La Pine Fire District offers winter driving safety tips

With the colder weather and season’s first snowfalls already on the ground, and heavy holiday travel periods coming up The La Pine Fire District would like to remind drivers of the following simple steps to ensure your winter travel is safer.

Tips start with the easiest and least costly and the first few even cost little or nothing. So best of all you can start doing them immediately and improve your winter travel safety!

#1 Be Prepared. Before going out on the road in hazardous conditions – ensure both you and your vehicle are equipped and prepared for the winter conditions.

#2 Slow Down. Simple enough, but really – leave earlier and give yourself time to deal with the additional hazards of winter road conditions.

#3 Clear snow and ice off ALL windows. Yes it’s a pain, but it’s not going to blow or melt off quickly. Keeping a broom near your parking spot makes the job much more palatable.

#4 Headlights on at all times- BE SEEN. Your headlights help others see you, so they don’t pull out in front of you.

#5 Adjust your travel time – if you can. Fortunately here in Central Oregon the sun can quickly help our DOT folks can improve road conditions by mid-day. Check ODOTs road condition website and cameras for the latest.

#6 Balance vehicle weight (I.e. a few sand bags). Most vehicles are lighter in the rear, even 4x4s. Balancing weight greatly improves handling and predictability in slick environments.

#7 Have winter survival gear in your car. (I.e. flashlight, cell phone, snow boots, gloves, hat). Be prepared to walk a mile if you need to.

#8 Consider siping your tires. Those extra little edges cut into the tread – really help especially on pack snow and ice – conditions when vehicles most often loose control.

#9 Carry and use tire chains. For traction in extreme conditions and when going over the passes.

#10 Consider snow tires on all four wheels – Help in deeper snow and slush. Put on all four wheels – for balance, steering, and braking. Use tires with studs or the newer studless – based on your own preferences and driving needs.