Winter driving in Oregon can bring about conditions from snow and ice, rain and wet road conditions, to dealing with low visibility. During these conditions, Tillmann Law wants to ensure that you keep you and your family safe on the Oregon roadways. Below are some of the most important winter driving tips in Oregon to keep in mind while driving and planning your next road trip.
Chains and Tire Wear:
When encountering the mountain roads of Oregon, it is a good idea to have good tire condition and also to use chains when bad weather presents itself. It is important before encountering the bad weather to have some practice with your chains. Here are tips on chaining up in Oregon.
- Use your operator manual for the right type and size of chains to use.
- Keep your tires properly inflated.
- Pull over to a safe place to install your chains.
- DO NOT wait until you lose control to use your chains.
- Shortly after installing your chains and driving on them, check and retighten them as needed. DO NOT wait for them to come loose.
- DO NOT drive faster than 30 miles per hour when using chains.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. This will help to avoid spinning or to lock up your wheels.
- Studded tires can be used in Oregon from Nov. 1 through March 31. Driving outside the designated legal time can result in a Class C violation and a fine of $200.
- DO NOT mix radial with normal tires. Keep your tires on the vehicle uniform.
- Check the traction and use the Lincoln penny head test. If you stick a penny in the traction, Lincoln’s head down, and the traction does not cover his head it may be time to visit the tire store for review of new tire purchase.
Driving in the Oregon Rain:
Rain causes reduced visibility, reduced traction, and unpredictable car handling. Other drivers will be driving cautiously and may not react to what your typically expecting them to do. Below are tips on driving in the Oregon rain.
- Maintenance on your vehicle is foremost important. Make sure you have good tires, fully inflated, and good wiper blades.
- Replace wiper blades regularly, and make sure your defroster is working well.
- After driving through wet areas or large puddles, test your brakes, by tapping them a few times, to make sure they are dry and useable.
- Be careful not to hydroplane. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour and occurs when a thin film of water develops between your tires and the road.
- If you find yourself hydroplaning, little tap the brakes and steer into the skid.
Driving in Low Visibility in Oregon:
Winter brings about shorter periods of daylight and night driving can bring about low visibility. But even during the daylight hours, driving visibility can be reduced due to weather conditions. Follow the tips below for driving in low visibility driving conditions in Oregon.
- SLOW DOWN! Most accidents can be avoided by the easiest solution by slowing down for greater auto control and visibility. It will also give you greater time to react to changing conditions.
- DO NOT USE HIGH BEAMS! High beams can cause fog to reflect back to you the light your car is projecting and make it harder to see. But do keep your low beams on so that you can be seen.
- Make sure your beams are aimed correctly and clean so that they are working properly.
- Increase the following distance from the automobiles in front of you.
- Turn off music, put the phone down, and pay attention to what is happening on the road. Reducing distractions will increase your safety while on the road.
- If you need to pull over, pull your vehicle completely to the edge. Turn on your hazard lights.
Injured? Call Tillmann Law
If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Oregon give Tillmann Law a call and have your case reviewed. Our Portland car accident lawyer offers a free no-obligation consultation. Most Oregon accident cases can be handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover for you. Call to schedule a free consultation.
