Studded Tire Usage Open November 1. Prepare for Winter Driving Conditions.

By Garrett Christensen on Friday, October 28th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

OREGON – (Information from the Oregon Department of Transpiration). Fall is in full swing, and some areas of Eastern Oregon have already experienced their first dusting of snow. Driving is only going to get more difficult for the next few months and it’s important to be aware of changing conditions and regulations. The Oregon Department of Transportation has a plethora of information available regarding winter driving conditions and what drivers can do to stay safe. The following constitutes some of ODOT’s winter driving recommendations.

As a reminder, studded tires are legal from November 1 through March 31. Studs can provide increased traction on icy roadways and in heavy weather conditions, though may reduce traction on clear roadways. Further, studded tires can cause damages, notably cracks, to bare roadways, increasing risk once freezing conditions begin. Drivers may also use chains, though similar restrictions apply.

When actually driving in icy conditions, drivers should not rely on their tires and need to remain attentive. ODOT Has several recommendations, including:

Turning off cruise control
Adjusting speed to match road conditions
Increasing following distance by approximately three times
In case of loss of control, gradually slow via gently tapping the breaks. DO NOT SLAM THE BREAKS!
Avoid driving through snow drifts
Keep distance from snowplows to avoid powder interfering with visibility
Look for signs of ice on your vehicle, road-signs, fences or other identifiable locations. This may indicate ice on the roadway

Note that ice may not be visible and can form in seemingly mild conditions. Black ice is incredibly transparent and can easily be confused for water on the roadway. Black ice conditions include early night and early morning.

Though blinding winter storms may seem far off, low visibility conditions can easily occur due to fog, rainstorms as well as smoke and dust. ODOT Recommendations include:

Slowing down to match conditions
Use low beam headlights
Turn on rear fog lamps if available
Pull over and assess the situation if needed
Slow down and use the horn in case pulling over is not an option
Never stop in the lane of travel
Increase following distance
Use hazard lights when pulled over in foggy conditions
Keep windows clear of obstructions such as frost.

Proper use of headlights is also crucial to maintain two-way visibility and situational awareness in winter conditions, even in the daytime. ODOT recommends using low beam headlights during winter months and especially at dawn or dusk. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, headlights can allow a vehicle to be seen upward of 4,720 feet away.

New challenges will be unleashed once the snow starts piling up alongside ice. Once again, ODOT has several recommendations for safe winter driving.

Leave with extra time. Travel will be slower than usual and speeding to make up for it is ill-advised.
Allow for extra stopping distance due to low traction.
Break gently to avoid skidding and wheel lock up.
If wheels lock up, gently ease off the breaks.
Carry chains in your vehicle and be ready to use them
Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and winter ready
Slow down when approaching shady areas (off ramps, overpasses, etc.) as there may be lingering ice and snow
Be prepared for long delays by packing water, blankets and extra fuel.
Don’t hesitate to stop if conditions deteriorate too much or you feel too tired to drive safely.

These are merely a handful of the special practices and conditions drivers should be aware of for cold weather travel. To learn more, visit Oregon Department of Transportation : Winter Travel Tips : State of Oregon