Winter driving conditions arrive

It doesn't take multiple inches of snow to make for winter driving conditions in Sisters Country.

A bit of rain and below-freezing overnight temperatures can turn roadways into ice rinks. Traction tires and all-wheel or four-wheel drive can only marginally improve your chances on the roads when they're slick. Four-wheel drive does not equate to "four-wheel stop"; increase your following distance and above all, slow down.

Even when the temperatures rise, icy conditions can persist on shaded curves and over bridges.

Twilight falls early over Sisters Country - right on time for most people's commute home from work. At this time of year, pedestrians are especially hard to spot. Shoppers rushing home with their treasures are especially vulnerable on Sisters' streets. It is often difficult to discern pedestrians even in a crosswalk at this time of year, and there have been incidents in the past of pedestrians being hit while crossing Cascade Avenue.

Residential streets can be even darker.

While pedestrians have the right-of-way, it is wise for those on foot to exercise extra caution. Don't assume that because you can see an oncoming car that the driver can see you. If you're wearing dark clothing, you may be all but invisible, even in a crosswalk or under streetlights.

Carry a flashlight and stay alert to your surroundings. Distracted walking can be almost as dangerous as distracted driving.

There is rain in the forecast for this week, and snow at higher elevations. Remembering some basic driving tips can prevent a bad day:

• On the ice: At 30 degrees ice is twice as slippery as it is at 0 degrees. It forms first and lasts longer on bridges and in the shade. If you hit an unexpected patch, don't try to brake, accelerate or downshift. Let up on your accelerator and let your vehicle "roll" through the slippery area.

• Skidding: If you go into a skid, act quickly by taking your foot off the accelerator. Keep your foot off the brake and steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding. Use a light touch.

• Braking: For front-and-rear wheel-drive vehicles with disc or drum brakes, the National Safety council recommends squeezing the brakes with a slow, steady pressure until just before they lock. When you feel them start to lock, ease off until your wheels are rolling; then squeeze again. Brake SMOOTHLY!

• Chaining up: Just because you are chaining up does not give you immunity if someone else loses control. If you have stopped near a heavily used traffic lane and are lying there with your feet in the road, well, whatever happens is partially your fault. Put your chains on in a place where you will be safe, and not a hazard to others.

• Deer: When you see deer or other animals ahead, slow down. Avoid animals if possible, but do not swerve into the oncoming lane and risk a head-on collision or run off the road and risk hitting another object.

• Dead batteries: When jumping batteries connect one cable to the (+) terminal of each battery. Then connect one end of the second cable to the (-) terminal of the booster battery and the other end to a nut or bolt on the engine. Do not connect it to the (-) of the discharged battery.

Start the engine of the helper vehicle and let it run a few minutes, then start the disabled vehicle engine. Remove cables in the exact REVERSE order.

• Stay clear of plows and sanders: Slow down. Plows and sanders will pull over periodically to let traffic pass. It's risky to pass on the left of a snowplow because of blowing snow. Never pass on the right. Flying rock can damage your car if you pass a sander. The best advice is to stay three car lengths behind plows and sanders.

• Stay in line when traveling to or from a snow zone. Don't blaze your own trail, especially going downhill.

• Safety belts and child safety seats will keep you and your child from being thrown around inside your vehicle should you go into a skid or hit an object.

• Clear all windows of snow, ice or fog before starting out. Also clear any snow off the hood - it comes loose when driving.

• Turn on your low-beam headlights - and check to make sure they are on low beam.

• Dirty headlights can cut visibility by 50 percent or more. Keep all lenses free of dirt. Don't forget the directional lights, taillights and rotating lights.

• Tires need adequate tread for traction in snow and to reduce the risk of hydroplaning in rain or puddles on the road.

• Following distance: Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice. If you are being followed too closely, maintain an extra distance behind the vehicle ahead so that you can slow down or brake gradually.

And finally, if the roads are too hazardous for your driving skills or the vehicle you have available, stay home or call a friend to get a ride.