This is a press release courtesy of the Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon Department of Transportation warns motorists to be prepared for the winter conditions expected to hit the Portland Metro area with snow, rain and high winds during the next several days.

ODOT maintenance crews are ready to handle the winter conditions with additional shifts scheduled throughout the storm period. ODOT has more than 120 maintenance workers (plus volunteers called in for winter storms) in the Portland metro area, including Mount Hood.

Maintenance crews have more than 100 trucks mounted with snow plows, sand spreaders or chemical anti-icing spreaders or a combination of the three, to address highway conditions.

Motorists in the Portland area should be aware of several spots that require extra care during ice or snow storms:

• Sylvan Hill on U.S. 26, both directions, but people have more trouble going uphill.
• Breeze Hill on northbound Interstate 5. The area where there’s an extra truck lane from Oregon 99W up and over the hill toward that long straight-away before you get into the Terwilliger Curves.
• The Terwilliger Curves on Interstate 5, both directions, because drivers DON'T SLOW DOWN! Some drivers just ignore the 50 mph speed limit signs. Police routinely patrol the curves to enforce the 50 mph speed limit.
• Bridges and on-ramps, off-ramps and transition ramps ice up more quickly than other segments of roadway because they’re more exposed. In the Portland area, the traditional trouble spots are the bridges and bridge approaches on I-5, I-405 and I-205, including approaches to the major bridges: Marquam Bridge, Fremont Bridge, Interstate Bridge, Glenn Jackson Bridge.

Safety tips for driving in winter conditions:

• Check Oregon’s road conditions and weather forecasts at www.TripCheck.com  before you leave, or call 5-1-1 (available from most cell phone service providers) for valuable travel information, updated continuously.
• Choose main routes and be rested and alert.
• Make someone aware of your routes, and if plans change, let someone know. Check in when you’ve reached your destination.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Clear any snow, ice or frost from windows, lights, hood, heater and air inlet vents (don’t forget mirrors and wipers).
• Do not drive with heater in recirculation mode; it can increase humidity.
• Drive with your lights on and reduce your speed.

Use these tips to prevent slips if there is ice or snow on the road:

• Don’t use cruise control in wet, icy or snowy weather.
• Position your hands on the steering wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, or lower.
• If you lose traction, gradually slow down — don’t slam on the brakes!
• Steering, braking and accelerating smoothly are key to maximum vehicle control on slippery surfaces. Steer just enough to follow the path you intend (most people steer too much or too fast).
• Be ready to handle potentially dangerous situations by thinking “15 seconds” ahead about your options, such as controlling your speed, changing lanes or communicating with others on the road.
• Use extra caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways: ice forms first on these surfaces.
• Avoid driving through snowdrifts; they may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Slow down in advance of shaded areas (especially curves) where ice and snow are the last to melt.
• Carry chains or use traction tires.
• Chain up early.

Watch for snowplows and sanding trucks:

• Following a plow or sander too closely can be dangerous — give them (and yourself) room.
• Don’t pass the plow or sander; be patient!
• Be aware that sometimes plows work side-by-side to clear the road faster.

Follow Oregon chain laws:

• Look for signs indicating when chains or traction tires are required. When required, pull over to the right of the highway as far as possible or pull into a “chain up” area.
• Chains include link and cable chains and other devices that attach to the vehicle, wheel or outside of the tire are designed to increase traction in ice or snow.
• A traction tire is a studded tire or other tire that meets the tire industry’s definition as suitable for use in severe snow conditions, marked with the peaks/snowflake logo.
• Studded tires can only be used between Nov. 1 and April 1.
• Find out more about snow zones and chain requirements at www.TripCheck.com.

Be prepared by storing these supplies in your vehicle:

• Tools: jack, lug wrench, shovel
• Chains or traction tires
• Flares
• Extra warm clothes, boots, hat and gloves
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Cell phone and car adapter
• Rechargeable flashlight
• Extra food and water
• First aid kit
• Matches or lighter
• Battery jumper cables
• Blanket/sleeping bag(s)
• Pocket knife
• Extra washer fluid

Know before you go!

Before you go, visit www.TripCheck.com or call the numbers below for the latest in road conditions, weather forecast, chain requirements and incident information:

• 5-1-1 (If available from your cell phone service provider)
• 1-800-977-6368
• 1-503-588-2941(if you are calling from out of state)