Winter driving season arrives

Snow-capped mountains make for beautiful scenery, but they mean that road conditions are deteriorating. photo by Jim Cornelius Snow-covered peaks and golden leaves make for some of the prettiest vistas Sisters has to offer -- but they also signal the beginning of the winter driving season.

Mountain passes have already seen several inches of snow and nighttime temperatures are low enough for ice to form on roadways even at lower elevations.

Motorists may, as of November 1, change out their tires and put on the studs. And local auto parts stores have been replacing windshield wipers that have proven to be worn out in recent rains.

Travelers are advised to check road conditions before heading out, particularly before going over the Santiam Pass.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) offers three ways to gather information: via the internet, by phone and on cable television.

For travel conditions via the internet, visit ODOT's travel website, TripCheck.com http://www.tripcheck.com. The TripCheck.com website offers road conditions, weather and maintenance and traffic reports.

Camera images give visitors a snapshot of current weather and road conditions from across the state. Users can build their own custom camera page to check specific routes at a glance.

Travelers in Oregon can dial 511 to access TripCheck's road and weather information by phone. The 511 number offers menu selection and responds to voice as well as touch-tone commands.

ODOT encourages motorists to pull off the road and park in a safe area before using cell phones.

Most wireless companies in Oregon provide the 511 service. Where 511 service is not available, users can simply dial 800-977-ODOT (6368) for current road and weather information.

BendBroadband subscribers can view current road conditions and receive weather information on channel 48.

The Automobile Association of America offers safety tips for drivers as the season turns toward rain, snow and ice on the roads:

• Improve visibility by turning on headlights in the late afternoon before the sun begins to set.

  Always use low-beam headlights in fog, rain or snow.

• Signal your intention to turn well in advance.
• Clear all snow and ice from windows, the roof, the hood, the trunk, mirrors, lights and signals.
• Observe all speed limits and reduce speed whenever road conditions or visibility are compromised by foul weather.
• Avoid sudden starts, stops and hard turns, especially when roads are slippery or wet.
• Don't brake hard.

  Use the proper braking technique for the vehicle you drive.

  Cars with anti-lock brakes require a steady, gradual application of pressure to the brake pedal.

  Cars without anti-lock brakes may need firm pressure on the brake pedal just short of wheel lockup and then easing off the brake slightly before reapplying pressure.

• Anticipate potential danger on the road such as icy bridges, snow-covered lane markings, or stalled cars.

  Decrease speed, increase distance between yours and the vehicle in front of you.