Winter snows bring treacherous roads

Winter hit higher elevations last week, making for hazardous driving conditions.

As much as a foot-and-a-half of snow fell on the Santiam Pass by Saturday night, October 19, compounding danger on the already treacherous stretch of the Santiam Highway from Sisters to the Santiam Junction, one of the 10 deadliest roadways in the state.

With the onset of snowy weather, state police and the Oregon Department of Transportation began enforcing winter driving regulations.

Senior Trooper Mike Decker of the Oregon State Police offered advice to drivers to enhance their safety on dangerous winter roads:

* Do what the signs say. Highway markers will tell drivers when they must carry traction devices such as chains. Signs require traction devices for vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight, and some mandate traction devices on all vehicles. When in doubt, always carry traction devices and use them according to the signs.

* Carry chains. Under snow emergencies, chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives. However, four-wheel drive vehicles are required to carry chains even if they are not using them. ODOT will be on the road advising drivers under these conditions.

* Fill the gas tank. Decker advises those heading over the pass to top off the tank to avoid getting stranded in potentially deadly freezing conditions.

* Bring extra clothing. It is not a bad idea to grab an extra coat or a blanket to throw in the vehicle just in case.

* Slow down. The slower the speed, the greater the driver's control.

* In bad weather conditions, don't drive. Try to avoid getting behind the wheel if it looks nasty outside, especially for a trip over the heavily traveled Santiam Highway. Stay in by a cozy fire instead -- it's a lot warmer and much safer.