-
ter market feature, it is impor-
tant to know that Oregon has
adopted federal rules that all
manufacturers must meet.
Products must be labeled; any-
thing that is labeled “not for
street use” cannot be used on
public roadways. Fog and other
auxiliary lights must have a
separate switch. Fog lights
may not be used in lieu of
headlights.
For more information on ve-
hicle equipment and standards,
visit ODOT’s Transportation
Safety Web site, www.oregon.
gov/ODOT/TS/Veh_Equipme
nt.shtml.
Tony Johnson Construction
ALE WOODWORKIN
D
N
I
G.C
NTA
O
U
O
SPECIALIZING IN REMODEL & REPAIR
M
M
Service Directory
C ABINET D ESIGN & M ANUFACTURING S INCE 1976
J OEL T EMPLIN
CCB #43965
503-429-5504
503-429-5436
V ERNONIA , O R 97064
FALL CREEK
WOODWORKING
WOOD FLOORS
INSTALLED &
REFINISHED
503-429-4351
Cory Colburn
11561 Keasey Road, Vernonia, OR 97064 • CCB #79876
St. Helens-Scappoose
Septic Tank Pumping
& Drain Cleaning
Office 503-397-3172
Cell 503-396-1408 or 503-396-1409
P.O. Box 203 • St. Helens, OR 97051
•
•
•
•
•
•
Excavating
Septic Systems
Site Prep
Underground Utilities
Driveways & Roads
Trenching
PO. Box 65 Vernonia CCB 166815 DEQ 38649
New Construction
and Remodeling
Additions, Kitchens,
Bathrooms, Ceramic Tile,
Finish Carpentry & More!
Jim Morrison Jr.
General Contractor
(503) 429-0154
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CCB# 112057
DENNIS ELECTRIC
FREE ESTIMATES
503-429-8930
Reliable Commercial and Residential Service
Your Source for Reliable Electrical Service
in the Nehalem Valley
and Surrounding Area
for Over 35 Years
Licensed & Bonded • CCB No. 193092
Dennis & Schann Nelson • P.O. Box 310 • Vernonia, OR 97064
UTILITY SHEDS
GARAGES
CAR PORTS
ADDITIONS
DRYROT
DRYWALL
VINYL
“Have Tools Will Travel”
WINDOWS & DOORS
POLE BUILDINGS
ROOFING
FENCING
SIDING
DECKS
TILE
CCB #85280
Office (503) 429-7009 • Cell (503) 989-9109
P OPPINO
P AINTING
FREE ESTIMATES
Licensed • Bonded • Insured • CCB No. 90548
503-429-7101