ODOT warns: Get studded tires off by Sunday

ODOT issued a friendly reminder on Monday: Please remove your studded tires by Sunday.

Given the current weather forecasts, ODOT said it does not plan to extend the Oregon studded tire season.

“ODOT encourages you not to wait until the deadline if you aren’t driving in snow between now and then,” the announcement said.

The state departments of transportation in Oregon and Washington are coordinating studded tire season closing dates to make travel rules are consistent.

ODOT encourages you to consider other types of traction tires or chains. A study completed in 2000 concluded studded tires cause at least $40 million damage each year on city streets, county roads and state highways.

Other types of traction tires are available. These traction tires meet Rubber Manufacturers Association standards for use in severe snow conditions and carry a special symbol on the tire sidewall showing a three-peaked mountain and snowflake. Research shows these tires provide better traction than studded tires when used on bare pavement.

Know Before You Go: If you must travel when weather conditions present difficulties, use other types of traction tires or chains, or postpone your travel until conditions change for the better. Please visit www.TripCheck.com or call 511 for the latest road conditions. ODOT provides bad-weather driving tips and how-to videos online: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/pages/winterdriving.aspx.