After slides, truckers still get stuck on Santiam Pass

The roads are being cleared after Wednesday’s big snowstorm and snow slides that blocked U.S. Highway 20 for hours, but drivers at Santiam Pass are still feeling the effects.

“Well, I was coming up the road yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, and a truck had spun out and had crossed the road diagonally. I went to the right, and then I lost traction and I ended up against the barrier,” said trucker Rob Williams, who was stuck overnight.

Oregon State Police Lieutenant Chris Seber said Thursday he wants people to stay off the roads when a storm hits, unless they don’t have a choice.

“If you have to travel, make sure you carry your chains. Chain up if it’s appropriate, and make sure you get over the pass safely,” he said.

Not everyone followed his advice Thursday. Rodney Cavan was stopped for a common infraction.

“Didn’t have the proper chains on the truck — you want to have the proper traction,” he said.

Many drivers will use the heavily traveled pass over the holidays, and OSP wants them to be prepared.

“If you’re going to be traveling long distances, have an emergency plan (with) blankets or provisions such as food and water,” Seber said.

He said most of the accidents he sees could have been avoided by taking the right precautions and planning ahead.