An average of 839 crashes resulting in an injury or fatality occur in snowy or icy conditions in Oregon each year, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. About 16 percent of these crashes involve large commercial vehicles.
(SALEM) - As winter approaches, it is important that motorists -- especially truck drivers -- are familiar with Oregon’s chain laws. These laws go into effect when snowy and icy weather conditions occur – usually in mountain passes or high elevation areas called snow zones.
The risk of crashes increases dramatically when drivers don’t carry chains or don’t know when to put them on.
“Some drivers attempt to drive through a snow zone without chains or stop in the middle of the road to chain up, putting themselves at risk of getting hit,” said ODOT Motor Carrier Safety and Federal Programs Manager David McKane.
ODOT’s Motor Carrier Transportation Division offers tips for using chains:
Before your trip, visit www.tripcheck.com for road conditions and chain requirements. In Oregon, call 511 or (800) 977-6368 for road conditions. Outside Oregon, call (503) 588-2941.
Practice installing your chains before bad weather strikes. It’s a lot easier to put chains on when you don’t have to struggle to read the instructions alongside a snowy road.
Don’t wait until the last minute to chain up. Pull over to a safe level area such as a designated chain-up area. Wear reflective, warm clothing and lie with your legs pointed away from the travel lane.
When traveling through a snow zone, keep a larger than normal distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. You can slide even with chains, so drive carefully and slowly.
Drivers who disobey signs requiring chains or traction tires can be subject to a traffic violation and fine.
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